Although this post is a bit old I still want to reply. During my research of the programs US vs. UK I have found that the only major difference between the two is the amount of teaching available (and funding). In the US we either have a separate MA degree or combined in the PhD. It seems now many UK PhD's ask for an MA anyways so it seems to be equally distributed. The only concern is the teaching and publishing, which is something obviously done in the US but in the UK it seems on needs to seek these opportunities.

Hello,
I have a US BA from a state University (not really well known) and am about to complete a MA from a well known Univ. but in a slightly different subject.
My MA will be in Foreign lang. Lit but I want to study Comparative Literature.

I understand there are different taught Ma's and research MA's in UK as well as PhD's.
I would like to find out though would it be more advisable to apply to a taught MA and then PhD or research MA...considering I will already have a "taught" MA. To which one do I have a better chance to get accepted to?
My taught MA does not include a dissertation, so other than the research papers I do for my classes I do not have a longer substantial research paper.
Thank you!
P.S If anyone has any questions about American system feel free to ask or PM me!