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University of Bristol: Comparative Literatures and Cultures
| Institution | University of Bristol View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Modern Languages |
| Web | https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate |
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Summary
Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.
Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.
Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.
Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.
Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.
Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.
Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.
Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.
Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.
Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
MA
Summary
This degree is designed to give you an exciting exploration of literary and cultural products and critical issues that span national and linguistic borders as well as time periods.
You will become acquainted with the theory and practice of comparative literary and cultural studies, consider how concepts of national cultures cross borders and media forms, and interact with ideas of the transnational and intermedial. You will gain a thorough grounding in literary, cultural and intermedial theories; critical reading and research skills; and put this theoretical knowledge into practice by studying topics and themes that span disciplines, national contexts and time periods. You could choose to follow a 'literature', 'visual culture', 'history' pathway, or a mixture of such components, according to your interest, by selecting from different optional units taught by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of disciplines covered by the School of Modern Languages and other schools and departments within the faculty.
While knowledge of a foreign language is not a requirement for this programme, you will have the opportunity to learn a language at a variety of levels, from beginner to advanced, and to engage directly with material in foreign languages throughout the MA. The programme culminates in a dissertation – an extended piece of original academic research.
As a postgraduate, you will be considered a full member of the academic community, with the opportunity to participate in the many research seminars and conferences taking place within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.
| choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 394 1649 |
| Study type | Taught |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in an arts or humanities discipline, such as: Anthropology Your degree must include one module in literature, or one module related to literature (e.g. Romantic Britain and Italy, Shakespearean Poetry), at 60% or international equivalent. Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing: - A relevant postgraduate qualification. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 13500 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 13500 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 13500 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 13500 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 13500 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 32500 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 32500 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
This degree is designed to give you an exciting exploration of literary and cultural products and critical issues that span national and linguistic borders as well as time periods.
You will become acquainted with the theory and practice of comparative literary and cultural studies, consider how concepts of national cultures cross borders and media forms, and interact with ideas of the transnational and intermedial. You will gain a thorough grounding in literary, cultural and intermedial theories; critical reading and research skills; and put this theoretical knowledge into practice by studying topics and themes that span disciplines, national contexts and time periods. You could choose to follow a 'literature', 'visual culture', 'history' pathway, or a mixture of such components, according to your interest, by selecting from different optional units taught by internationally recognised scholars in a wide range of disciplines covered by the School of Modern Languages and other schools and departments within the faculty.
While knowledge of a foreign language is not a requirement for this programme, you will have the opportunity to learn a language at a variety of levels, from beginner to advanced, and to engage directly with material in foreign languages throughout the MA. The programme culminates in a dissertation – an extended piece of original academic research.
As a postgraduate, you will be considered a full member of the academic community, with the opportunity to participate in the many research seminars and conferences taking place within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.
| choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 394 1649 |
| Study type | Taught |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in an arts or humanities discipline, such as: Anthropology Your degree must include one module in literature, or one module related to literature (e.g. Romantic Britain and Italy, Shakespearean Poetry), at 60% or international equivalent. Non-traditional qualifications/routes may also be considered. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional qualifications. If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing: - A relevant postgraduate qualification. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| Channel Islands | 6750 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| England | 6750 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 6750 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 6750 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 6750 GBP for Year 1 |
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
Summary
Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.
Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.
Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.
Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.
Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.
Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.
Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.
Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.
Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.
Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Research in Comparative Literatures and Cultures sits within the School of Modern Languages and builds on two areas of strength within the school: transnational studies and intermediality. By exploring new objects of study and innovative methodologies, we have forged interdisciplinary connections in and beyond the arts and social sciences via themes of global concern, from mental health to climate change.
Transnational studies emphasise cultural difference and diversity yet also interconnectedness and mutual influence. We explore cultural contact, migration and transfer within and beyond Europe in uneven colonial, pre-colonial, and postcolonial contexts, both vertically and transversally, while questioning persistent narratives of 'West' and 'East', or 'North' and 'South'.
Intermedial studies build on our excellence in word and image studies, film and theatre, auditory culture, and the study of such cultural artefacts as video games, graphic novels, manga, the media, landscape design, and artwork from video installation to graffiti. We also explore the materiality of discursive genres (poetic form, the novel, ego documents and political rhetoric), and how literary and discursive practices interact with social, political and professional contexts.
Comparative Literatures and Cultures draws on the extensive research specialisms of our staff. Each research student is assigned a supervisor who works in their proposed area of research or related field, and benefits from the input of a second supervisor who will likely come from another department, depending on the nature of the project. Supervisory teams may include staff from other schools and departments within the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and beyond, for example in Classics, English, Drama, History or Philosophy.
Our postgraduates are fully integrated in a professionally and personally supportive departmental and school community. We encourage you to attend and give papers at school and University research events, as well as academic conferences. Funding is available to support field work and participation in external events. We support you in developing a full range of academic skills.
| artf-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 428 2297 |
| Study type | Research |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | MPhil: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
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Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the UK’s top 10 universities (QS World University Rankings 2026), with a global reputation for world-leading research and academic excellence. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, Bristol also ranks top five in the UK for research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
With its independent and pioneering spirit, the University has a reputation for doing things differently. Bristol was the UK’s first institute of higher education to admit women on an equal basis with men. In 2019, …
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