Comparative Literature and German with a Year Abroad

The BA in Comparative Literature and German with Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth exploration of two rich linguistic and cultural domains. This comprehensive program is designed to develop proficiency in the German language while providing a thorough understanding of literary, cultural, and social contexts across the German-speaking world and beyond. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from classical to contemporary, gaining critical skills in analysis, interpretation, and comparison across different cultures and time periods. The course emphasizes the development of advanced language skills, enabling students to communicate confidently and effectively in German.

The program uniquely integrates a Year Abroad, giving students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a German-speaking environment, enhance their language competence, and deepen their cultural understanding. During the Year Abroad, students can choose to study at partner universities across Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, or undertake internships or work placements tailored to their academic and career interests. This international experience aims to foster independence, intercultural awareness, and practical language skills that are highly valued in today’s globalized job market.

Core modules include an introduction to comparative literature methods, specialized courses in German language and literature, and thematic seminars that focus on topics such as cultural identity, translation, and literary theory. Students can also select optional modules that broaden their knowledge in areas such as media studies, film, and linguistics. The program encourages critical thinking, research skills, and creative engagement with texts and ideas across different cultures.

Graduates of this program will have excellent prospects in various sectors, including publishing, journalism, translation, cultural management, education, and international business. The interdisciplinary approach and the Year Abroad experience make it an outstanding choice for students interested in languages, literature, and cultures, providing them with the skills to operate effectively in multicultural and multilingual environments. The University of Kent’s dedicated staff and resources support students throughout their academic journey, ensuring they gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to succeed in their future careers.

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 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time 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

GE329 - Intensive Beginners German

GE301 - Learning German 3 (Post A Level)

GE331 - Learning German 2 (Post-GCSE German)

GE311 - Varieties of German Writing

GE312 - Images of Germany, 1945-1990

GE326 - Introduction to German Literature (in translation)

GE327 - German Pronunciation and Phonetics

GE328 - Post-1989 German Cinema

GE330 - Beginners' Danish: Language & Culture

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

GE507 - Learning German 4

GE516 - German Post 'A' Level

GE580 - German Extended Essay

GE591 - German Expressionism 1920-1925

GE593 - Danish Through the Medium of Crime Fiction

GE584 - Order and Madness: Classical German Literature

GE586 - Medien und Öffentlichkeit

GE587 - Life After Modernism? An Introduction to Postmodernist Literature in Ge

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

The University of Kent has Erasmus agreements with several universities in Germany and Austria.

Possible modules may include:

LA514 - Year Abroad Module

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

GE503 - Learning German 5

GE588 - Life After Modernism? An Introduction to Postmodernist Literature in Ge

GE586 - Medien und Öffentlichkeit

GE585 - Order and Madness: Classical German Literature

GE580 - German Extended Essay

GE593 - Danish Through the Medium of Crime Fiction

GE592 - German Expressionism 1920-1925

SCL501 - Languages in the Classroom

GE506 - German Dissertation

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
• GCSE:C in a modern European language other than English
• 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 4 at HL or 5 at SL in a modern European language other than English

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.

Comparative Literature with German (Year Abroad) at the University of Kent offers students an in-depth exploration of literary texts, cultural contexts, and language skills across two distinct but interconnected disciplines. The program is designed for students with a keen interest in understanding literature from multiple perspectives and in different languages, particularly focusing on English, German, and European literatures. The inclusion of a Year Abroad is a key feature, providing students with invaluable immersive language and cultural experiences in a German-speaking country. This opportunity enhances language proficiency, intercultural awareness, and employability prospects.

The curriculum typically comprises modules covering literary analysis, translation studies, comparative methodologies, and cultural studies, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of different literary traditions. Language modules aim to improve proficiency in German, including grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills, preparing students for advanced linguistic competence. The Year Abroad usually involves study at a partner university in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, offering students access to local academic resources, cultural activities, and real-world language practice.

Assessments across the program include essays, presentations, examinations, and project work, encouraging both independent research and collaborative learning. The program prepares graduates for careers in publishing, translating, journalism, international relations, and academia, among others. Additionally, students benefit from career development modules and support services offered by the university, which enhance employability skills. The program's interdisciplinary nature, combined with practical language experience abroad, aims to produce well-rounded graduates capable of engaging with complex cultural and literary issues in a globalized world.