BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures at the University of Exeter allows students to explore literature, film, and creative works from different regions and societies around the world. Designed for students interested in global cultures, storytelling, and the connections between different forms of artistic expression, this course develops strong skills in critical analysis, research, communication, and intercultural understanding.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in comparative literature and cultural studies by exploring how texts and creative works can be understood across different societies and historical periods. Modules such as Comparative Literatures and Cultures: Theories and Approaches and Reading Comparatively introduce students to key concepts, while optional modules including Greek and Roman Narrative, Text and Context: Women in Homer, The Novel, Rethinking Shakespeare, Chinese Art and the Art of Living, and An Introduction to the Hispanic World: Texts in Context allow students to explore different literary and cultural traditions.

Year 2:
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of global literature, cultural exchange, and research methods through modules such as Migrating Texts: Classical Reception, Adaptation, Translation and Research Skills in Languages and Cultures. Students can also explore specialist topics including Modernism and Modernity: Literature 1900–1960, Culture, Crisis and Ecology in a Postcolonial World, Digital China: Popular Culture, Technology, and Society, Contemporary Latin American Cinema, and From Page to Screen: Female Detectives in Literature, Film, and Television, developing more advanced analytical and comparative skills.

Year 3 (Optional Placement or Study Abroad Year):
Students have the opportunity to extend their degree through a four-year pathway with options such as Study Abroad or Employment Experience. This additional year allows students to gain international exposure or professional experience, helping them develop independence, cultural awareness, workplace skills, and a broader understanding of how their academic knowledge can be applied beyond university.

Final Year:
In the final year, students undertake advanced study and independent research through the Extended Dissertation module, allowing them to investigate a topic of personal interest in depth. They can choose from specialist 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, exploring major themes in global literature and cultural movements.

Focus Areas

Comparative literature, world cultures, literary theory, cultural translation, film studies, globalisation, migration and identity, postcolonial studies, visual culture, intercultural communication, language and cultural studies, and independent research.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to compare literary and cultural works from different societies, analyse complex ideas, conduct independent research, and communicate their findings effectively. The programme strengthens critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, providing skills that are valuable across a wide range of careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures develops transferable skills in research, communication, critical analysis, cultural understanding, and interpretation that are valued by employers across many sectors. Through research projects, workplace-focused learning, and opportunities such as Employment Experience or Study Abroad, students gain skills that support careers in areas including publishing, media, education, cultural organisations, communications, and international industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter is a member of the Russell Group and is recognised for its excellence in teaching and research. Students benefit from learning with academics who specialise in literature and cultures from regions across the world, gaining an international perspective and access to a diverse academic community.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures at the University of Exeter provides students with a practical and engaging learning experience that connects literature, film, art, and cultural studies with real-world skills. Through research activities, creative projects, seminars, and independent study, students develop abilities in critical thinking, intercultural communication, digital research, and presenting ideas effectively. The programme also offers opportunities to gain international and professional experience through Study Abroad and Employment Experience pathways, helping students apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

Students develop practical academic, creative, and professional skills through a range of learning opportunities:

