World Literature with a Year Abroad

The BA in World Literature with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers students an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich diversity of literary traditions from around the globe. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about reading, analyzing, and understanding literature across different cultures, languages, and historical periods. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide variety of texts, including novels, poetry, drama, and essays, from countries spanning Asia, Africa, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, close reading, and contextual analysis, enabling students to appreciate the cultural, political, and social influences that shape literary expression.

One of the key features of this programme is the Year Abroad component, which provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different linguistic and cultural environment. Students may choose to spend a year studying at partner universities across Europe, North America, or other locations, gaining invaluable language skills and a global perspective that enhances their understanding of world literatures. During this year, students may also participate in language courses, cultural studies, and internships, all of which contribute to their personal and academic development.

The programme is supported by experienced academic staff who are specialists in fields such as comparative literature, cultural studies, translation, and specific regional literatures. They guide students through comprehensive modules that cover thematic topics such as diaspora and migration, postcolonialism, gender and sexuality, and the impact of digital media on literature. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, research projects, and examinations, fostering a diverse set of skills and encouraging independent scholarly inquiry.

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers in education, publishing, international business, translation, cultural diplomacy, journalism, and further academic research. The BA in World Literature with a Year Abroad at the University of Kent offers an enriching academic experience with global reach, preparing students to become culturally literate, multilingual, and critically engaged global citizens.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14860 Year (Non-EEA)

• 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:

PH300 - Mathematics

PH301 - Physics

PH302 - Computing Skills

PH304 - Astrophysics, Space Science and Cosmology

PS324 - Introduction to Ballistics

PS370 - Skills for Physicists

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

PH500 - Physics Laboratory

PH502 - Quantum Physics

PH503 - Atomic and Nuclear Physics

PH504 - Electromagnetism and Optics

PH507 - The Multiwavelength Universe Exoplanets

PH513 - Medical Physics

PH588 - Mathematical Techniques for Physical Sciences

Year abroad

You spend a year in the USA between Stages 2 and 3, studying equivalent courses to those you take at Kent. Our partner universities include the Pennsylvania State University, the University of California at Santa Barbara and the University of Indiana in Bloomington. If you take this course, you pay a reduced (50%) fee to Kent during your year abroad. You do not need to pay fees at the host university.

Possible modules may include:

PH790 - Year Abroad

Stage 4

Possible modules may include:

PH712 - Cosmology and Interstellar Medium

PH700 - Physics Research Project

PH709 - Space Astronomy and Solar System Science

PH711 - Rocketry and Human Spaceflight

PH722 - Particle and Quantum Physics

PH752 - Magnetism and Superconductivity

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

Requirements

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.

• A level: ABB including Mathematics and Physics at BB (A level Use of Mathematics not accepted)

• 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 or 16 at HL including Physics and Mathematics 5 at HL or 6 in SL (not Mathematics Studies)

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.

The University of Kent offers a program in World Literature with a Year Abroad, designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global literary traditions and cultures. This degree combines advanced literary studies with linguistic training and cultural immersion, allowing students to explore diverse literary works from different regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The program emphasizes critical analysis, comparative approaches, and contextual understanding, preparing students for careers in writing, publishing, academia, translation, and international cultural relations.

Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of texts, from classical to contemporary, and develop skills in close reading, literary theory, and research methods. The Year Abroad component is a distinctive feature of the program, offering students the opportunity to study at partner universities across the world. During this period, students immerse themselves in different languages and cultures, enhancing their linguistic proficiency and intercultural awareness. This experience significantly enriches their academic perspective and personal development.

The program typically includes modules such as Introduction to World Literature, Literature and Culture, Literary Theory, and area-specific courses focusing on regions like Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Language modules support the proficiency needed to study texts in their original languages, where applicable. The university provides support through dedicated academic advisors, language tutors, and cultural workshops to ensure students maximize their learning and adapt to the international study environment effectively.

Students graduate from this program with a strong foundation in literary analysis, cultural competency, and language skills, along with practical experience gained during the Year Abroad. This combination enhances employability and prepares graduates for diverse professional pathways. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking, positioning students to understand the world through multiple literary and cultural lenses. The University of Kent’s focus on global perspectives makes this program ideal for students interested in exploring international literature and cultural exchange at an undergraduate level.