Comparative Literature and English, American and Postcolonial Literature

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 12.5 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
StudyQA ranking:4785 Duration:36 months

Photos of university / #unikentlive

The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and English, American and Postcolonial Literature at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and international perspective on literary studies. This program is designed to explore the rich diversity of literary voices from around the world, examining texts from different cultures, periods, and genres. Students will engage deeply with English literature, including classics and contemporary works, as well as delve into American literature, capturing the unique literary traditions and socio-cultural contexts of the United States. Additionally, the course emphasizes postcolonial literature, allowing students to explore issues of identity, migration, empire, and resistance through the writings of authors from formerly colonized nations.

The program encourages critical analysis and encourages students to compare different literary traditions, fostering a global understanding of literary texts and their cultural significance. Through a combination of seminars, workshops, and independent research, students will develop their analytical, writing, and research skills, preparing them for careers in education, publishing, media, and beyond. The curriculum includes modules that cover literary theory, cultural studies, and the historical contexts of the texts studied, providing a well-rounded academic experience.

Students will also have opportunities to study abroad and undertake placements, enhancing their intercultural understanding and practical skills. The programme is suitable for both those interested in literature from a global perspective and those who wish to explore specific areas of interest in greater depth. Graduates will leave equipped with critical thinking abilities, a broad awareness of literary diversity, and the language and communication skills necessary for diverse professional environments. Overall, this degree offers an intellectually stimulating environment that promotes interdisciplinary learning and prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the global literary landscape.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee
  • GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
  • GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)
Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

CP311 - The Tale

EN333 - Romanticism

EN302 - Early Drama

EN331 - Readings in the Twentieth Century

EN332 - Writing America

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

EN695 - Empire, New Nations and Migration

EN681 - Novelty, Enlightenment and Emancipation: 18th Century Literature

EN692 - Early Modern Literature 1500-1700

EN694 - Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama

EN697 - Chaucer and Late Medieval English Literature

CP656 - Shakespeare's Afterlives

CP658 - Nordic Literature and Film

CP510 - The Text: Approaches to Comparative Literature

CP527 - Medieval Literature and Culture

CP530 - Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in 19th Century Fiction

CP609 - Modernism and the European Avant-Garde

CP611 - Postmodernism

CP624 - The Shoah in Literature, Film and Culture

CP627 - Science Fiction: History and Innovation

CP629 - Second Thoughts: Women Novelists from Bronte to Jelinek

CP636 - European Realism

CP642 - The Epic: From Homer to Walcott

CP644 - Creatures of the Night: Vampires in Literature and Film

CP646 - Prize Winners

CP650 - Decadence in Fin-de-Siecle Europe

CP652 - Postcolonial Images of Africa and South Asia

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

Comparative Literature students currently have the opportunity to choose year-abroad destinations in the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and the USA; more options will hopefully be added in the near future. See the Go Abroad site for the up to date list.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

EN583 - Postcolonial Writing

EN586 - Language and Place in Colonial and Postcolonial Poetry

EN597 - Postcolonial Long Essay

EN598 - Postcolonial Long Essay

EN655 - Places and Journeys

EN661 - The Stranger

CP652 - Postcolonial Images of Africa and South Asia

CP653 - Comparative Literature and English & Linguistics in the Classroom

CP650 - Decadence in Fin-de-Siecle Europe

CP647 - Prize Winners

CP644 - Creatures of the Night: Vampires in Literature and Film

CP642 - The Epic: From Homer to Walcott

CP636 - European Realism

CP641 - SWIPE Undergraduate Conference

CP629 - Second Thoughts: Women Novelists from Bronte to Jelinek

CP627 - Science Fiction: History and Innovation

CP624 - The Shoah in Literature, Film and Culture

CP611 - Postmodernism

CP609 - Modernism and the European Avant-Garde

CP530 - Marriage, Adultery and Divorce in 19th Century Fiction

CP527 - Medieval Literature and Culture

CP518 - The Book and the Film: Adaptation and Interpretation

CP658 - Nordic Literature and Film

CP656 - Shakespeare's Afterlives

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

  • A level: ABB at A Level including English Literature or English Language and Literature at grade B where taken
  • Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
  • International Baccalaureate:34 points overall or 16 at HL including HL English A1/A2/B at 5/6/6 OR HL English Literature A/English Language and Literature A (or Literature A/Language and Literature A of another country) at HL 5 or SL 6

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

  • Academic Excellence Scholarship

    "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

  • Access Bursary

    Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

  • Alumni Bursary

    Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and English, American, and Postcolonial Literature at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of literary traditions, cultural interactions, and critical theories across different periods and regions. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to develop students' analytical and interpretative skills by engaging with a diverse range of texts from the Western canon as well as postcolonial and global literatures. The curriculum emphasizes comparative analysis, allowing students to examine themes such as identity, colonization, resistance, and cultural exchange through various theoretical lenses.

The programme begins with foundational modules that introduce core concepts in literary studies, including literary theory, historical contexts, and genre analysis. As students progress, they choose from a variety of optional modules covering specific areas such as Victorian literature, American modernism, postcolonial narratives, and contemporary English literature. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on developing critical writing and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, or cultural policy.

Students benefit from the university’s diverse academic staff, who are actively engaged in research across multiple literary fields. The programme also encourages international perspectives and cross-cultural understanding, which are essential in today’s interconnected world. Opportunities for study abroad and internships are available, further enhancing students’ educational experiences and employability. The university's facilities include well-stocked libraries, dedicated study spaces, and access to a range of digital resources.

The duration of the programme is typically three years for full-time students, with options for part-time study. Assessment methods include essays, examinations, presentations, and a final-year dissertation. Graduates of this programme gain valuable skills in textual analysis, cultural critique, and comparative methodologies, equipping them for postgraduate study or careers in education, media, arts management, and other fields where critical thinking and intercultural literacy are valued. The programme’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their course choices according to their interests, fostering a personalized and enriching academic journey.

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