Course summary
Pursue the study of literary texts in transnational, global and postcolonial contexts. Engage with literary and cultural texts from different language backgrounds using an exciting range of methodological approaches. The programme provides a solid grounding in practices, theories, and methodologies of Comparative Literature. You will engage with texts in English translation and/or in the original language (as language competence allows), drawing on expertise in studies relating to translation, different languages, cultures, and societies. Through the programme, you will immerse yourself in diverse literary works across a wide range of styles, genres, and periods, developing new understanding of our interconnected world. You will be taught by highly qualified tutors and experts from different languages and related disciplines, diversifying your skillset and research knowledge in literary studies. Our varied courses examine fascinating interdisciplinary approaches to literature, tracing recent developments and methodologies in decolonial studies, gender studies, environmental and medical humanities. Beyond the exploration of literatures, we offer the flexibility to advance your study interests or specialisms in related media, such as film or visual culture. We deliver a structured approach to build analytical and critical skills in these areas and help you transition to guided independent research by the end of the programme. Throughout your study, you obtain solid preparation to progress into further research at PhD level or into an exciting range of careers in publishing, cultural heritage, journalism, public policy, translation, teaching and more.
Modules
- Study literature beyond language boundaries, with attention to transnational processes and encounters.
- Access non-English texts through translation, drawing on expertise in translation studies, or in the foreign language, as appropriate.
- Build research specialisms and capacity, transitioning smoothly to more independent research.
- Engage with cutting-edge debates in the arts and humanities in areas such as decolonial studies, gender studies, environmental, medical, digital humanity or intermediality.
Assessment method
You learn through a mix of teaching methods and supervision to challenge your thinking and put your critical skills to the test.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
You should have a 2:1 degree (or international equivalent) in Modern Languages, English Literature, or a cognate discipline. We also recommend you have reading proficiency in at least one language besides English.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 6.0 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 21 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online test is not accepted. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for 1 year). Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 176 with: Listening - 162 or above; Reading - 162 or above; Speaking - 162 or above; Writing - 169 or above. |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and the MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23800 | Year 1 |
| England | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11100 | Year 1 |
| International | £23800 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX