Program Overview

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Comparative Literature MA

Key Information

• Delivery mode: In person
• Study mode: Full time, Part time
• Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
• Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90
• Application status: Open
• Start date: September 2025

Course Essentials

This comparative literature master’s will teach you how to analyse and evaluate theories at the forefront of current literary scholarship. You’ll discover how to deploy these yourself and develop the skills to conduct research and communicate your findings at a postgraduate level. Your MA in comparative literature has two required modules and a compulsory dissertation.

Base Campus

• Strand Campus: Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.

Regulating Bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: 2:1 undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject, such as English, Modern Languages, Classics, Cultural Studies, History, Politics or International Relations.

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications.

English Language Requirements

• English language band: C
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment.

Selection Process

• Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
• A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.

Personal Statement and Supporting Information

• Personal Statement: Yes, please provide a personal statement of around 750 words, answering specific questions.
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
• References: Yes, one academic reference is required.
• Writing Sample: Yes, you should also include one essay (between 2,000 to 4,000 words) as a sample of your written work with your application.

Teaching Methods - What to Expect

• Our Comparative Literature MA provides an introduction to the practice, methodology and theory of comparative literary studies through our required module.
• Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

Assessment

• Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations.
• Coursework contributes approximately 98% and assessed presentations approximately 2% to your final mark.

Structure

Required Modules

• Theorizing Literature across Cultures: Contemporary Debates (15 credits)
• Research Skills in Comparative Literature (year long) (15 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional Modules

• In addition, you are required to take six modules totalling 90 credits from a range of options from within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities.
• At least 45 of these should be from the list of dedicated Comparative Literature modules.

Employability

• This Comparative Literature MA is the perfect springboard to doctoral research.
• Many comparative literature graduates have worked in a range of industries, including arts administration, teaching, journalism, tourism, international organisations, voluntary sector, and financial sector.

Tuition Fees

UK:

• Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)

International:

• Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
• Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for books, clothing, library fees, personal photocopies, printing course handouts, society membership fees, stationery, travel costs, and graduation costs.

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.