Introduction
Gain a global and comparative outlook to understanding a range of cultures, societies, and places across the world, through the study of literary and cultural works.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months or 96 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
- UCAS Code
- Q201
Comparative Literature & Culture at Aberdeen offers an exciting opportunity to study literature and culture within a global context. We deliver a broad programme exploring the history, culture, and society of countries in Europe, Latin-America, the English-speaking world and beyond through literary and cultural works.
You will explore literary texts from different countries in English, allowing you to gain a broader and deeper understanding of our interconnected world while making connections across historical, political, cultural, and social contexts. You will also expand your understanding of local and global relationships, enabling you to apply linguistic and cultural awareness when working with others.
The comparative approach allows you to study literature and culture across traditional disciplinary boundaries, drawing on methodologies based in disciplines across the humanities and social sciences, including social and cultural studies, textual and translation studies, studies of film, visual and material culture, anthropology, history, gender studies and environmental humanities, amongst others. You will learn from experts in literature, culture, politics, and society of different global regions to appreciate different perspectives.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, you can build your competency in Spanish, French, German, Arabic, or Mandarin and decide if you want to pursue a joint or combined honours degree with a language to develop your language skills.
Part-time Study
Part-time study options are available for this programme.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.
View the Aberdeen Global ScholarshipWhat You'll Study
In the first two years, you will study the following core courses:
Acts of Reading (EL1009)
The Global City (LA1501)
World Changing Protests
Alongside these core courses, you will also be able to select from a wide range of recommended courses across English, Modern Languages and relevant options from other disciplines. You will also take courses in language study whether you are a beginner or advanced, chosen from French, German, Spanish & Latin American Studies, Gaelic, Mandarin, or Arabic.
Please contact study@abdn.ac.uk for more information about this programme.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Peer Learning
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
You will engage in a range of assessments to support your learning and professional development, including essays, creative and critical writing, and group projects.
Why Study Comparative Literature & Culture?
- We have strong links between disciplines, offering an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
- Appreciate diverse perspectives and learn from experts in literature, culture, politics, and society.
- Acquire linguistic and cultural awareness to boost your cross-cultural communication skills.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Minimum: BCC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
- 2026 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer.
Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is recommended.
Widening Access: BBC
Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher.
National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Widening Access: CCC
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above.
BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA
DMM in related subjects.
Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.)
GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes.
IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE
Five subjects at Higher at H3.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
SL in English is also required.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *) | £14,800 |
| Home Students | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £1,820 |
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland | |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | £9,535 |
Scholarships and Funding
UK Scholarship
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Strong language skills give you a competitive edge, opening opportunities in the global workplace. You can progress into the following roles:
- Business
- Communications
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Research
- Teaching
- Translation
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Tara Beaney
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX