Comparative Literature MPhil/PhD

Birkbeck, University of London

This research degree is ideal if you wish to engage critically with the study of comparative literature - or other cultural forms, especially in the area of visual studies - across two or more linguistic, regional or national contexts. The research focus of our academic staff is on French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish-speaking cultures in a transnational context, and we welcome research proposals that focus comparatively on or across these areas. We have great expertise in a wide variety of themes both historically and geographically (in Europe, Japan and the Americas). An MPhil/PhD is an advanced postgraduate research degree that requires original research and the submission of a substantial dissertation of 60,000 to 100,000 words. At Birkbeck, you are initially registered on an MPhil and you upgrade to a PhD after satisfactory progress in the first year or two. You need to find a suitable academic supervisor at Birkbeck, who can offer the requisite expertise to guide and support you through your research. Find out more about undertaking a research degree at Birkbeck. Our indicative areas of research are: Canon formation French language, literature and culture German language, literature and culture Japanese language, literature and culture Literary and film history Intermediality, intertextuality and translation across genres and media Portuguese language, literature and culture Spanish language, literature and culture Transnational cultural theory and criticism in all the above languages Visual culture.