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Comparative Literature BA

London, Bloomsbury

A degree that spans global literatures to language learning, the Comparative Literature BA prepares you for a career in a global society. The programme includes the option to learn up to two languages from an expansive choice, while teaching focuses on integrating perspectives from across the world and developing your critical inquiry skills. Graduates enjoy a wide range of career paths in marketing, creative arts, academic research, publishing and more.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
3 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£29,800
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
Q200
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAA
Subjects
A humanities subject required. French or Spanish required at grade A if one of these is to be studied as major language pathway.
GCSEs
English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
ABB more about contextual offers
Subjects
A humanities subject required. French or Spanish required at grade A if one of these is to be studied as major language pathway.
GCSEs
English Language at grade B or 6 and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects, including a Humanities subject. Higher level French or Spanish required at grade 6 if one of these is to be studied as a major language pathway. No higher level score below 5.

Contextual offer

Points
34 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects, including a Humanities subject. Higher level French or Spanish required at grade 6 if one of these is to be studied as a major language pathway. No higher level score below 5.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 33 credits at Distinction and 12 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects.

A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher).

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

Over recent decades our world has become more interdependent and, with these deeper connections, comes an enhanced need for enlightened citizenship; our degree in Comparative Literature offers expert teaching and learning in both language acquisition and intercultural contexts that will equip students to thrive in today’s global society. Over the three years, you will deepen your knowledge of your chosen language while also developing valuable skills in cultural literacy and critical thinking.

In Years 1 and 2, you will study literary theory and cultural history, genres and forms. A wide range of language and literary modules are offered by the School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS).

You will be able to study up to two foreign languages (one language at a time, which can be changed once), choosing from those available with SELCS, the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES), the Centre for Languages and International Education (CLIE), Greek, Latin or Hebrew, all at beginner level or a more advanced level.

Learning is research based and you will engage in independent critical inquiry across languages and cultures. You will also gain expertise in advanced textual analysis, creative critical writing and the use of new media.

You will advance your knowledge and skills in your third year, have insight into the global range of literature and culture, study with world-class experts and gain a solid foundation for a career in a connected and multilingual society.

What this course will give you

UCL as London's Global University provides the ideal environment in which to undertake a Comparative Literature degree. You will work with both academics and fellow students from all over the world. UCL also ranks as a global top ten university for the arts and humanities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by subject).

You will study up to two foreign languages (one per year) and will benefit from the very wide range of modern and ancient languages taught at UCL.

Our programme aims to transcend a sole focus on Western Europe. The Comparative Literature BA engages with the Global East and South, and within Europe attention is also paid to the literature of lesser-used languages.

UCL is an important home for comparative studies. There are more than 50 full-time members of academic staff whose primary interests centre on literature and culture. We are frequently chosen to host high-profile public events.

Our location in London provides access to frequent and varied cultural events, a huge range of museums, galleries, specialist libraries and bookshops, theatres, cinemas, cuisines and cultural societies.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Comparative Literature.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

In Year 1 you will take compulsory Comparative Literature modules, normally up to the value of 75 credits. These modules will teach you the fundamentals of comparatist theories and practices. You will also take 30 credits of compulsory modules in your chosen language(s), as well as choosing a language and culture related module, normally up to the value of 15 credits. In your first year, these compulsory contextual and language modules, help establish a broad foundation, whereas in later years, you have fewer restrictions and are given the flexibility to pursue further optional modules of your interest.

We are keen to ensure that students feel part of a community at UCL and therefore offer programme-specific core modules in Year 1 that students take together with their respective cohort. These offer a broad sense of their chosen discipline and an opportunity to share learning experiences. They also support students to make informed choices for their future years of study to carve out a degree pathway that suits them. Please visit our Undergraduate Modules page for more details

In Year 2, you will take 30 credits of compulsory Comparative Literature modules and 30 credits of compulsory language modules. As well as additional optional cultural and language related modules, normally up to the value of 60 credits.

In Year 3, you will take a compulsory dissertation module (30 credits) and undertake a research essay on a topic chosen by you with guidance from your tutor. You will take advanced optional modules in your chosen language and cultural related modules, covering a range of topics that draw on literature, film, history and linguistics, or you can take additional elective modules in place of your core language and language-related credits.

You will gain expertise in the productive and receptive skills of your selected languages and deepen your knowledge and understanding of associated history, culture and society. 

