Comparative Literature and English Language and Linguistics

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:7920 Duration:36 months

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The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent offers students a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of global literatures alongside the scientific study of language. This interdisciplinary programme is designed to cultivate a deep understanding of literary texts from various cultures and historical periods, while simultaneously developing analytical skills in the structure, function, and evolution of the English language. Students will engage with a diverse range of literary works, from classic to contemporary, and examine how language shapes and reflects cultural identities and societal issues.

Throughout the course, students will have the chance to explore topics such as literary theory, translation studies, historical linguistics, and language acquisition, providing a comprehensive overview of how texts and language influence human experiences across different contexts. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, close textual analysis, and comparative methods, enabling students to appreciate the interconnectedness of literature and language studies. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for practical application through seminars, workshops, and possibly placements, enhancing employability skills.

Perfect for those with a passion for reading, languages, and cultural exploration, the programme is suitable for students aiming to pursue careers in education, publishing, media, cultural analysis, or further academic research. The university’s modern facilities, experienced faculty, and vibrant academic community support students in achieving their intellectual and professional goals. With a flexible structure, students can tailor their studies to specific interests within literature and linguistics, undertaking modules that range from medieval texts to contemporary media and discourse analysis. Graduates of this programme will leave well-equipped with the critical, analytical, and communicative skills essential for a wide array of professional pursuits in an increasingly interconnected world.

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

LL307 - Tackling Text: Explaining Style

LL310 - Foundations of Language 1: Sounds and Words

LL311 - Foundations of Language 2: Structure and Meaning

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

LL518 - Stylistics: Language in 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

LL512 - Language Processing

LL513 - Language Variation and Change

LL519 - Syntax 1

LL521 - Research Skills - ELL

LL522 - Morphology

LL524 - History of British English

LL525 - The Study of Speech

LL530 - Writing In The Media: A Practical Approach

LL531 - Atypical Language

LL532 - Learning and Teaching Languages

LL533 - Topics in Pragmatics

LL534 - Semantics and Pragmatics

PL602 - Philosophy of Language

LL540 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 2

LL536 - English Language in the Media

LL537 - English Language in the Media 2

LL538 - First Language Acquisition

LL539 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 1

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Year abroad

The University of Kent has Erasmus agreements with several universities in Europe and the rest of the world.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

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

LL518 - Stylistics: Language in Literature

LL513 - Language Variation and Change

LL521 - Research Skills - ELL

LL519 - Syntax 1

LL512 - Language Processing

LL534 - Semantics and Pragmatics

LL533 - Topics in Pragmatics

LL532 - Learning and Teaching Languages

LL531 - Atypical Language

LL530 - Writing In The Media: A Practical Approach

LL525 - The Study of Speech

LL524 - History of British English

LL522 - Morphology

LL539 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 1

LL538 - First Language Acquisition

LL537 - English Language in the Media 2

LL536 - English Language in the Media

LL540 - An Introduction to English Language Teaching 2

LL599 - Dissertation

PL576 - Philosophy of Language

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 including English Literature or English Language and Literature grade B
  • 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 points at HL

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's degree programs in Comparative Literature and English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent offer a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of language, literature, and culture. These programmes are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of both the historical and contemporary aspects of language and literature from various perspectives. The Comparative Literature component enables students to explore literary texts across different cultures and periods, fostering a broad and inclusive understanding of literary traditions worldwide. It encourages critical thinking about thematic and stylistic similarities and differences among texts from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Meanwhile, the English Language and Linguistics component focuses on the scientific study of language, including its structure, development, and use. Students will examine phonetics, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, and psycholinguistics, gaining insight into how language functions in social contexts and in individual cognition. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, students learn to analyze language data, understand language change, and appreciate the complexities of communication.

These programmes typically include a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects. Students are often encouraged to engage with digital resources, participate in linguistic and literary analysis exercises, and undertake internships or study abroad opportunities to enhance their intercultural competence. Career prospects for graduates include roles in publishing, media, education, translation, linguistics research, and cultural organizations.

Assessment methods are varied, including essays, presentations, examinations, and dissertation projects. The programmes also emphasize skills development, such as critical thinking, intercultural communication, research methodology, and advanced writing abilities. The interdisciplinary nature of these degrees allows students to tailor their studies to match their interests, possibly combining modules in film studies, cultural studies, translation, or digital humanities.

Overall, the Comparative Literature and English Language and Linguistics degrees at the University of Kent are ideal for students passionate about understanding the complexities of language and literature in a global context, aiming to develop skills relevant across multiple industries and academic fields.

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