| UCAS code | Q200 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Modern Languages and Cultures |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Levels: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | Q201 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Modern Languages and Cultures |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Levels: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | Q202 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Modern Languages and Cultures |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Levels: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | Q203 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Modern Languages and Cultures |
| Contact |
| Typical offer | A-Levels: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Overview
- Gain a breadth of knowledge in literature, film and art from around the world, from the ancient to the contemporary.
- You will develop your translation literacy and understanding of the cultural, political, social and economic forces that shape how material travels from one language and context to another.
- Our BA takes a comparative lens on pressing issues such as migration, the environment, and gender and sexuality.
- We have a decolonial focus, both in terms of theory and our commitment in considering literature beyond the Western canon.
Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 10 in UK subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
The Complete University Guide 2025
Internationally recognised fine art, heritage and film collections on site, including the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Opportunities for study abroad and employment experience in the UK or abroad
Top 150 in world subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Top 10 in UK subject rankings for Modern Languages and Cultures
The Complete University Guide 2025
Internationally recognised fine art, heritage and film collections on site, including the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum
Opportunities for study abroad and employment experience in the UK or abroad
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | n/a |
| IB | 32/655 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDM | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
Comparative Literatures and Cultures at Exeter is unique for its breadth, introducing you to literature, film and art from around the world, from the ancient to the contemporary. You will be taught by world-leading scholars with expertise in literature and culture from the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. You will develop the key intercultural understanding and communication skills necessary to be a global citizen.
This programme will prepare you for a range of careers around the world. It includes a compulsory element of either an employability module (e.g. Humanities in the Workplace) or a module preparing you for MA study. You have the option to study abroad and to study a language from one of the 14 on offer across the Faculty, from British Sign Language to Syriac, from Spanish to Mandarin.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Stage 1: 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional module
30 credits of a language from across LCVS (including the Language Centre) and IAIS can be taken as modularity, subject to pre-requisites.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SML1003 | Comparative Literatures and Cultures: Theories and Approaches | 15 |
| SML1004 | Reading Comparatively | 15 |
Optional modules
90 credits of optional modules from a selection from Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies, Classics, the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies and Humanities. These modules are subject to change each year due to availability. Examples from 23/24 include the below. Other literature and culture modules from across the Department of Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies can be taken subject to pre-requisites.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BA Comparative Literature and Cultures - Stage 1 | ||
| SML1207 | Introduction to Film | 15 |
| MLG1021 | Outside In: An Introduction to Outcasts and Outsiders in German-language Literature and Film | 15 |
| ARA1021 | Introduction to Persian History and Culture | 15 |
| CLA1410 | Text and Context: Writing Women in Ancient Literature | 15 |
| AHV1005 | Inside the Museum | 15 |
| HUM1005 | Climate Emergency - An Introduction to Environmental Humanities | 15 |
| HUM1001 | Enter the Matrix: Digital Perspectives on the Humanities | 15 |
| MLR1006 | An Emotional Experience: Russian Literature and the Expression of Feeling | 15 |
| SML1018 | The Devil Is in the Detail: An Introduction to the Short Story in French | 15 |
| MLS1064 | An Introduction to the Hispanic World: Texts in Context | 15 |
Stage 2: 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules
Alongside the compulsory SML2001 Migrating Texts, students should choose at least one of HUM2001 or SML2003.
30 credits of a language from across LCVS, Classics and IAIS can be taken as modularity, subject to pre-requisites.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SML2001 | Migrating Texts: Classical Reception, Adaptation, Translation | 15 |
| HUM2001 | Humanities in the Workplace | 15 |
| SML2003 | Research Skills in Languages and Cultures | 15 |
Optional modules
75–90 credits of optional modules from a selection from Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies, Classics, the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, English and Humanities. These modules are subject to change each year due to availability. Examples from 23/24 include the below. Other literature and culture modules from across the Department of Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies can be taken subject to pre-requisites.
