Comparative Literature and Critical Theories MA

By developing your knowledge of cultures and your ability to analyse literary texts in their cultural contexts, you'll gain the confidence to articulate your own critical response. This course is suited to anyone who is interested in languages, exploring multiple cultures, global literature and international relations.

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

You’ll get the opportunity to examine different texts and/or films in dialogue with each other. You’ll consider the reception of texts and genres across different cultures, comparing different literary and film works across languages and geographies. 

All works are studied in English. We don’t expect you to be able to speak other languages, though many students are interested in the languages and cultures of different countries. You can tailor the MA to your interests with opportunities to study modules across the humanities and social sciences. 

This course also brings together a variety of research interests from across our Department of Modern Languages and the wider College of Arts and Law.

You'll be able to delve into different research areas, comparing global perspectives of literature and the role of authors across societies. As the course is based in the Department of Modern Languages, we can often offer teaching and supervision on texts in languages other than English, depending on staff availability.

• Top 100 for Modern Languages in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
• Take your learning beyond the classroom and explore materials in our Special Collections.
• Variety of disciplines including Postcolonial Studies, Sexuality and Gender Studies, Linguistics, Cultural and Literary Studies.
• Join the Modern Languages postgraduate community - enhance your studies by attending conferences, postgraduate reading groups or run your own events.

Join a dynamic department

You'll join a Modern Languages department with a dynamic range of research interests, from Cultural and Literary Studies to Postcolonial Studies, to Sexuality and Gender Studies. We offer a variety of optional modules based on the expertise of our academic staff so you can tailor the MA to what excites you the most. What's more, you can get hands-on and work with materials in our Special Collections covering manuscript culture, literatures from the Near and Middle East, and word/image relations. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you. 

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

2025/26 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must take 2x20 credit optional modules in Semester 2 chosen from a list provided by the department each year. The following is an indicative list:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree or the international equivalent. It doesn't need to be in a specific subject.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification. You'll need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band or equivalent.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 22 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Our Comparative Literature and Critical Theories graduates enter many careers, including:

• Arts & Humanities charities
• International Relations 
• International NGOs

Employers our English and Modern Languages graduates have worked for include:

• Birmingham Museums Trust
• Hachette UK
• Penguin Random House

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.