Master of Arts in Literary and Comparative Studies

Programme Director: Dr KI, Magdalen 

Taught exclusively in English, the Master of Arts in Literary and Comparative Studies (MALCS) is a taught degree based on coursework. Available in full-time (one-year) and part-time (two-year) study modes, the MALCS is designed for students interested in professions requiring a broad-based knowledge about literary and comparative studies in both local and global contexts. The MALCS will be foundational for students intending to pursue PhD studies in literary and comparative studies; as a terminal degree, it will also greatly assist secondary and other school teachers in preparation for liberal studies curricula—including globalization modules—conducted in the English medium and when teaching literary texts in English.

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

Requirements

In order to fulfil graduation requirements, students are required to take all five required courses listed below. In addition, students must take (1) any three electives and, subject to approval given by the Programme Management Committee, a three-unit Culminating Project; or (2) any four electives.

Students who have satisfactorily completed all unit requirements and achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above will be awarded an MA in Literary and Comparative Studies degree. To be awarded distinction, students should attain a cumulative GPA of 3.67 or above, with no course grade below B- and no repeated courses. Students attaining a cumulative GPA between 3.40 and 3.66 will be awarded a merit. An exit award (in the form of a Postgraduate Diploma) may be given to those who have completed at least 18 units and attained a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above.

Double Degree: Master of Arts in Literary and Comparative Studies (Hong Kong Baptist University) and Master of Translation and Interpreting (University of Melbourne)

The Double Degree Programme aims to develop global partnership, while enhancing internationalization, research, and employability. It provides students with the double opportunity to explore literatures in English, and understand the practical, theoretical, and academic aspects of translation and interpreting. This Programme integrates two interrelated disciplines, and achieves the 2020 vision of HKBU—a vision that emphasizes intercultural learning, cutting-edge research, and the best student experience.

The objectives of this Programme are threefold, and call for the alignment of theory with research and capstone experience. Students will take methodology-based core courses in two disciplines. They will take research driven elective courses to engage with the latest scholarship and discuss their findings in classes, seminars, and conferences. Finally, students are allowed to choose their capstone streams, with a view to accumulating either industry experience or research training.

For further details, please visit: https://eng.hkbu.edu.hk/postgraduates/malcs/double-degree-programme/.