CLE Erasmus Mundus Program in Cultures Littéraires Européennes

The CLE Erasmus Mundus Program in Cultures Littéraires Européennes is a distinguished joint Master’s degree designed to immerse students in the rich, multifaceted world of European literary and cultural traditions. Coordinated by Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, this two-year, 120 ECTS international Master’s program fosters academic excellence, multilingual proficiency, and intercultural awareness through a consortium of renowned institutions across Europe and beyond.

Grounded in high-quality instruction in literature, history, art, philosophy, and language studies, the program also emphasizes practical exposure through partnerships with publishers, cultural institutions, and literary associations. With a curriculum that integrates theoretical seminars, field trips, cultural workshops, and writing exercises, CLE aims to produce graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also adept at navigating and contributing to global literary and cultural landscapes

Project Status

• Status: Ongoing
• Start date 01-09-2018
• End date 31-07-2024
• Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees

Description of the CLE Erasmus Mundus Program

The CLE Erasmus Mundus Program is a two-year, full-time Master’s program aimed at cultivating expert literary scholars fluent in multiple languages and cultural contexts. Participants study across at least two consortium universities, earning multiple degrees with validated academic credits (120 ECTS). The program interweaves literary, historical, linguistic, and cultural studies with experiential learning, workshops, institutional collaborations, writing labs, and field excursions—ensuring students graduate as globally competitive professionals with robust theoretical and practical skills.

Key Features of the CLE Erasmus Mundus Program

• Joint, validated Master’s program (120 ECTS) with multiple diplomas
• Mandatory physical mobility among consortium universities.
• Interdisciplinary curriculum: literature, art, philosophy, history, languages
• Mandatory knowledge of three languages (English plus two among French, Italian, Greek)
• Strong industry and institutional partnerships with publishers, museums, cultural centers, libraries.

Mobility Tracks of the CLE Erasmus Mundus Program

• Year 1 (Terms 1 & 2): Attend a single consortium university where you already know the language (minimum B2 level)
• Year 2 (Terms 3 & 4): Move to a different university in a different country; selecting two institutions from the same country (e.g., Mulhouse + Strasbourg) is not permitted
• Physical mobility is compulsory, and online or virtual alternatives are not accepted

Admission Requirements

• A BA-equivalent degree (180 ECTS) granting access to postgraduate studies, with completed coursework in Literature, Language Sciences, Linguistics, Philology, History, or Art History .
• Language proficiency: English (minimum B1); the language of your Year 1 university (e.g. Italian for Bologna) at minimum B2, and for Year 2 universities, at least B1 in their language.
• Academic transcripts and proof of curriculum alignment are required; failure to indicate a viable mobility plan results in application cancellation.

How to Apply for the CLE Erasmus Mundus Program

1. Visit the official CLE application portal via the University of Bologna’s Erasmus Mundus Master site.
2. Complete the application—including selection of mobility plan and preferred universities.
3. Submit all required documents: BA degree and transcripts, proof of language proficiency, mobility plan.
4. Indicate your interest in Erasmus Mundus scholarships during application (if applicable).
5. Submit before the deadline.

Tips to Win the CLE Erasmus Mundus Program

• Craft a standout, authentic motivation letter—let your passion for literary cultures shine. (Note: Mundus programs value genuine narratives over AI-generated content.)
• Match your application to the curricular and language requirements precisely.
• Prepare a clear, convincing mobility plan aligning your language skills with university selections.
• Submit early and align with scholarship deadlines to maximize your chances.

Application Timeline

• Application Open: November
• Application Deadline: January
• Program Start Date: September

Curriculum Structure of the CLE Erasmus Mundus Program

• Year 1: Enrollment in a single consortium university, courses in literature, cultural theory, language, seminars
• Year 2: Mobility to another consortium university; continuation of coursework, cross-cultural seminars, field experiences, and a Master’s thesis defended before an international committee
• Culminates in multiple degrees from the visited universities

Coordinator Contact

To contact email at

• bruna.conconi@unibo.it
• lucia.manservisi@unibo.it

Alumni Feedback

Going into this programme, it is difficult to properly grasp the idea that you will write and defend a thesis in a foreign language. And yet, you do it, because you have to, and you learn a tremendous amount. The combination of challenge and possibility that this master’s represents is what makes it so interesting and enjoyable. A good education should push you just far enough outside your comfort zone that you are guaranteed to learn something new. The CLE does this well.

~Stephen Smith

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)