Overview

The Comparative Literature programme at the University of South Carolina provides a rigorous academic framework for the advanced study of two or more literatures in their original languages. This curriculum is specifically designed for students who possess a strong aptitude for linguistics and a profound interest in cross-cultural literary analysis. By moving beyond works in translation, the degree ensures that graduates achieve excellence in methodology and primary text research.

Why Comparative Literature at University of South Carolina?

This programme is distinguished by its interdepartmental structure, drawing on expert graduate professors from the Department of English and the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. A significant strength of the curriculum is its deep emphasis on the history of literary theory and criticism. Students benefit from a bilingual and cross-cultural focus that prepares them for productive scholarship and specialised research roles. Furthermore, the university provides extensive study abroad opportunities to ensure students gain immersive experience in countries where their primary foreign languages are spoken.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14880 per semester
National fee: USD 14880 per semester
Local fee: USD 6867 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a firm foundation in comparative methods and literary theory. Modules may include:

Comparative Literature
Literary Criticism
Literary Theory
Research Methodology
Foreign Language Study
Thesis Research

Careers with Comparative Literature

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths that require high-level linguistic competence and analytical skills. The degree serves as a vital stepping stone for those intending to pursue a Ph.D. or careers in academia and advanced research. Additionally, the cross-cultural expertise gained at the University of South Carolina is highly valued in international organisations, cultural institutions, and sectors involving global communications or literary consultancy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Classics of Western Literary Theory
Modern Literary Theory
Topics in Contemporary Literary Theory

The Teaching of Foreign Languages in College

Creative Writing
History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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120

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

33 SCH

33-36

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Columbia, United States

Disciplines

Literature View 341 other Masters in Literature in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official Transcripts
Official GRE Score
3 Letters of Recommendation
Writing Sample
Personal Statement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Out-of-State

29760 USD / year

≈ 29760 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13734 USD / year

≈ 13734 USD / year

Living costs

Columbia

United States

999 - 1508 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Comparative Literature.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Columbia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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