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BA Comparative Literature and Cultures - Stage 2 | ||
| MLF2005 | Classical myth in French and francophone cinema | 15 |
| MLM2003 | Chinoiserie and Europeenerie: Artistic and cultural exchanges between China and Europe | 15 |
| SML2002 | Cultural Connections in Southern Africa: Literature and Film | 15 |
| SML2004 | Contemporary Latin American Cinema | 15 |
| HUM2005 | Tales of Freedom, Necessity and Providence | 15 |
| AHV2018 | Comics Studies: Histories, Methodologies, Genres | 30 |
| ARA2001 | From Holy Text to Sex Manuals in the Medieval Middle East | 15 |
| CLA2005 | Greek and Roman Narrative | 30 |
| EAS2113 | Culture, Crisis and Ecology in a Postcolonial World | 30 |
| MLG2019 | Gender, Race and Migration in 20th and 21st-century German Literature | 15 |
With Study Abroad
120 credits in compulsory module HAS3999.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HAS3999 | Study Abroad (HASS) | 120 |
With Employment Experience Abroad
120 credits in compulsory module HUM3997.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HUM3997 | Employment Experience Abroad | 120 |
With Employment Experience (UK)
120 credits in compulsory module HUM3998.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HUM3998 | Employment Experience UK | 120 |
Stage 3: 30 credits of compulsory dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules
90 credits of optional modules from a selection from Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies, Classics, the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, English and Humanities. These modules are subject to change each year due to availability. Examples from 23/24 include the below. From English, you can take EAS3195 or up to 30 credits of other selected English modules. Other literature and culture modules from across the Department of Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies can be taken subject to pre-requisites.
30 credits of a language from across LCVS, Classics and IAIS can be taken as modularity, subject to pre-requisites.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SML3030 | Extended Dissertation | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BA Comparative Literature and Cultures - Final Stage | ||
| SML3040 | Women in Translation: Gender and Publishing in the 21st Century | 15 |
| SML3041 | Green Matters in Modern Languages and Cultures | 15 |
| MLM3008 | Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature | 15 |
| MLR3026 | The Deceptive City: The Creation of St Petersburg in Russian Literature | 15 |
| MLP3009 | Afro-Brazil: Transatlantic Identities in Culture | 15 |
| MLI3199 | Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend | 15 |
| HUM3002 | Aliens Abroad: Science Fiction in Global Literature | 15 |
| AHV3007 | Global Modernisms | 15 |
| EAS3421 | Picturing the Global City: Literature and Visual Culture in the 21st Century | 30 |
| HUM3016 | Book Publishing: Principles of Book Commissioning, Editing and Design | 30 |
| HUM3004 | Transforming the Tablet: Digital Approaches to Ancient Text and Artefact | 15 |
| HAS3006 | The Legend of King Arthur | 30 |
| EAS3419 | Writing South Asia | 30 |
| EAS3195 | Acts of Writing: From Decolonisation to Globalisation | 30 |
| EAS3505 | Story as Foundation Stone - God, Facebook and Mushrooms | 30 |
| CLA3125 | Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World | 30 |
| CLA3275 | Women Writing Classics | 15 |
| ARA3197 | The Arabian Nights: Perception and Reception | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: Q201
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience Abroad’ degree offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience Abroad?
Spending up to a year living and working in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. By carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements abroad you can demonstrate to employers your adaptability, cultural awareness, independence and resourcefulness and, depending on where you stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fee?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
UCAS code: Q202
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements within the UK as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement. We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Find out more
Visit our website to learn more about employment experience opportunities.
UCAS code: Q203
Ways to spend the International Placement (work or study)
Our four-year “with International Placement” degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, either working or studying abroad.
You will need to confirm how you intend to spend your International Placement during the first semester of the second year. We will help you in the process. During your first year you will be invited to an introductory presentation about your International Placement options. In your second year, there is an extensive orientation programme to help you prepare for your International Placement.
- You must spend 6-15 months abroad, maximising the opportunities available to you
- You can work, study, or split the year on two or more placements
- Students going to China or Russia can currently only study (work abroad is not available)
- If you study Portuguese, the only options available are study or work abroad (not a British Council assistantship)
Study Abroad
Studying abroad offers a range of possibilities, with over 40 different partner universities worldwide available to Modern Languages students. This can provide you with the opportunity to experience a different academic environment with local and other international students, broadening your knowledge of the language and culture you study.
