About this programme

Postgraduate Taught Programme: Comparative Literature

The M.Phil. in Comparative Literature is a one-year year Master’s degree that examines world literature alongside cultural theory in an interdisciplinary environment, drawing on fields such as history, philosophy, Classics, anthropology, political science and the environmental humanities. If you are a traveller between cultures and eager to cross boundaries to expand your horizons, our MPhil in Comparative Literature may be for you.

Comparative Literature as we understand it is the study of literature over time and across cultural and disciplinary boundaries. Reading literature is defined by us mostly as close reading, although in our engagement with the Digital Humanities we are open to distant reading, drawing on technical tools such as topic modelling etc. In comparing literary texts, however, we also rely heavily on a particular focus on cultural theories.

The MPhil in Comparative Literature works closely with other MPhils, such as the MPhil in Literary Translation and the MPhil in Identities and Cultures of Europe. Students of the MPhil will enrol in two core modules to be trained in the use of theory, criticism, and various possibilities of comparison ranging from the application of imagology to interdisciplinary approaches. These core modules are then complemented by two option modules with more specific literary and cultural content.

Students will be trained in the following areas:

Comparative and interdisciplinary research skills
An understanding of key terminology (intertextuality, influence, magical realism, etc.)
Applying cultural and philosophical theories to literary texts
An understanding of literary and cultural histories
An understanding of debates surrounding comparative literature and world literature
Reading literature in English translation but also in other languages. Ideally the knowledge of languages other than English is desired for this MPhil, although it is not a prerequisite.

Career opportunities

Graduates have pursued careers in publishing, project management, creative writing, cultural outreach and tourism, as well as teaching and academia.