Comparative Literature (Africa/Asia)

Go beyond Euro-American literary canons and redefine ‘the classics’. The MA Comparative Literature is an opportunity to study literature from the regions of Africa and Asia. Covering universal themes but in a unique, multi-cultural domain, you will explore a wide range of literature and its place in culture and society.

At SOAS, students will benefit from the regional expertise of academics and be able to engage with literature both through original English language literature and translations of those written in African and Asian languages.

There is also an opportunity for all students to study a language as part of their studies, with languages such as Arabic, Turkish, Hindi, Swahili, Yorùbá, Japanese, Korean and more. However, prior knowledge of an African or Asian language is not a requirement for admission to the MA Comparative Literature.

Study at SOAS and gain a unique understanding of literature outside the euro-centric space.

Why study Comparative Literature at SOAS?

• SOAS is ranked 1st in London and 9th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Middle Eastern and African Studies.
• We are ranked 6th in the UK for employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
• Top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for African and Middle Eastern Studies.
• Top 5 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2023 for Asian Studies.
• Modern Languages and Linguistics at SOAS has been ranked 10th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
• We are ranked 4th for research environment - with 100% of our research ranked as 'internationally excellent' and 85% as 'world-leading' - and 8th for research outputs in the REF 2021.
• SOAS is a specialist in the studies of Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia.
• Access comprehensive cross-regional expertise and gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of these regions in an increasingly globalised world.