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BA Comparative Literature
Strand, London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA in Comparative Literature at King’s College London is a dynamic and interdisciplinary program designed for students passionate about literature and its connections across languages, cultures, and historical periods. This program allows students to explore a wide range of literary traditions, focusing on both Western and non-Western literary cultures. Through the study of comparative themes, movements, genres, and authors, students will gain a deeper understanding of how literature reflects and shapes societies, identities, and histories. The program encourages students to think critically, analyze texts from different perspectives, and engage with diverse literary traditions from around the world.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA Comparative Literature is both broad and flexible, offering students the opportunity to study a diverse array of literary texts, genres, and cultures. In the first year, students typically engage with introductory courses that explore key literary themes, such as identity, memory, and narrative, while also examining foundational works in comparative literature. As students progress through the program, they can specialize in particular literary traditions, including European, Latin American, Asian, African, and postcolonial literatures. The curriculum also integrates the study of philosophy, history, and cultural theory, providing students with the necessary tools to critically engage with literature in a broader socio-political context. Throughout the course, students will study texts in translation, though those with advanced language skills can choose to study original works in languages such as French, Spanish, German, Italian, or Latin. In the final year, students have the option to complete a dissertation, where they can explore a specific area of comparative literature in-depth.
Research Focus: King’s College London is renowned for its research excellence in the humanities, particularly in literature. The BA Comparative Literature program emphasizes research-based learning, with students encouraged to explore literary topics through a critical and scholarly lens. The faculty comprises leading academics whose research spans a variety of literary periods, regions, and approaches, from classical literature to contemporary global literatures. Research topics may include the relationship between literature and philosophy, the evolution of narrative forms, and the impact of colonialism on literary traditions. Students are encouraged to engage with ongoing research projects, attend seminars, and contribute to scholarly discussions. The program also fosters interdisciplinary research, connecting literary studies with fields such as cultural studies, history, and sociology.
Industry Engagement: The BA Comparative Literature program at King’s College London offers numerous opportunities for students to gain real-world experience and industry exposure. The university has strong ties with literary organizations, publishers, museums, and cultural institutions, enabling students to secure internships and work placements in areas such as publishing, journalism, media, and arts management. The program also includes workshops, guest lectures, and networking events with industry professionals, offering students insights into career opportunities within the literary world. Additionally, King’s College London’s central location in London provides students with access to a vibrant literary and cultural scene, including opportunities to attend literary festivals, book launches, and public lectures. Graduates of the program often find employment in publishing houses, media companies, non-profit organizations, or governmental agencies focused on culture and the arts.
Global Perspective: The BA Comparative Literature program at King’s College London offers a truly global perspective, encouraging students to explore literary traditions from across the world. In addition to studying major European literatures, the program also includes opportunities to engage with texts from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The program’s emphasis on comparative analysis allows students to examine the cultural, historical, and political contexts that shape literary production in different parts of the world. King’s College London’s diverse student body further enriches this global perspective, as students from various cultural backgrounds contribute to discussions on how literature transcends borders and connects societies. The university also offers opportunities for students to study abroad, participate in international exchange programs, or engage with global literary communities through conferences and collaborations.
Location
Strand, London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 27100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
King’s College London is providing financial support to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. The university offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to assist international students in covering tuition fees and living costs while studying in the United Kingdom. These scholarships help make higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and regions.
King’s College London Undergraduate International Scholarships: Undergraduate international students may be eligible for merit-based scholarships that provide financial assistance to help cover tuition fees. These scholarships are open to students from all over the world and are awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular achievements, and potential to succeed in their chosen program.
Dean’s Scholarships for International Students: Many departments at King’s College London offer Dean’s Scholarships for international students applying to specific programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and the student’s potential contribution to their field of study. They may provide partial or full funding for tuition fees and are typically available for high-achieving students who have an excellent academic record.
Country-Specific Scholarships: King’s College London offers country-specific scholarships for international students from specific regions or countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and who are making a positive impact in their home country. Each scholarship may have its own eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, nationality, and financial need.
