Overview

The Comparative Literature programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara provides a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment for exploring global literary traditions. Students engage with a wide-ranging curriculum that examines how literature enriches human experience across different national and cultural boundaries. This course of study is designed to foster advanced analytical skills and effective communication through the lens of the humanities.

Why Comparative Literature at University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a unique academic structure that allows students to tailor their education through two distinct pathways: the Multilingual Emphasis and the Interdisciplinary Emphasis. The programme is supported by a vast network of departments, including East Asian Studies, Germanic and Slavic Studies, and Film and Media Studies. Students benefit from a curriculum that bridges the gap between literature and other fields such as the social sciences, natural sciences, and the performing arts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14934 per year
National fee: USD 14934 per year
Local fee: USD 14934 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum begins with foundational language studies and broad surveys of literary periods and genres. At the upper-division level, students focus on theoretical frameworks and comparative methodologies. Modules may include:

Comparative Literature
Literary and Critical Theory
World Literatures
Modern Literary Theory
Interdisciplinary Methodologies
Foreign Language Studies

Careers with Comparative Literature

Graduates from the University of California, Santa Barbara are equipped with versatile skills in research, writing, and cross-cultural analysis. The programme prepares students for a variety of professional paths in global industries. Common career destinations for those who have studied this subject include roles in education, international relations, publishing, and media. The intensive training in critical thinking also provides a strong foundation for further academic study or legal careers.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Literary Translation: Theory and Practice

Transpacific Literature

Going Postal

Global Humanities: The Politics & Poetics of Witnessing

Literature of the Americas

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

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

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Literature View 1012 other Bachelors in Literature in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

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

In general, international applicants will have graduated from a secondary school and earned a certificate of completion that enables attendance at a university in that country.

You must take a minimum of six IB exams, with three exams taken at the higher level. The overall average must be 5 with no exam score below 4 and be awarded the diploma with a score of 30 or higher.
British Systems (GCSE/GCE Examinations): You must complete at least five GCSE/IGCSE (O-Level) exams with a 3.4 GPA or higher and at least three GCE (A-Level) exams with a 3.0 (unweighted) GPA or higher and no grade below C to be considered for admission.

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

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Out-of-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14934 USD / year

≈ 14934 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

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

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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

Santa Barbara

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners