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 Cultures, Languages and Linguistics and across the Faculty of Arts and Education:
Classical Studies and Ancient History
Dr Maxine Lewis | Associate Professor Marcus Wilson
English
Dr Rina Kim | Professor Helen Sword | Professor Lisa Samuels | Professor Joanne Wilkes
French
Associate Professor Deborah Walker-Morrison | Dr Trudy Agar | Associate Professor Tracy Adams
German
Dr Nicole Perry | Dr Stephan Resch
Italian
Media, Film and Television
Spanish
Past research topics
- "Anatomy of murder and rape: A comparative study of crime writing by Chi Zijian, Alice Sebold, A Yi and Ian McEwan" | Supervised by Associate Professor Mark Amsler, Dr Melissa Inouye, Dr Hilary Chung and Dr Ruth Diver
- "A comparative study of physician-writers’ representations of what makes a good doctor" | Supervised by Dr Hilary Chung and Associate Professor Michael Hanne
- "A comparative study of Shen Congwen and Witi Ihimaera as Indigenous writers" | Supervised by Associate Professor Michael Hanne and Dr Hilary Chung
- "Houses and horror: A sociocultural study of Spanish and American women writers" | Supervised by Dr Jan Cronin and 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:
- University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships
- Faculty of Arts and Education Doctoral Scholarship
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.