Graduates of the BA Comparative Literature program at King’s College London possess a wide array of skills that make them highly competitive in various career fields. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to develop expertise in critical thinking, research, writing, and communication, all of which are highly valued across a range of industries.
Publishing and Editorial Roles: Graduates from the Comparative Literature program often find success in the publishing industry, taking on roles such as editors, literary agents, proofreaders, and content managers. Their expertise in analyzing and interpreting texts, combined with strong writing and editing skills, makes them well-suited to work on literary magazines, publishing houses, academic journals, and online platforms. Many alumni also pursue careers in book reviewing, manuscript evaluation, and publishing consultancy.
Journalism and Media: The program’s emphasis on writing, storytelling, and communication prepares graduates for careers in journalism and media. Many alumni enter fields such as news reporting, feature writing, or digital content creation, working for newspapers, magazines, TV networks, and online media outlets. The analytical skills developed during the course enable graduates to craft compelling stories, investigate cultural trends, and write thought-provoking articles on literary, social, or political topics.
Academia and Education: A number of graduates from the BA Comparative Literature program pursue careers in teaching and research. After completing postgraduate study, many go on to teach at secondary schools or universities. A strong understanding of comparative literary theory, as well as an appreciation for the rich diversity of global literature, allows graduates to teach a variety of subjects, from English literature to foreign languages and culture studies. For those who pursue further study, opportunities for academic research and publishing in literary journals also arise.
Cultural Management and Arts Administration: Graduates of the Comparative Literature program are well-prepared for careers in cultural management, museum curation, and arts administration. Many alumni work for museums, art galleries, theaters, and cultural organizations, using their knowledge of literary history and cultural theory to curate exhibitions, manage events, and develop educational programs. These roles often involve organizing literary festivals, book fairs, and cultural exchange projects, as well as working with authors, artists, and other cultural professionals.
Translation and Linguistics: Those with advanced language skills in French, German, Spanish, Italian, or other languages can pursue careers in translation or linguistics. Graduates can work as professional translators, translating literary works, academic papers, or multimedia content for global audiences. With a deep understanding of comparative literary traditions, graduates can provide nuanced and culturally sensitive translations that preserve the intent of the original text while adapting it for different linguistic and cultural contexts.
Public Relations and Communications: The strong writing and communication skills honed during the Comparative Literature program are highly valued in the public relations (PR) and communications industries. Graduates can work as PR specialists, media relations managers, or communication strategists for companies, NGOs, or government agencies. These roles involve creating press releases, crafting public-facing narratives, and managing communication strategies that align with a company’s values and goals. Graduates can also work in branding, digital marketing, and social media management.
Government and Public Policy: Graduates of the Comparative Literature program are well-equipped to work in government and public policy sectors. With their critical thinking abilities and understanding of global cultures and historical contexts, they can contribute to research, policy analysis, and strategic communications. Whether working for local governments, international organizations, or think tanks, Comparative Literature graduates can help develop policies and initiatives related to culture, education, social issues, or international relations.
Non-Profit Organizations and International Development: Graduates can also pursue careers with non-profit organizations, NGOs, or international development agencies. Many Comparative Literature alumni use their interdisciplinary knowledge to work on projects related to education, cultural heritage preservation, human rights, or global development. They can work in advocacy, program management, or research, helping to bridge cultural divides and promote cross-cultural understanding in communities around the world.
Marketing and Advertising: The storytelling, creativity, and research skills developed throughout the program are also valuable in marketing and advertising. Graduates can work in content creation, brand management, or digital marketing, helping companies communicate their message to consumers. Their ability to understand and craft narratives that resonate with diverse audiences is particularly useful in consumer-facing industries, where companies aim to connect with customers through compelling storytelling.
Freelance Careers: Many graduates of the BA Comparative Literature program choose to pursue freelance careers, leveraging their writing, editing, and analytical skills in various fields. Freelancers may work as writers, editors, translators, journalists, or content creators. Freelancing offers flexibility, allowing graduates to manage multiple projects and engage with a variety of clients, from publishing companies and cultural organizations to businesses and media outlets.