Please note that Study Abroad placements at partner universities are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. The allocation of these places is competitive and based on first-year marks.
Work Abroad
Internships are very rewarding in that they can offer you valuable workplace experience. Placements can be sourced via our Employability and Placements webpages, but you can also source your own internship externally, though it must be approved by the Employability and Placements team.
Some of our students have spent their international placement working in translation, tourism, marketing, fashion, commerce, journalism, heritage and many other sectors.
British Council English Language Assistantship
Becoming an English Language Assistant with the British Council is a brilliant opportunity to explore both the world of working and, more specifically, the idea of working as a teacher. An academic year is spent supporting teachers in a primary or secondary school in the country of the language you are studying.
Please note that these assistantships are organised by the British Council and placements are subject to their criteria and availability.
International Placement FAQs
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes - the International Placement is an assessed year and the marks obtained count towards your final degree classification. If you begin a language in your first year at Exeter and intend to take that language in your final year, you must do your International Placement in that language. If you are a beginner and decide not to do an International Placement, you will be moved to the three-year BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures programme.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For your International Placement you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. You will also continue to receive any Student Finance support for which you are eligible. Other financial support may also be available for certain students.
How do I apply?
You may apply directly to the four-year BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures with International Placement programme via UCAS – these students will be given priority of available study abroad placements. Alternatively, you may apply to the three-year BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and are able to request to apply to change onto the four-year programme once you are at Exeter, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.
Please note that study abroad placements at partner universities are subject to availability and are not guaranteed on either option. The allocation of study abroad places is competitive based on your first-year average grade along with your successful completion of Years 1 and 2.
What happens if I am unable to secure a study placement?
Once at Exeter, if students cannot go or are unwilling to go on their International Placement year, they can apply to move to either the three-year BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures or the three-year BA Comparative Literatures and Cultures and Global Cultural Studies programme, dependent on their language level by the final year. This would need to be approved by the department.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £24,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.
Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
The nature of learning at university involves considerable self-guided study and research. You will be taught through a combination of lectures and discussion-based seminars. We also support the development of team-based learning by organising students into study groups, and we make full use of both traditional learning resources and our virtual learning environment. Lecturers and tutors are all available to provide further support in one-to-one consultations.
We are actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including the increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning. Through our virtual learning environment, you can access detailed information about modules, and interact through activities such as discussion forums. You will also have access to online subscription databases and websites, such as Early English Books Online (EEBO), Eighteenth Century Collections Online (ECCO), MLA FirstSearch and JSTOR.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by coursework, which will take a variety of forms, from traditional essays to reflective portfolios, videos and research projects. The range of assessments is designed to develop skills including communication, critical thinking and creativity. Some assessment will involve group work to strengthen your ability to work in a team. If you choose to take modules beyond the programme through modularity, these may be assessed by exams as well as coursework.
Other/extra-curricular opportunities
We provide an exciting range of special lectures and seminars by visiting academics and cultural practitioners. In addition to your academic work, student-run cultural societies (e.g. Literary Society, French Society) organise book and poetry readings, film screenings and social events, providing an opportunity to meet students who share a love of literature, culture and the arts.
Students from the Languages, Cultures and Visual Studies department are active in the University student newspapers, radio and TV station. The department also has strong links with Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, the Phoenix arts centre, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and other local cultural organisations.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
Your future
This programme will equip you with a comprehensive understanding and skillset for a range of careers across a multitude of industries. In particular: intercultural understanding and communication skills, which are at the heart of this programme, are increasingly required by employers in a globalized world.
The course includes a compulsory element of either an employability module (e.g. Humanities in the Workplace; Making a Career in Publishing) or a module preparing students for further study. Digital literacy and translation literacy are embedded throughout the course.
Career paths
Example destinations for our students include:
- Publishing
- Journalism
- Translation
- Teaching and roles in other educational organisations
- Accountancy and financial services
- Public sector roles
Further study
This course is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study in areas such as:
- MA Comparative Literature and Cultures
- MA Translation Studies
- MA Intercultural Communications
- MA Publishing
- MA English Literary Studies
- MA Classics
- MA Creativity
