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This Master's program in Comparative Literature explores literary works in 10 languages, created across five continents over 2,500 years. You'll examine and contrast global literatures and media from ancient times to today, guided by renowned scholars specializing in European, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Chinese, African, and other world literatures. While all courses use English translations, you'll have opportunities to develop language skills for reading original texts. The program features diverse elective options, enabling research into areas like 18th-century fiction, contemporary global novels, and intersections between literature, culture, and other artistic expressions. Key advantages include: Pursue your literary passions through modules offering exceptional geographical breadth and historical scope. Develop cross-cultural analytical skills through theme-based instruction. Learn from distinguished faculty experts in European, Chinese, African, and world literatures. Customize your studies with electives across Arts & Humanities, including language courses at King's Language Centre. Benefit from our central London location with access to premier libraries and cultural institutions. Earn a prestigious degree that provides strong research training and prepares you for advanced study. This MA equips you to critically assess cutting-edge literary theories and apply them effectively in your research. The curriculum includes two core modules and a mandatory dissertation. You'll begin by examining current debates about analyzing literature across cultures through weekly seminars led by different specialists. This approach fosters comparative analysis while introducing diverse methodological perspectives. Another year-long core module develops essential research skills for your final dissertation, including literature review techniques and presentation skills. Elective modules constitute the remainder of the program, with at least half drawn from Comparative Literature offerings. Options may include studying global novels and translation theory, queer classical literature, colonial/postcolonial translation in India, or mythological influences in literature addressing slavery's legacy. You may also select relevant courses from other Arts & Humanities disciplines.
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree. If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip). 2:1 undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject, such as English, Modern Languages, Classics, Cultural Studies, History, Politics or International Relations. Applicants without a literature degree should demonstrate academic engagement with literary study in their application.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in reading & writing and 6.0 in listening & speaking and TOEFL iBT: 100 overall with a minimum of 25 in writing, 23 in reading and 20 in each of the other skills.