Course modalities offered

Birkbeck, University of London
Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish) MA
Birkbeck, University of London

Course modalities offered
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Part-time - 2 years
  • On campus - Main Site
  • Oct 1, 2022 Full-time - 1 years

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our MA Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies will give you a thorough grounding in comparative literature and cultural studies in the context of modern languages. This multidisciplinary, flexible course also allows you to explore the cultures of a variety of language-speaking areas: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Brazilian, and Spanish and Latin American. You can take a broadly comparative pathway through the degree or choose to engage with one or more specific language-speaking areas.

The course brings together a team of renowned academic experts in cultural studies, visual studies, linguistics, comparative literature and cultures, history and thought. We will help you steer a pathway through the course that reflects your specific interests, career and personal ambitions, and language knowledge. You will be able to choose whether you study texts in the original language(s) or in English translation; if you work in the original language(s) this will be reflected in the final degree title (e.g. MA French and Spanish).

If you are interested in pursuing further research, we offer an associated MPhil/PhD Comparative Literature.

Highlights

  • In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), English Language and Literature at Birkbeck achieved 100% for a research environment conducive to producing research of the highest quality, while 91% of eligible staff submitted research, of which 75% was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.

  • You will have access to outstanding specialist libraries, including the collection of the Institute of Modern Languages Research at Senate House.

  • The departments involved in teaching this course run a series of research events for both their taught and research postgraduates.

  • Students applying for this course are eligible to apply for School of Arts taught postgraduate funding and may be eligible to apply for our Aaron Sims Scholarship.

  • The School of Arts is an official partner of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Opportunities for students have included a year’s free membership of the ICA, private views, discounts on all talks and events, free members' screenings and £3 cinema tickets on Tuesdays, up to 25% off ICA Artists' Editions and a monthly e-newsletter.

The core course and the options are examined by two 2500-word projects, three 5000-word projects, a blog, a presentation, an annotated bibliography and a 15,000-word dissertation.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Mphil / PhD

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish), MA.

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification. We will review every postgraduate application to Birkbeck on its individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Costs

Tuition Fees Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish) MA

England UK £9030 year 1
Northern Ireland £9030 year 1
Scotland £9030 year 1
Wales £9030 year 1
International £16380 year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Source: UCAS Oct 15, 2021

Average student cost of living in London

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of Birkbeck, University of London in top UK and global rankings.

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See all university rankings of Birkbeck, University of London

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About Birkbeck, University of London

Birkbeck, University of London (BBK) was established in 1823, and takes a different stance towards admissions than many other universities. Applicants are encouraged by BKK to apply even if they don’t possess the traditional qualifications normally required, as applications here are also considered based on an assessment of your knowledge on the subject, and any work experience you might have. Being located in the very centre of London, students will have all the advantages of the city’s public transport connections, as well as the chance to live in such a diverse and vibrant city with all that it offers.

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Where is this programme taught

Main Site - Malet Street
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