English and Comparative Literature BA

Course overview

This degree combines the study of English literature with different literatures from around the world.

You’ll choose from the whole range of options in the School of English, including writers from Africa, Asia, Australasia, Canada and the Caribbean. You’ll also study texts (from translations) in Ancient Greek, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish, taught by literature specialists from the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies.

Studying English and Comparative Literature allows you to learn about how literature circulates globally and how it intersects with aesthetics, cultural studies, economics, ethics and politics. It also enables you to think about the relationship between literature and other arts, including cinema, graphic novels, music, painting and videogames.

Compulsory modules will introduce you to the concept of world literature and issues such as adaptation, genre, narratology and reception. You’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules to pursue topics that interest you.

Your tutors will provide diverse expertise to help you gain a deeper understanding of literature from around the world and develop analytical skills that are valuable to employers. You’ll study well-known writers and will also be exposed to writers that you won’t have heard of before. The course allows you to pursue different themes as you develop your confidence in textual analysis.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including A in English (Language, Literature or Language and Literature).

Other course specific tests:

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

English and Comparative Literature graduates develop a wide range of transferable skills that really appeal to employers. As well as demonstrating that you’re intellectually versatile, your degree will equip you with a wide range of skills across different disciplines such as:

• good research skills and the ability to analyse complex information from multiple sources before drawing your own conclusions
• communication skills, enabling you to defend your views clearly, either verbally or in writing.
• strong organisational skills and the confidence to work independently or in a team
• a deep understanding of cultural diversity, allowing you to work effectively with people whose backgrounds differ from yours
• independent and self-motivated, as well as a confident researcher who can think analytically about what they find
• organisational and time management skills that come from studying two subjects as part of a joint honours course

Our graduates have succeeded in diverse careers such as: publishing, advertising and marketing, journalism, television, the civil service, education, local government and the charity sector.