The comparative literature programs at the Université de Montréal give you the chance to study literature and other related cultural expressions in tangible ways, in a bilingual city like none other in the world. Students have a world of opportunities to immerse themselves in their chosen field of study, and can study in French while living in English, if they wish.

Montréal, a fascinating mix of cultures

To say that Montréal is a cultural capital is an understatement. Although the languages of Molière and Shakespeare have coexisted here for over 250 years, the city also boasts a multitude of vibrant cultural and language communities. Montréal has large Italian, Jewish, Haitian, Polish, North African, East Indian and Latin American populations.

Openness to the world and artistic life are 2 of Montrealers’ hallmarks. And the city caters to their interest in creativity, hosting no fewer than 100 festivals every year (Fantasia, Montréal en Lumières, Osheaga, etc.). It is home to a wide variety of cultural institutions and museums (contemporary art, film, architecture, fine arts, literature) and performance venues of all kinds (dance, independent music, etc.).

So it’s not surprising that the city has spawned a multitude of companies and artists whose reputations extend far beyond our local and national borders, from Xavier Dolan (filmmaking) to David Altmejd (sculpture), Michel Rabagliati (graphic novels), Arcade Fire and Half Moon Run (music), Dany Laferrière (literature) and Moment Factory (digital arts), to name only a few.

An ideal place to study comparative literature

There are lots of English-speaking students enrolled at the Université de Montréal. The Comparative Literature Section of the Department of Literatures and Languages of the World, alongside the English Studies and Modern Languages sections, gives English-speaking students a chance to gradually immerse themselves in a largely French-speaking university environment.

They can take advantage of an extremely rare concentration of research expertise in North America, and the tradition of excellence of comparative studies at the Université de Montréal, encompassing literary studies, film studies, philosophy, history, linguistics, anthropology, communication and sociology. All these disciplines are well represented in the Faculty of Arts and Science, making it a fertile ground for interdisciplinary dialogue and exchanges.

In addition to Montréal’s literary and cultural events, many unique activities (lectures, workshops, symposia and conferences, etc.) are organized by the department and the faculty.

Lastly, scholarships and reduced tuition while writing your thesis make graduate studies in comparative literature at the Université de Montréal even more attractive.

Learn about administrative procedures for international students and get ready to study at the Université de Montréal:

• The Bureau des étudiants internationaux: a name to remember! (in French)
• Université de Montréal admission guide for American students (incl. tuition fees)
• The 4 main steps in the admissions process (documents, deadlines, etc.)
• For international students (in French)
• Canadian students from outside Quebec

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About the language of instruction at UdeM

Because the Université de Montréal is a Francophone institution, the language of instruction in most cases is French, except for several programs, including English studies. For some courses, you can submit papers and write exams in English. But for dealing with the university administration and living in Montréal, you will need a working knowledge of French.