Comparative Literature

Entry requirements

You will need a first class or good upper second class honours degree in an area such as comparative literature, languages, English, philosophy, classics, and history. Knowledge of one or more languages other than English is desirable, though presently not a pre-requisite. Applications from graduates from other countries are welcome.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The idea of 'world literature' lies at the heart of our course. You’ll explore what makes a specific national literature while also examining the boundaries between cultures and the meaning of cultural differences.

You'll consider:

• Cultural, philosophical and theoretical aspects of national literature
• Cosmopolitanism
• Transnationalism
• Exile
• Processes of adaptation: eg, from novel to film.

You will have opportunities to hone your research and writing skills. Our students produce outstanding work: the prestigious BCLA Arthur Terry essay prize has been awarded for two years running to students from this MA.

Our department organises regular research seminars, featuring our own postgraduate students and staff, and has a busy programme of events. Our staff and students are also active participants in LINKS, the London Intercollegiate Network for Comparative Studies.

Our research interests are wide-ranging and interdisciplinary. Students who choose this MA come from varied backgrounds, such as English, philosophy, foreign languages, history and classics. Knowledge of a foreign language is helpful but not essential.

Structure·

• One compulsory module
• Three elective modules, one of which can come from any another MA in the Faculty
• A 10,000-word dissertation

Information for international students

Please see here for more information.

Fees and funding

Please see here for more information.