University of Birmingham
Comparative Literature and Critical Theories MA
University of Birmingham

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Our MA in Comparative Literature and Critical Theories is an interdisciplinary, transnational programme. It invites students to engage with crucial debates about the different ways in which cultures across time and space have understood the relationship between literature and the world, the concept of representation and the role of the author in the cultural domain.

Successful graduates of the programme will be trained in comparative and critical theory and have a strong grounding in a range of world literatures and cultures across time and space.

Students will gain knowledge of a range of transnational critical theories and debates on world literature, as well as a familiarity with comparative approaches to world literary and cultural texts and traditions. They will develop critical reading and analytical skills, advanced research skills and the ability to develop and write a sustained scholarly project.

Since the CLCT MA is deeply interdisciplinary, students will be encouraged to take modules in a range of humanities and social science disciplines. They will be engaged in comparing disciplines and ways of knowing across a global trajectory, alongside more formalised comparisons of texts and theoretical traditions across cultures.

With its transnational focus and emphasis on critical interrogations of existing canons of literature, the programme responds to the ‘Decolonizing the Curriculum’ movement underway at many UK universities.

Students may choose to work with materials in the Special Collections dealing with manuscript culture, the literatures of the Near and Middle East, and word/image relations.

The programme has been designed to prepare students for future PhD level study in interdisciplinary and transregional literary studies as well as to prepare students for a range of careers outside academia requiring transcultural expertise.

It is particularly relevant for: international students seeking an introduction to UK academia; students interested in careers with international NGOs, in International Relations or in politics that require language skills and cultural knowledge; those interested in Arts & Humanities charities; students seeking qualification in specific languages, regions, and literary and cultural methodologies.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • (no subscore less than 6.0)
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways: by holding an English language qualification to the right level; for this course we ask for IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.5 in all components. by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Comparative Literature and Critical Theories, MA, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

You will need an upper second-class Honours degree (2:1) or equivalent if you were educated outside of the UK.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

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.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Birmingham in top UK and global rankings.

See all 35 university rankings of University of Birmingham

About University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is a research university based in Edgbaston, Birmingham, England. The university’s aim is to be at the cutting edge of educational delivery, and to have their curriculum be continually reshaped by new revelations in research. The main campus is situated a reasonable three miles away from Birmingham city centre, which doesn’t take long to get to via bus if the student decides they’d like to spend some of their free time there.

List of 469 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Birmingham - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Birmingham

undergraduates:
24385
postgraduates:
9185
Total:
33570
Number of students enrolled in courses of subject “Comparative Literary Studies”: Academic year - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
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Where is this programme taught

Edgbaston Campus
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