Comparative Literature and Linguistics with a Year Abroad

Expand your literary and cultural horizons while also exploring language in all its aspects.

Comparative literature makes comparisons and connections between literatures and cultures. You’ll study a range of genres, time periods, and national literatures, as well as cross-cutting themes.

Linguistics complements the study of literature, focusing on how language works and how we communicate. You’ll develop systematic ways of looking at examples as diverse as youth language in our multilingual cities, or the English used in the media and politics. You’ll consider how new technologies shape the form of English and whether the spread of English is changing or even killing other languages.

In your first year, you’ll take modules introducing you to various aspects of linguistic and literary theory. The exciting range of optional modules in your second and third years means you can tailor your studies to concentrate on the areas of literature and linguistics that interest you most. You can also extend your degree by studying abroad for a year.

Year 1

Compulsory
The Scene of Learning
Understanding Culture: Exploring the Big Questions
Introduction to Comparison
Foundations of Language

Choose from a range of modules including
Introduction to Sound Systems
Language Acquisition
Language in the UK
Typology 1: Languages of the World
Phonetics 1: The Sounds of English 
Sociolinguistics: English in Use

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Assessment typically includes a combination of exams and coursework, or coursework only. Assessment of linguistics may take different forms, such as research diaries or poster presentations.