Comparative Literature MA

UCL (University College London)

Hone your skills in comparative literary studies while soaking up the expertise of interdisciplinary specialists. The Comparative Literature MA enables you to develop your own interests while gaining an in-depth understanding of modern literary theory and comparative literature. Taught at UCL, world renowned for its multidisciplinary research and cross-cultural ethos, this is an exceptional opportunity to become proficient in this field. On this MA course, you acquire a thorough understanding of modern theories of literature, the contexts of literature and the interaction between literatures, and gain practical experience in comparative literary studies. The course also develops the critical and analytical skills necessary for research in this field. You gain a breadth of knowledge, cultural awareness, enhanced writing skills, and a familiarity with advanced textual analysis, learning to work flexibly and creatively across cultures and in a range of fields. We are particularly interested in innovative approaches to literary and cultural studies, and in research with a comparative, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary focus. This includes research in the following fields: world literature, literary and cultural theory, material and visual cultures, reception studies, themes and genres, cultural history, comparative gender and performance studies, translation studies, diaspora and migration studies, and new media. You take compulsory modules which are designed to work as a postgraduate-level foundation and provide you with the specific skills to research and write academic essays. You work with a supervisor to develop your research interests and write a dissertation in your final term and over the summer. You have the option of choosing between a taught or research pathway. On the research pathway, you select fewer optional modules in favour of writing an extended dissertation to focus on your own interests. The course is particularly suitable for students with a first degree in a language and literature subject, or in a related subject such as English, History, Cultural Studies or Media studies. A sophisticated understanding of cultural diversity is essential. A reading knowledge of at least one language other than English is normally expected, but not obligatory.