Program Overview

Comparative Literature (M.Phil.)

The Comparative Literature programme at Trinity College Dublin is an interdisciplinary field of study that allows students to explore the relationships between literature, culture, and history. It provides students with the opportunity to compare and contrast different perspectives and to gain a deeper understanding of how literature can shape and reflect the world around us.

Overview

Comparative Literature at Trinity College Dublin is defined as the study of world literatures through the medium of cultural theory and as a reading of literature in comparison with other disciplines. This programme is suitable for students who are eager to cross boundaries and expand their horizons.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have pursued careers in publishing, editing, project management, cultural outreach, research, as well as academia.

Course Structure

• Students on the M.Phil. will enrol in two year-long core modules to be trained in the use of theory, criticism, and various possibilities of comparison ranging from the application of imagology to interdisciplinary approaches.
• These core modules are complemented by two term-long option modules with more specific literary and cultural content.
• M.Phil. students are also required to complete a dissertation in order to be recommended for the award.
• Students on the Postgraduate Diploma will enrol in two year-long core modules.
• These core modules are complemented by two term-long option modules with more specific literary and cultural content.
• No dissertation is required.
• Students on the Postgraduate Certificate will enrol in one year-long core module.
• This core module is complemented by one term-long option module with more specific literary and cultural content.

Course Content

This course is designed to provide an understanding of Comparative Literature as a subject of study and a critical practice.

• The core modules — Theory and Methodology, and Moving Between Cultures — provide the theoretical and methodological basis for comparing texts of various genres and artefacts of different media at an advanced level.
• Optional modules enable the further development of these competencies and offer opportunities to develop and apply this knowledge and these skills to a range of primary texts from a wide range of languages, cultures, epochs, and other contexts.
• In the final phase of the course, students complete a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words.

Awards

• NFQ Level 9
• Number of Places: 20
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Dr. Peter Arnds
• Closing Date: 30th June 2025

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must hold a minimum 2.1 (upper-second class) Honours Bachelor’s degree from an Irish university or its international equivalent in a relevant subject.
• Relevant subjects include but are not limited to the following: Languages, Literature, History, Cultural Studies, Comparative Literature, Human Geography, Sociology, Religious Studies, Gender Studies, Textual and Visual Studies, Visual Arts, Art History, Economics, Political Science.
• Required Materials:
  • Sample of Academic Writing: A sample of no more than 2,500 words (excluding bibliography) of your best academic writing in English.
  • Degree Certificate(s): Degree certificates (in PDF format) that prove you have completed all of the degrees you mention in your application.
  • Degree Transcripts: Official transcripts (in PDF format) showing all of the components you have completed as part of your degree(s).
  • Two Reference Letters: Reference letters from two referees who can provide references written in English, explaining why you would be a strong candidate for the course.
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

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