Comparative Literature
Entry requirements
For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.
Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.
If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.
You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.
Months of entry
January, September
Course content
Are you an ambitious researcher looking to combine comparative studies and critical theories? Conduct your own research exploring world cultures and literatures through an interdisciplinary, critical lens.
You'll examine the dialogue and conversation between comparative literature and critical theories. There are a variety of directions you can take with your research, with our experts on hand to offer their knowledge in specific languages, cultures or theoretical approaches.
At Birmingham, you'll be part of our Department of Modern Languages with a range of research expertise for you to take advantage of.
Our research covers critical theories associated with the Frankfurt School, postcolonial theory and decolonial studies, eco-criticism, critical race theory, gender and sexuality studies, feminist and queer theory, plus memory studies, translation theory and linguistics.
We welcome researchers with an interdisciplinary approach. You can access supervisors from across our College of Arts and Law. Other areas in the College include Film, Music, and Art History, offering you opportunities to explore different forms of culture like music, digital formats and works of art.
- Benefit from our postgraduate training programme and exclusive postgraduate events run by the Department of Modern Languages.
- Create your own interdisciplinary team of supervisors with expertise in the areas you want to research.
- Explore cultural forms across one or more languages. These include English, Arabic, Catalan, French, Italian, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian.
You can conduct this PhD over three years full-time or six years part-time. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning.
- There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD. Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
- Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
- If you take the distance learning option, you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
- You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PhD
- full time36 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
- part time72 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service