University of Liverpool

Comparative Literature

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

We’re committed to reading literature in ways that extend beyond single languages and cultures. When you study our Comparative Literature PhD, you’ll benefit from cross-departmental expertise and supervision that spans various language areas and methodologies. With specialists across the range of languages taught in theDepartment of Languages, Cultures and Film, we provide varied supervision in the areas of comparative and world literature so you can undertake groundbreaking research.

Our postgraduate researchers have played a pioneering role in work on postcolonial and translingual writing and have contributed to major research programmes and projects, includingTranslating Culturesand Transnationalising Modern Languages. Collaboration between schools means that postgraduate researchers from theDepartment of Englishmake a full contribution to our comparative literature pathway, extending the range of comparison to literatures throughout the Anglophone world. This ensures that our students have full access to theCentre for New and International Writing.

Additionally, our researchers contribute to the wider field of translation studies and include practicing translators committed to researching multilingually, extending theoretical bases beyond conventional understandings of the field. Our Comparative Literature PhD covers a broad range of potential topics for investigation. We welcome research proposals in topics including: Our staff have demonstrated international excellence in emerging areas such as digital media.

We offer specialisms across a range of genres, including the novel, short story, travel writing and graphic fiction. Supervisors have an interest in canonical literatures and emerging voices and offer expertise across a range of theoretical approaches. Additionally, our research groups provide a forum for the exchange of new concepts and knowledge produced by staff and postgraduate researchers.

This gives you the opportunity to present your research, deve

Key highlights

  • Supervision spans multiple language areas and methodologies across departments
  • Access to the Centre for New and International Writing
  • Links to Translating Cultures and Transnationalising Modern Languages projects
  • Specialisms include the novel, short story, travel writing and graphic fiction
  • Staff include practising translators researching multilingually
  • Research groups offer opportunities to present your work

Entry requirements

TOEFL iBT: If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 100 overall, with minimum scores of listening 24, writing 24, reading 24 and speaking 26. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 5 overall, with 5 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.

Pearson PTE Academic: 69 overall, with no component below 69

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies

    The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.

    Up to £5,000

  • Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary

    The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates

    If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.

    Up to £7,000

  • Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships

    Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

    Up to £1,000

  • Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

    Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.

  • MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships

    Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship

    50% tuition fee discounts are available.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies

    The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.

  • MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM

    Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £12,500

  • Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies

    Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.

    Up to £4,000

  • Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

    The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes

  • University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • University lecturer
  • Postdoctoral researcher
  • Literary translator
  • Editor
  • Publishing professional
  • Arts and cultural programme manager

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238 | International: Full-time place, per year - £25,350

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide