Doctoral study in Comparative Literature
Why study with us?
Our postgraduate programme in Comparative Literature is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. You can study the literatures of two or more cultures in their original languages within a broad, comparative framework and research across different cultures and disciplines.
As a doctoral candidate, you'll benefit from financial support for research expenses through PReSS funding, high-calibre supervision practices, and the networks and expertise of our world-class academic researchers.
Research opportunities
We have expertise in a wide range of research areas, with particular strengths in cross-cultural encounter.
You can pursue PhD research in areas such as:
- Comparative literature
- Comparative cultural studies
- Cross-cultural encounters
- Literatures of contact
- Literature and the other arts (theatre, film, performance)
- Language and literature
- Literary theory
Solid PhD research proposals in other areas may also be considered.
Our people
Comparative Literature draws upon the expertise of staff in the School of Humanities and the Faculty of Arts and Education:
Classical Studies and Ancient History
Dr Maxine Lewis | Associate Professor Marcus Wilson
English
Dr Rina Kim | Emeritus Professor Helen Sword | Professor Lisa Samuels | Emeritus Professor Joanne Wilkes
French
Associate Professor Deborah Walker-Morrison | Dr Trudy Agar | Professor Tracy Adams
German
Dr Nicole Perry | Associate Professor Stephan Resch
Italian
Media, Film and Television
Spanish
Past research topics
- "Houses and horror: A sociocultural study of Spanish and American women writers" | Supervised by Associate Professor Jan Cronin and Emeritus Professor Christine Arkinstall
- "Toward a Latin American irony: English intertextuality and the transnational reception of Machado de Assis and Borges" | Supervised by Dr Kathryn Lehman and Dr Ruth Diver
Scholarships and awards
There are several scholarships you may be eligible for when you decide to pursue your PhD in Comparative Literature:
Help and advice
Our friendly staff will provide you with advice on enrolling in your PhD at Student Hubs.
If you would like to discuss your plans for your doctoral research you can contact our PhD Adviser.