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Compulsory modules







Optional modules







Compulsory modules




Optional modules












Compulsory modules



Optional modules



The Writing of WG Sebald





Anthropology and Literature

Literature and Charisma


Life Writing, Autofiction, Fictional Autobiography: Texts and Theories


The Political Ecology of Latin American Culture 


Your learning

Your learning will take place through lectures, seminars, interactive groups and multimedia projects. All Comparative Literature BA students in the same year will take the same core modules. Optional modules will be taught by specialist staff members across UCL and will provide you with an opportunity to learn alongside students on other programmes. Small-group tutorials, group work and student-led activities are an important element of many modules. Ongoing feedback is given to help you improve your written work.

Language classes focus on developing the active skills of speaking, listening, writing and reading through a variety of methods and media. Teaching consists of a combination of lectures, classes, seminars, and presentations, as well as undertaking web-based study and group work. 

The language elements may vary depending on your starting proficiency. On average they will comprise of four taught hours a week for basic language in Year 1, four hours a week for intermediate language in Year 2, and two hours a week for advanced language in the final year. A significant portion of your work will take place in guided independent study.

Typical contact hours vary between 8-12 hours per week, depending on the year of study and module choice, and include lectures, seminars, practice-based activities and e-learning activities. Students will also display a level of independent study (25-30 hours per week), for example, by engaging with key topics and required readings in preparation for the discussions promoted in the programme. There is minimal teaching in term three which focuses on examinations and assessment.

Assessment

You will be assessed through written examinations and essays. For language teaching you will be assessed by oral and written examinations. You will complete project work and a dissertation, both of which will contribute to your overall assessment. You will be required to give presentations, work on group and multimedia projects and actively participate in class discussion. Some group work may be assessed.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: English and Comparative Literature

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Join us at this online event to learn more about English BA and Comparative Literature BA at UCL. Staff from both departments will outline the programmes before taking questions about studying them at UCL.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Modern Languages and Cultures (AM)

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Join at us at this online event to learn more about the range of Modern Language and Culture undergraduate programmes offered at UCL. Colleagues from the School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS) and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) will outline the programmes offered and the benefits of studying a language or culture. There will be time for questions.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Modern Languages and Cultures (PM)

—

Join at us at this online event to learn more about the range of Modern Language and Culture undergraduate programmes offered at UCL. Colleagues from the School of European Languages, Culture and Society (SELCS) and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (SSEES) will outline the programmes offered and the benefits of studying a language or culture. There will be time for questions.

The foundation of your career

This programme will equip you with a comprehensive understanding and skillset for a range of careers across a multitude of industries.

Popular career paths for SELCS graduates include accountancy and financial services (11.5%), teaching and education (10.7%), publishing, journalism or translation (10.7%), hospitality, leisure and tourism (7.9%), PR, advertising, marketing (6.3%), performance and creative arts (4.7%) and media (4%)*. Employers of SELCS graduates include KPMG, PwC, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, Accenture, BBC, The Fairtrade Foundation, Unitary AI, Lonely Planet, L'Oreal, Goldman Sachs, Teach First, and UK Government.*

Some graduates pursue careers that make special use of their language skills, including translating, interpreting and teaching, while others continue with postgraduate or other study (17.1%) or academic research and HE (3.6%).*

*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017-2022 cohorts.

Employability

We seek to embed within our teaching on the Comparative Literature degree the acquisition of transferable skills such as leadership, team work and communication skills as well as linguistic and cultural knowledge.

Our students hone advanced skills in languages, critical reasoning, independent thinking and application of theoretical concepts, all of which put you in good stead to find employment in organisations within the UK or abroad. Our graduates can be found in careers that cross international boundaries and involve strong communication skills in other languages.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £29,800

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

There are no programme-specific costs for this programme apart from those associated with study abroad. Books and journal articles are usually available within the UCL Library as hard copies or via e-journal subscriptions.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We seek to select candidates who, in addition to academic achievement, have the motivation and passion for inter-cultural inquiry, and who have a deep commitment to developing their cultural understanding to an advanced level.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

We may interview candidates by telephone to assess linguistic ability in another language (if asserted), cultural awareness and intellectual potential. If you meet our entry criteria and show the required level of motivation, we will invite you to a Post-Offer Open Day where you will meet members of our academic staff and current students.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

School of European Languages, Culture and Society
School of European Languages, Culture and Society

selcs-cmii.enquiries@ucl.ac.uk

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