MA Literary Studies: Pathway in Comparative Literature & Criticism

This pathway of the MA Literary Studies will centre on the study of the theory and practice of comparative literature.

Why study the MA Literary Studies: Comparative Literature and Criticism pathway?

• You will be introduced to the history, main concepts, and debates of comparative literary theory.
• We complement our theoretical study with close readings of a wide range of texts. These texts come from different periods, and from diverse cultural, geographic and linguistic backgrounds. They may not just be books – you'll also look at film and visual text to enrich your studies.
• While the compulsory module gives you a strong grounding in comparative literature, you also have the opportunity to pursue your wider interests thanks to the flexible structure of the MA, by studying three options from the large provision of the department, choosing at least one of these in an area that is relevant to comparative studies.
• You will be able to further develop your own comparative reading skills and reflections through a 15,000-word dissertation to be submitted at the end of your programme of study.

Skills

You will develop transferable skills, including:

• enhanced communication and discussion skills in written and oral contexts
• the ability to analyse and evaluate different textual materials
• the ability to organise information; the ability to assimilate and evaluate competing arguments

Careers

Graduates of this programme have gone on to pursue careers in:

• publishing
• journalism
• public relations
• teaching
• advertising
• the civil service
• business
• industry
• the media