Comparative Literature

Comparative Literature compares literatures in western European languages from antiquity to modernity alongside selected literatures from Africa, the Middle East, China and South Asia. Core courses on Comparative Methodology and Theory. An ideal foundation for research and careers in teaching, journalism, the arts.

• Modules that cross period boundaries in adventurous ways.
• Coherent emphasis on the literature of the West and its empires
• Student body from a wide range of countries (eight in 2008) 
• Located in the heart of London. 
  
  

Student destinations Programme leader/s Awarding Institution Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent) Duration Location Year of entry 2013
Offered by Closing date Intake Fees Contact information Email Website

For graduates of English or a language-specific degree. To develop literary (and, as applicable, language) skills to an advanced level and to provide a critical understanding of literature in a broad, comparative context.

At the heart of the academic programme is a range of specially designed comparative modules. Core modules introduce the practice, methodology and theory of comparative literary studies. Further comparative modules allow a detailed focus on comparative aspects of literary themes, genres, and historical periods, while the dissertation also has a comparative focus. One free elective may be taken, and the Modern Language Centre provides modules at all appropriate levels to enable development of existing language skills.

Core programme content

• Dissertation.

Indicative non-core content
Compulsory modules:

• Comparative Readings
• Comparative Theories
• Dissertation.

Indicative list of optional modules:

• Comedy in Theory
• Melancholia & Hypochondria in 18th century Europe
• Surrealism & Visuality
• Comparative Cultures: Muslim Spain in the European Imagination
• Cavafy Reader and Read
• Prison Writing.

Electives from English, US, Australian, French, Francophone African, Spanish & Latin American, German, Portuguese, Lusophone African, Brazilian, Modern Greek, Ancient Greek & Latin Literature.



Taught core and optional modules assessed mostly by coursework, sometimes by examination, plus a compulsory dissertation which accounts for 33 per cent of the total marks.


General entry advice

We aim to process all complete applications within four to six weeks, although turnaround may be quicker during less busy periods. Applicants resident in the UK will normally be interviewed, and overseas applicants will be interviewed by email. You should include one essay as a sample of your written work with your application. For full module descriptions please see the department's website.

Within your personal statement, you should include full details of the optional modules you wish to take, together with a paragraph on your proposed dissertation topic.

You should also include one essay as a sample of your written work with your application.

Self-funded, AHRC.