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 (1-year) and part-time (2-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 medium and when teaching literary texts in English.

In order to fulfill graduation requirements, students are required to take all five core courses listed below. In addition to the core courses, students must take (1) any three electives and, upon successful application to the Programme Management Committee, an optional three-unit Master's Project (equivalent to a publishable, refereed journal article); 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 for the programme, 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 Merit. An interim/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 2.5 or above.