Research-Based Learning and Cultural Analysis: Students explore literature, film, and artistic works from different cultures and time periods, developing skills in comparative analysis, interpretation, and understanding how ideas and stories move across languages and societies. Students learn from academics specialising in global literature and cultures, including regions such as Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Collaborative Learning and Group Activities: Students participate in discussions, workshops, and collaborative activities where they exchange ideas, analyse cultural themes, and develop teamwork and communication skills while working with different perspectives.
Creative and Digital Assessments: Students complete a variety of assessments, including essays, research projects, reflective portfolios, and creative formats such as videos. These activities help students strengthen their ability to communicate ideas clearly through different media and develop digital presentation skills.
Digital Research Tools and Academic Resources: Students use online academic resources and research databases, including JSTOR, MLA resources, Early English Books Online (EEBO), and Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO), to support literary and cultural research. These tools help students develop strong digital research and information management skills.
Translation and Intercultural Skills Development: Students explore how texts and cultural ideas change when they move between languages and societies. The programme encourages students to develop intercultural awareness and offers opportunities to study languages including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, Russian, and Portuguese.
Employment Experience Opportunities: Students can choose an Employment Experience pathway, which includes a year of professional work placement in the UK or abroad. This allows students to gain workplace experience, develop professional skills, apply academic knowledge in real settings, and improve their future career prospects.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can choose a Study Abroad pathway, spending their third year at an international partner university. This experience helps students gain independence, improve cultural understanding, develop adaptability, and build confidence in international environments.
Guest Lectures and Cultural Events: Students can attend academic talks, seminars, and events featuring researchers, writers, and cultural professionals. These activities expose students to current debates and wider perspectives in literature and cultural studies.
Student-Led Cultural Activities: Students can participate in university societies related to literature, languages, and cultures, including events such as book discussions, film screenings, poetry activities, and cultural gatherings. These activities encourage creativity, networking, and community engagement.
Engagement with Cultural Organisations: Students benefit from Exeter’s links with cultural organisations such as Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, the Phoenix arts centre, and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. These connections provide opportunities to engage with the wider cultural and creative community.
Library and Research Facilities: Students have access to the University of Exeter’s library collections, online journals, specialist books, and digital research materials that support studies in literature, languages, culture, and global creative practices.
Career-Focused Learning: The programme includes employability-focused activities such as Humanities in the Workplace and Making a Career in Publishing, helping students understand how their academic skills can be applied to professional careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures at the University of Exeter prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities by developing skills in cultural analysis, research, communication, creativity, translation awareness, and global understanding. The programme helps graduates build careers across sectors where strong communication and intercultural skills are valued, including publishing, media, education, cultural organisations, international industries, and public services. Potential career roles include Publishing Specialist, Journalist, Translator, Teacher, Education Professional, Communications Officer, Cultural Programme Coordinator, Public Sector Officer, Marketing Executive, and International Relations Assistant.

The combination of global cultural knowledge and transferable skills allows graduates to adapt to different professional environments, supported by Exeter’s career services and employability opportunities:

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 and prepare for graduate employment.
Employability-Focused Learning: The programme includes employability-focused elements such as Humanities in the Workplace and Making a Career in Publishing, helping students understand how their academic skills can be applied in professional settings. Students also develop digital research skills, communication abilities, and cultural awareness that are valuable across many industries.
Employment Experience Opportunities: Students can choose the Employment Experience pathway, which includes a year of graduate-level work placement in the UK or abroad. This allows students to gain professional experience, apply their knowledge in a workplace environment, develop confidence, and strengthen their career profile before graduation.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Students can choose the Study Abroad pathway and spend their third year at an international partner university. This experience helps students develop independence, adaptability, intercultural communication skills, and a global perspective that is highly valued by employers.
Employment and Graduate Outcomes: Graduates from Comparative Literatures and Cultures develop skills suitable for careers in publishing, journalism, translation, teaching, communications, cultural organisations, finance, and public sector roles. The programme’s focus on communication, research, and cultural understanding supports graduates in entering a variety of professional fields.
University and Professional Connections: Students benefit from Exeter’s academic networks and connections with cultural and creative communities. The programme’s links with areas such as publishing, translation, literature, film, and cultural studies help students understand the practical applications of their degree.
Graduate Career Pathways: Graduates can progress into roles such as Publishing Assistant, Editor, Journalist, Translator, Language Specialist, Teacher, Cultural Project Coordinator, Communications Officer, Public Relations Assistant, Research Assistant, and International Programme Coordinator.
Long-Term Career Value: The degree develops long-lasting professional skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, independent research, creativity, adaptability, and effective communication. These skills enable graduates to work across different industries and respond to changing career opportunities.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates complete the programme with a strong combination of subject knowledge and transferable skills, preparing them for careers in creative industries, education, publishing, media, cultural organisations, international organisations, and further academic study.

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