Comparative Literature
What does a medieval French text have in common with a contemporary work of Petro-fiction? How does a play written in Norwegian become a film made in Iran? Is it possible to ‘read’ a garden? Comparative Literature at St Andrews offers students the chance to explore questions like these and more. You will read texts of all types across borders of language, period and genre.
Undergraduate
Drawing on expertise from across all the departments of the School of Modern Languages and beyond, students are offered a highly-ranked, dynamic programme of study at both undergraduate and postgraduate level that considers the relationships that exist between literatures and cultures around the world.
Students are challenged to question their assumptions and critically engage with approaches and theories both established and new. Reading comparatively cuts across traditional national and disciplinary lines and allows students to push at the boundaries of textual analysis.
Comparative Literature is available as part of either a joint of triple Honours degree and does not require knowledge of a foreign language. Students will have the option to study abroad for up to a year of their degree.
Postgraduate options
Take your studies further with a postgraduate degree.
Masters degrees
Masters degrees with the School of Modern Languages provide advanced study in global cultures - giving you the intercultural and professional competencies needed to understand, and thrive in, a globalised world.
- Masters in Comparative Literature
- Masters in German and Comparative Literature
- Masters in Global Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
- Masters in Digital Humanities
Research degrees
As a PhD, MPhil, or MSt (Res) student in the School of Modern Languages you will be part of a vibrant interdisciplinary research community.
You will work with academic supervisors who will provide you with subject expertise and guidance to help you plan and manage your research while the University's researcher development programmes give you the skills you need as an independent researcher.
Research degrees in comparative literature and languages
Start your journey
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