BA Comparative Literature with Study Abroad
About this course
BA in Comparative Literature with Study Abroad, a modern languages degree focused on international texts and literary theory. Core topics include Research Methods. Students spend the third year studying abroad at an overseas university and complete a final-year dissertation. The first year introduces textual analysis and global literary contexts through compulsory modules such as Cultural Encounters in World Literature, How to Read Texts, Topics in Modern Literary Fiction, and Canons and Creativity: Period, Context, Text, alongside various optional language and literature modules. The second year examines authorship and cultural media through compulsory modules including Imitation, Invention, Authorship and Word Image Sound, complemented by specialized options. The third year consists of SELCS Year Abroad Term 1 and SELCS Year Abroad Term 2. The fourth year centers on independent research via the Dissertation in Comparative Literature, alongside advanced optional modules spanning classical literature, European studies, and drama.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA (A humanities subject required. Spanish required at grade A if selected as main language pathway.) IB: 38 points (A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects, including a Humanities subject at grade 6, no higher level score below 5. Spanish required at higher level grade 6 if selected as main language pathway.)
See the highest paying Languages & English degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 32 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 58%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 9%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 67%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Cultural Encounters in World Literature
- How to Read Texts
- Topics in Modern Literary Fiction
- Canons and Creativity: Period, Context, Text
- Greek Myth: Its Use and Meaning
- Interpreting Greek Literature
- Interpreting Latin Literature
- Introduction to the Study of Language
- Ancient Emotions in the Modern World
- An Introduction to Dutch Language and Culture
- Introduction to Dutch Studies 1
- Introduction to Dutch Studies 2
- Use of French 1
- The Making of Modern France
- Imitation, Invention, Authorship
- Word Image Sound
- Roman Epic
- Roman Authors: Roman Love Poetry
- Classics and Literary Theory
- The Dialogues of Plato
- Xenophon: Politics, Identity and Text in Classical Greece
- Greek Comedy
- Greek Authors: Homer
- Dramaturgy, Ancient and Modern
- Archaic Greece, 800-479: A Cultural History
- Classical Poetry and its Reception in English Literature
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 1
- SELCS Year Abroad Term 2
- Dissertation in Comparative Literature
- Roman Epic
- Roman Authors: Roman Love Poetry
- The Dialogues of Plato
- Xenophon: Politics, Identity and Text in Classical Greece
- Greek Comedy
- Greek Authors: Homer
- Dramaturgy, Ancient and Modern
- Archaic Greece, 800-479: A Cultural History
- Classical Poetry and its Reception in English Literature
- At the Crossroads of Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Comparative Literature with Study Abroad at University College London earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £31,000 after 3 years, £42,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,000. The £42,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Language and area studies (other).
What do graduates of BA Comparative Literature with Study Abroad at University College London do next?
77% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Comparative Literature with Study Abroad at University College London?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Comparative Literature with Study Abroad at University College London?
The typical offer is AAA at A level, or 38 points in the IB. The average entrant had 160 UCAS points.
Does BA Comparative Literature with Study Abroad at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BA Comparative Literature with Study Abroad at University College London?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.