Comparative Literature and Critical Theories (Taught)

Discover literature without borders. On our interdisciplinary MA Comparative Literature and Critical Theories you'll explore literary texts and critical theories from around the world. You'll evaluate the relationship between literature and society through various contexts.

You’ll also consider current issues and debates, such as decolonising the curriculum and digital humanities and creative industries.

By developing your knowledge of cultures and your ability to analyse literary texts in their cultural contexts, you'll gain the confidence to articulate your own critical response. This course is suited to anyone who is interested in languages, exploring multiple cultures, global literature and international relations.

At Birmingham, you'll think creatively and critically about global literature and consider how we approach literature across different cultures. You'll draw on concepts such as World Literature and Transnational Literature, and also have the opportunity to explore digital humanities and creative industries.

You’ll get the opportunity to examine different texts and/or films in dialogue with each other. You’ll consider the reception of texts and genres across different cultures, comparing different literary and film works across languages and geographies.

All works are studied in English. We don’t expect you to be able to speak other languages, though many students are interested in the languages and cultures of different countries. You can tailor the MA to your interests with opportunities to study modules across the humanities and social sciences.

This course also brings together a variety of research interests from across our Department of Modern Languages and the wider College of Arts and Law.

You'll be able to delve into different research areas, comparing global perspectives of literature and the role of authors across societies. As the course is based in the Department of Modern Languages, we can often offer teaching and supervision on texts in languages other than English, depending on staff availability.

• Top 100 for Modern Languages in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025).

• Take your learning beyond the classroom and explore materials in our Special Collections.

• Variety of disciplines including Postcolonial Studies, Digital Humanities and Creative Industries, Sexuality and Gender Studies, Linguistics, Cultural and Literary Studies.

• Join the Modern Languages postgraduate community - enhance your studies by attending conferences, postgraduate reading groups or run your own events.