Comparative Literature with a Year Abroad

The BA Comparative Literature with Year Abroad at University College London offers students a comprehensive and immersive exploration of literary cultures from around the world. This innovative program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of diverse literary traditions, languages, and cultural contexts. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of texts, from classical to contemporary, across multiple languages including English, European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and other global literatures. The curriculum encourages comparative analysis, enabling students to examine themes, genres, and literary movements across different cultures and historical periods.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the Year Abroad, which provides students with the opportunity to study in a partner university abroad. This experience enhances linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, and global awareness, enriching the student’s academic journey and personal growth. The year abroad also allows students to immerse themselves in a different cultural environment, participate in local academic communities, and gain valuable international experience that is highly valued in today’s global job market.

Students will have access to UCL's extensive resources, including world-class libraries, research centres, and connections with literary institutions and cultural organizations worldwide. The programme is delivered by expert academics specialized in literary studies, translation, and cultural analysis, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. The interdisciplinary approach combines literary analysis with insights from history, philosophy, and cultural studies, encouraging students to think critically about the role of literature in society.

Graduates of this program will be well-equipped for careers in publishing, journalism, education, international relations, translation, and cultural management. They will also be prepared to pursue postgraduate studies in literary studies, Comparative Literature, and related fields. Overall, the BA Comparative Literature with Year Abroad at UCL offers a vibrant academic environment that promotes intellectual curiosity, cross-cultural understanding, and advanced language skills, preparing students for a dynamic and interconnected world.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

In years one and two you will take two culture-specific compulsory modules in the department of your choice, either in SELCS or in SSEES. You will also study language and literature modules in one foreign language - selected prior to enrolment - either at beginner’s level or at more advanced post-A level alongside students taking modern languages degrees.

You will also attend compulsory modules in comparative literature and select two from a wide range of options.

The third year is spent abroad where your foreign language of choice is spoken. At least 50% of the subjects studied abroad must be in the area of literary and cultural studies. You may also study a second language subject to the host university's permission.

In the final year you will continue studying either your first foreign language or a different foreign language (which may be the one you began studying abroad) at an advanced level, together with comparative literary elective modules. A dissertation is compulsory.

A levels

Grades

AAA

Subjects

A humanities subject required. French required for French pathway. Spanish required for Spanish pathway.

GCSEs

English Language at grade B, plus Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

38

Subjects

A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects with no score lower than 5. See A Levels information for subject requirements.

The financing of the Comparative Literature with a Year Abroad program at University College London is primarily supported through a combination of government-funded student loans, bursaries, and scholarships aimed at both domestic and international students. UK students typically access funding via the Student Loans Company, which provides tuition fee loans covering the full cost of tuition and maintenance loans to support living expenses during their studies. Students are encouraged to explore additional financial aid options such as UCL scholarships, which are awarded based on academic merit or financial need, and some may provide full or partial fee waivers, as well as living cost stipends. International students are generally responsible for funding their tuition fees through private means, though some external organizations and foundations offer scholarships for international students studying at UCL. These awards often require application prior to the start of the academic year and may consider academic achievement, country of origin, or specific fields of study. The program's cost structure includes tuition fees, which are set annually and differ depending on the student’s fee status, and living expenses, which are estimated based on accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses in London. UCL provides extensive financial guidance and support services to help students plan and manage their finances effectively. Additionally, students are advised to explore external funding opportunities, including student grants, work opportunities, and travel grants for the Year Abroad component, which can help offset additional costs associated with studying abroad. The university’s financial support policies aim to ensure that capable students from diverse backgrounds can access the program without undue financial hardship, fostering a broad and inclusive student body in the field of comparative literature.

The BSc Comparative Literature with Year Abroad at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive study of literary texts across different cultures and historical contexts, emphasizing comparative analysis and interdisciplinary approaches. This degree program is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness by exploring literature from various regions and languages. The inclusion of a Year Abroad provides students with an immersive international experience, allowing them to study at partner institutions in different countries, enhance their language skills, and gain firsthand understanding of diverse literary traditions and cultural perspectives. Throughout the program, students engage with a wide range of texts, including modern and classical literature, poetry, prose, drama, and critical theory, often integrating other disciplines such as philosophy, history, and media studies. The curriculum is structured to promote both depth and breadth of knowledge, with core modules focused on theoretical frameworks and comparative methodologies, complemented by optional courses tailored to students’ interests. Studying abroad is a key component, typically taking place in the third year of the program, giving students the opportunity to experience different academic environments, access unique literary resources, and develop a global academic network. The program also emphasizes language proficiency; students often choose a language module aligned with their foreign study period or bring existing language skills to facilitate comparative analyses. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in academia, publishing, media, arts administration, and further postgraduate study. UCL’s vibrant academic environment and extensive library resources support students’ research and learning journeys. Overall, the Comparative Literature with Year Abroad degree at UCL combines rigorous academic training with practical international experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze and appreciate literature in a globalized world.