Program Overview

Comparative Literature, MLitt

Introduction

Study of literary texts in transnational, global and postcolonial contexts. Engage with literary and cultural texts from different language backgrounds using an exciting range of methodological approaches.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MLitt
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

The programme provides a solid grounding in practices, theories, and methodologies of Comparative Literature. You will engage with texts in English translation and/or in the original language (as language competence allows), drawing on expertise in studies relating to translation and different languages, cultures, and societies. Through the programme, you will immerse yourself in diverse literary works across various styles, genres, and periods, developing new understandings of our interconnected world.

You will be taught by highly qualified tutors and experts from different languages and related disciplines, diversifying your skillset and research knowledge in literary studies. Our varied courses examine fascinating interdisciplinary approaches to literature, tracing recent developments and methodologies in decolonial studies, gender studies, and environmental and medical humanities. Beyond exploring works of literature, we offer the flexibility to advance your study interests or specialisms in related media, such as film or visual culture.

We deliver a structured approach to build analytical and critical skills in these areas and help you transition to guided independent research by the end of the programme. Throughout your study, you obtain solid preparation to progress into further research at PhD level or an exciting range of careers in publishing, cultural heritage, journalism, public policy, translation, teaching and more.

What You'll Study

Semester 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • (LI5002) Comparative Literary Studies (30 Credit Points)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Optional Courses: Choose ONE of the following:
  • EL50D2 Fundamentals of English Language (30 credit points)
  • Locations and Dislocations: the Role of Place in Literature (EL50C1)
  • The Novel: Environments and Encounters (EL50C5)
  • Research Methods in Film and Visual Culture (FS5022)
  • Key Concepts and Methods in Translation Studies (LN5009)

Semester 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Specialised Literary Study 1 (LI5503)
  • Specialised Literary Study 2 (LI5504)
• Optional Courses: Choose ONE 30 Credit Course or TWO 15 Credit Courses from the following:
  • EL55C7 Infinite Scotlands: Scotland and the Literary Imagination (30 credit points)
  • EL55D1 Approaching English Language and Literature (30 credit points)
  • Writing the Self (EL55C2)
  • Places and Environments: Critical Dialogues (EL55D3)
  • Additional Language - Specific Translation Portfolio (LN5512)
  • Literary Translation (LN5513)

Semester 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Dissertation in Comparative Literature (LI5901)

Fee Information

• EU / International students: £23,000
• UK: £11,100

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications: 2:2 degree (or international equivalent) in Modern Languages, English Literature, or a cognate discipline.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Careers

You will develop transferable skills in communication, critical analysis, language, and cross-cultural understanding to support your professional aspirations. Our programme provides excellent preparation to enter a range of careers across different work settings. These roles include and are not limited to:

• Journalism
• Publishing
• Marketing
• Advertising
• Education
• Research
• Law

Our Experts

• Programme Coordinator: Dr Tara Beaney
• Other Experts: Dr Fransiska Louwagie, Professor Nadia Kiwan

Why Study Comparative Literature?

• Study literature beyond language boundaries, with attention to transnational processes and encounters.
• Access non-English texts through translation, drawing on expertise in translation studies, or in the foreign language, as appropriate.
• Build research specialisms and capacity, transitioning smoothly to more independent research.
• Engage with cutting-edge debates in the arts and humanities in areas such as decolonial studies, gender studies, environmental, medical, digital humanity or intermediality.
• Pursue interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies, thinking beyond traditional disciplinary categories.