Comparative Literature and Persian

Comparative Literature and Persian is a combination of unusual intellectual reach, bringing together the discipline of reading across languages and literary traditions with engagement with one of the world's great literary heritages. Comparative literature operates without borders, examining texts of any genre, period and cultural origin in relation to each other, asking what comparisons between different literary traditions reveal about the shared and divergent ways human beings use narrative, metaphor and form to make sense of experience. Persian literature, produced over more than a millennium across Iran, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, offers one of the richest archives of poetry, mysticism, philosophy and historical writing available in any language.

At the University of St Andrews this four-year full-time degree pairs serious engagement with Persian language and culture with comparative literary study that ranges across multiple literary traditions, drawing on expertise from across the School of Modern Languages. You will study texts in English translation as part of your comparative literature work, while your Persian study develops genuine linguistic competence and access to texts in the original. The degree includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to develop your language skills and literary knowledge in an international context.

The combination develops skills in close reading, literary interpretation, cultural analysis and the kind of comparative thinking that is increasingly valuable in a globalised world.

Graduates from Comparative Literature and Persian degrees are well positioned for careers in academia, diplomacy, translation and interpretation, international development, publishing and cultural organisations. Knowledge of Persian is relatively rare among UK graduates and is genuinely valued in government and intelligence contexts, journalism and international business involving Iran, Afghanistan and related regions. Postgraduate study in comparative literature, Persian studies, translation, Middle Eastern studies or area studies is a natural continuation for those pursuing academic careers.