BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Modern Languages

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter combines the study of global literature, film, and cultural expression with the opportunity to develop advanced skills in a modern language. Designed for students who are passionate about languages, international cultures, and creative works from around the world, the course helps students build strong abilities in cultural analysis, communication, research, translation, and intercultural understanding.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in comparative literature, cultural studies, and their chosen modern language. Modules such as Comparative Literatures and Cultures: Theories and Approaches and Reading Comparatively introduce students to ways of analysing texts and cultural works across different societies, while language modules such as French Language, German Language, Spanish Language, Italian Language, Beginners Chinese, Portuguese Language for Beginners, or Contemporary Russian Written and Oral help students develop essential language skills. Students can also explore optional modules including Greek and Roman Narrative, Chinese Art and the Art of Living, Introduction to Film, and Language, Culture, International Relations.

Year 2:
In the second year, students expand their knowledge of global literature, cultural exchange, and translation through modules such as Migrating Texts: Classical Reception, Adaptation, Translation and Research Skills in Languages and Cultures. Students continue developing their language abilities while exploring specialist areas through modules such as Modernism and Modernity: Literature 1900–1960, Culture, Crisis and Ecology in a Postcolonial World, Digital China: Popular Culture, Technology, and Society, and other language and culture-focused modules.

Year 3 (International Placement Year):
The third year provides students with an opportunity to gain international experience through a year abroad. Students can choose options such as Work and Study Abroad, Study Abroad at a Partner University, or Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University Abroad, allowing them to improve their language skills, experience different cultures, gain workplace exposure, and develop independence in an international setting.

Final Year:
In the final year, students complete advanced language study and undertake independent research through the Extended Dissertation module. Students can explore specialist topics through modules such as Global Modernisms, The Arabian Nights: Perception and Reception, Women Writing Classics, Acts of Writing: From Decolonisation to Globalisation, Migration in World Cinema, and Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature, while continuing advanced language development through higher-level language modules.

Focus Areas

Comparative literature, global cultures, modern languages, translation studies, intercultural communication, world literature, film studies, cultural identity, migration and globalisation, literary theory, language and society, and independent research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop advanced language skills alongside the ability to analyse literature, films, and cultural works from different societies. The programme helps students build strong research abilities, critical thinking, communication skills, cultural awareness, creativity, and confidence in international environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Modern Languages develops valuable transferable skills including multilingual communication, cultural understanding, research, problem-solving, and adaptability. Through language learning, independent research, and international placement opportunities, students gain skills that are highly valued in careers across global industries, education, media, publishing, translation, cultural organisations, and international businesses.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group and is recognised for its excellence in research and teaching. Students benefit from learning alongside specialists in literature, languages, translation, and cultural studies, gaining an international perspective through research-led teaching and engagement with global cultural topics.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter provides students with an engaging and internationally focused learning experience that combines language development with the study of literature, film, art, and global cultures. Students gain practical skills through language practice, cultural research, translation activities, independent projects, and opportunities to study or work abroad. The programme helps students build strong communication abilities, digital confidence, intercultural awareness, and professional skills that can be applied in global careers.

Students gain practical experience through a range of learning opportunities and facilities:

Language Learning and Communication Practice: Students develop advanced skills in their chosen modern language through specialist language modules supported by experienced academics. The programme allows students to study languages including Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish while exploring the related literature, culture, history, and society.
Research-Based Learning and Cultural Analysis: Students develop strong research abilities through modules such as Research Skills in Languages and Cultures, where they learn how to analyse cultural materials, explore global themes, and carry out independent research.
Translation and Intercultural Projects: Through modules such as Migrating Texts: Classical Reception, Adaptation, Translation, students explore how ideas, stories, and texts move between languages and cultures. This develops their understanding of translation, interpretation, and intercultural communication.
Independent Research Project: In the final year, students complete an Extended Dissertation, allowing them to investigate a topic of their choice related to comparative literature, languages, cultures, or global creative practices while developing advanced research skills.
Study Abroad and International Placement Opportunities: Students can spend their third year abroad through options such as Work and Study Abroad, Study Abroad at a Partner University, or Internship Abroad Combined with Study at a Partner University Abroad. These opportunities allow students to practise their language skills in real-world settings, experience different cultures, and gain valuable international experience.
Digital Learning and Research Skills: Students develop digital confidence through the use of online research resources, academic databases, and digital learning tools. They learn how to research, analyse, and present information using a variety of formats.
Collaborative Learning Activities: Through seminars, discussions, and group activities, students work with classmates to exchange ideas, compare cultural perspectives, and strengthen teamwork and communication skills.
Creative and Media-Based Learning: Students explore literature, film, and artistic works from different parts of the world, developing the ability to understand cultural expression across different societies. Modules involving film and cultural studies encourage students to engage with different creative forms.
Language Centre Support: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s Language Centre, which provides additional support and resources to improve language ability and enhance their confidence in using modern languages.
Library and Academic Research Facilities: Students benefit from the University of Exeter’s library resources, including specialist humanities collections, digital journals, online databases, and research materials that support studies in literature, languages, translation, and cultural studies.
Employability and Workplace Preparation: The programme includes employability-focused learning through opportunities such as Humanities in the Workplace, helping students understand how their academic knowledge and transferable skills can be applied in professional environments.
Global Cultural Engagement: Students learn from academics specialising in literature, languages, and cultures from regions including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and international research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Modern Languages at the University of Exeter prepares students for a wide range of international career opportunities by combining language skills with cultural understanding, research ability, communication, and critical thinking. The programme helps graduates develop the confidence and adaptability needed to work in global environments, with potential career paths in publishing, journalism, translation, education, communications, international organisations, and public services.

The combination of multilingual abilities, intercultural awareness, and practical experience opportunities helps graduates build successful careers across different sectors:

Careers Service Support: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s Careers Service, which provides personalised career guidance, CV and application support, interview preparation, employer events, skills workshops, and online career resources through the Career Zone. These services help students explore career options, identify opportunities, and prepare effectively for graduate employment.
Employability-Focused Curriculum: The programme includes employability-focused learning through elements such as Humanities in the Workplace and Making a Career in Publishing, helping students understand how their academic knowledge can be applied in professional settings. Students also develop valuable skills in communication, digital research, translation awareness, and cultural analysis.
International Placement Experience: Students have the opportunity to complete an international placement year through options such as studying at a partner university, working abroad, or combining an internship with overseas study. This experience allows students to improve their language skills, gain professional confidence, develop independence, and build international workplace experience.
Employment Opportunities and Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in areas such as publishing, journalism, translation, teaching, education, accountancy and financial services, communications, cultural organisations, and public sector roles. The programme’s combination of language expertise and cultural understanding provides skills that are highly valuable in today’s global job market.
Professional and Global Skills Development: Students develop transferable skills in research, problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, presentation, and intercultural communication. These abilities allow graduates to work effectively in international environments and across a variety of industries.
University and Cultural Connections: Students benefit from Exeter’s expertise in global literature, languages, and cultures, learning from specialists who explore different regions including Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East. This international academic environment supports careers connected with culture, education, media, and global organisations.
Long-Term Career Value: The degree provides lasting career value by developing advanced language skills, cultural awareness, analytical thinking, and effective communication abilities. These skills remain relevant across industries and help graduates adapt to changing professional opportunities.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave the programme with a strong combination of language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and professional skills, preparing them for careers in creative industries, education, publishing, translation, international organisations, communications, and further academic study.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Modern Languages, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Comparative Literature, Translation Studies, Intercultural Communication, Publishing, English Literary Studies, Cultural Studies, Modern Languages, or related humanities disciplines. Further study allows graduates to specialise in areas such as translation, cultural research, international communication, literature, education, and academic research.