Comparative Literature and Critical Theories
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree or the international equivalent. It doesn't need to be in a specific subject.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Discover literature without borders. On our interdisciplinary MA Comparative Literature and Critical Theories you'll explore literary texts and critical theories from around the world. You'll evaluate the relationship between literature and society through various contexts. You’ll also consider current issues and debates, such as decolonising the curriculum.
By developing your knowledge of cultures and your ability to analyse literary texts in their cultural contexts, you'll gain the confidence to articulate your own critical response. This course is suited to anyone who is interested in languages, exploring multiple cultures, global literature and international relations.
At Birmingham, you'll think creatively and critically about global literature and consider how we approach literature across different cultures. You'll draw on concepts such as World Literature and Transnational Literature.
You’ll get the opportunity to examine different texts and/or films in dialogue with each other. You’ll consider the reception of texts and genres across different cultures, comparing different literary and film works across languages and geographies.
All works are studied in English. We don’t expect you to be able to speak other languages, though many students are interested in the languages and cultures of different countries. You can tailor the MA to your interests with opportunities to study modules across the humanities and social sciences.
This course also brings together a variety of research interests from across our Department of Modern Languages and the wider College of Arts and Law.
You'll be able to delve into different research areas, comparing global perspectives of literature and the role of authors across societies. As the course is based in the Department of Modern Languages, we can often offer teaching and supervision on texts in languages other than English, depending on staff availability.
- Top 100 for Modern Languages in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- Take your learning beyond the classroom and explore materials in our Special Collections.
- Variety of disciplines including Postcolonial Studies, Sexuality and Gender Studies, Linguistics, Cultural and Literary Studies.
- Join the Modern Languages postgraduate community - enhance your studies by attending conferences, postgraduate reading groups or run your own events.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
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. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 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
- MA
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiries