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The BA in Comparative Literature and Philosophy at the University of Kent offers students a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding human thought, culture, and experience. This programme combines the rigorous study of literary texts from diverse cultures with the examination of philosophical ideas that have shaped intellectual history. Students will explore a broad spectrum of literature, ranging from classical to contemporary works, and engage deeply with philosophical concepts across various traditions and periods. This dual focus aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of literature and philosophy. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to study texts in their original languages, participate in lively discussions, and undertake research projects that cross disciplinary boundaries. The programme encourages intercultural awareness and promotes an understanding of the cultural contexts that influence philosophical and literary expressions. By integrating these fields, students learn to approach complex questions about human nature, ethics, aesthetics, and meaning with a comprehensive perspective. The curriculum includes core modules in both disciplines, as well as optional modules that allow for specialization in areas such as postcolonial literature, early modern philosophy, contemporary thought, or translation studies. Teaching methods involve lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, and group projects, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The programme also emphasizes the development of advanced skills in written and oral communication, critical analysis, and independent research. Graduates will be well-equipped for careers in academia, publishing, cultural diplomacy, media, and elsewhere, where critical insight and intercultural understanding are valued. The flexible structure of the course allows students to tailor their academic journey according to their interests and career aspirations, making it an ideal choice for those passionate about exploring the depths of human expression through the lenses of literature and philosophy.
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
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
PL302 - Introduction to Philosophy: Knowledge and Metaphysics
PL303 - Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics
PL310 - Introduction to Philosopy: Logic and Reasoning
PL315 - Philosophical Reading and Writing (core)
You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage
Stage 2
Possible modules may include:
PL638 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
PL640 - Normative Ethics
PL620 - Justice, Violence and the State
PL625 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
PL628 - Continental Philosophy: Subject, Identity and the Political
PL584 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant
PL588 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism
PL595 - Metaethics
PL596 - Philosophy of Medicine
PL598 - Greek Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle
PL599 - Wittgenstein
PL601 - Philosophy of Religion
PL602 - Philosophy of Language
PL604 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Langauge
PL605 - Logic
PL606 - Philosophy of Science
PL608 - Paradoxes
PL609 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
PL610 - Aesthetics
PL618 - Political Philosophy
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 Europe and the rest of the world.
Stage 3
Possible modules may include:
PL619 - Political Philosophy
PL514 - Knowledge and Metaphysics: Descartes to Kant
PL526 - Aesthetics
PL552 - Metaphysics, Truth and Relativism
PL569 - Metaethics
PL570 - Philosophy of Medicine
PL572 - Greek Philosophy:Plato and Aristotle
PL573 - Wittgenstein
PL575 - Philosophy of Religion
PL576 - Philosophy of Language
PL578 - Advanced Topics in Mind and Language
PL579 - Logic
PL580 - Philosophy of Science
PL582 - Paradoxes
PL583 - Philosophy of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence
PL629 - Continental Philosophy: Subject , Identity and the Political
PL621 - Justice, Violence and the State
PL624 - Continental Philosophy: Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
PL641 - Normative Ethics
PL639 - Schopenhauer and Nietzsche
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
- 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.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
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 and Philosophy at the University of Kent is a multidisciplinary program designed to explore the intersections between literary texts and philosophical ideas across different cultures and historical periods. This course offers students an opportunity to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and intercultural understanding by engaging with diverse texts, theories, and methodological approaches. The program aims to enhance students’ ability to analyze complex literary works and philosophical concepts, fostering a nuanced appreciation of the ways in which literature and philosophy influence and reflect each other.
The curriculum includes a wide range of modules that cover topics in both literature and philosophy, allowing students to tailor their degree to their interests. Core modules typically focus on introducing essential theories and methodologies in comparative literature and philosophy, while optional modules enable more specialized study in areas such as existentialism, postcolonial literature, Renaissance philosophy, contemporary literary theory, and ethics. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects and critical essays to deepen their understanding and develop their academic writing skills.
The program also emphasizes the importance of intercultural dialogue and comparative analysis, examining texts from various regions and traditions, including Western, Eastern, and postcolonial perspectives. This global outlook prepares graduates for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, cultural management, and other fields that require analytical and intercultural competencies.
Teaching methods involve lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent study, supported by access to extensive library resources and digital learning tools. Assessment generally includes essays, presentations, and examinations, aiming to evaluate both students’ understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply them critically.
Students on this program benefit from the university’s vibrant academic community, participating in conferences, workshops, and research events that enhance their learning experience. The program also encourages study abroad opportunities and practical placements, providing valuable international experience and real-world application of their academic skills.
Graduates of Comparative Literature and Philosophy emerge with a broad and flexible skill set, including critical analysis, intercultural awareness, and effective communication. These skills are highly valued in various fields, including education, arts and culture, media, policy-making, and beyond. The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in literature, philosophy, and cultural studies, looking to engage deeply with complex ideas and develop a global perspective on human intellectual history.
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