continentaldrift

Thanks Brooke01! I haven't checked this forum in a few days...But it is really helpful to know. Thanks! good luck everyone xx

Hey thanks so much for the response everyone, it's really appreciated! I think doing an MA in literature is the most sensible course of action to take. And I'm unless I have major bureaucratic hurdles, I have managed to get myself onto a literature MA course here in England. So hopefully I can lay that specter to rest. How about language training though. Obviously I have Chinese, but does anyone know what 'a command/reading ability' of another two languages mean? i.e. being able to read the original Don Quixote without a dictionary? As that will take me more than a few years to say that least...!

Hey I am UK student. Check your PM box. Thanks! And yes, Space/Place in Literature is my PhD proposal.

Dear all, I won't beat around the bush. I'm looking for advice, and browsers who have the time or inclination to respond will be received with great alacrity. I graduated in architecture (1st class hons, equivalent of magna cum laude, sorry for the Brit-speak!) from Cambridge in 2010. But since then decided that I want to pursue PhD studies in Comparative Literature (not as random as it looks, I've always been extremely literary). I am Chinese and therefore very interested in a comparative stance through the perspective of literature. My great anxiety, foreseeable no doubt, is my lack of formal training. Is there any chance on earth that I will be considered, let alone taken onto a PhD programme, with this, parlous state of affairs? I'm not being as presumptuous as it may perhaps appear so far...(please hear me out!) As I've actually always wanted to study literature, and thus have always sustained literary pursuits. My third year dissertation focusing on 'place' in the novel, was recommended by my supervisor for publication. The tentative proposals I have sent to North American Universities has been well received. One professor at a top university said that she read my proposal with 'interest and admiration for its richness and breadth of scope', and several other professors have said they are very interest and encouraged me to apply. I'm bilingual in Chinese and English. Reading ability in Classical Chinese. Also reading ability in French and Spanish to first year Undergraduate level. So enough boasting, here's the BUT. BUT as I'm sure you all know, it's not your supervisor who ultimately makes the decision. The one director of postgraduate studies that I have spoken to, has stressed my lack of formal training... So because I'm depressed and at my wit's end, I open my dilemma to the floor, presuming there's anyone remotely interested. What to do? Do I tantrum my way onto a comparative literature master for this year (and spend a heap of money)? Do I pursue my own studies at home and hope for the best come application cycle? Is there anyone willing to share relevant experience in this field (i.e. phd with only BA; changing subject areas) My gratitude for your forbearance. And the very best of luck for all your own pursuits.