Master Lettres — Recherche

Tuition is 292 USD per year.

The Master Lettres offered by Université d'Orléans, located in Orleans Cedex 2, France, includes a research-oriented track known as Recherche. Literary studies at this level examine texts, movements, and critical theory across different periods and languages, with an emphasis on close reading, historical context, and methods of literary analysis. Students in a research-focused literature program typically study major authors and literary traditions, develop skills in textual criticism, and engage with the theoretical frameworks used to interpret fiction, poetry, and other written forms. Coursework commonly includes seminars on literary history, comparative literature, and research methodology, culminating in an extended piece of independent scholarly writing such as a dissertation or thesis. Because the track is oriented toward research, students also learn how to work with archives, primary sources, and academic literature, building the skills needed for further graduate study. Graduates of literature master's programs pursue varied paths, including doctoral research, teaching, publishing, editorial work, cultural administration, and roles in libraries or archives. Some move into journalism or communications, drawing on strong writing and analytical skills developed through literary study. The program runs for two years, is taught in French, and begins in September, with yearly tuition of 250 EUR. Students entering this track generally hold an undergraduate degree in French literature, languages, or the humanities, and should have strong reading and writing abilities in French, along with genuine interest in sustained textual and theoretical analysis over the course of the two years.