About This Course
On this MA English Literature degree, you will study both canonical and less well-known texts from over a thousand years of English literary history, within a close-knit community of like-minded students from across the world. You will have the opportunity to study texts written in English or studied in translation from Wales, Pakistan, India, Nigeria, the Caribbean, the USA, South Africa and Australia.
Employability is a key feature of the MA in English Literature. You can study on modules that are focused on employability, and develop a range of highly valuable transferable skills for the workplace that are in demand here UK and on a global stage.
English Literature has been an integral part of ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É since the University opened its doors in 1884. Our faculty includes award-winning authors who are passionate about your learning experience.
Delve into a range of topics built around different conceptions of the ‘world’ taught by experts in their fields. Our small class sizes mean you can work closely with staff on research specialisms such as postcolonial literatures, literature and the environment, intersectionality in gender, class and race, literature and time. You can also participate in the masterclasses, explore the unparalleled archival resources and get involved in the seminar and lectures programmes of the research centres associated with the School of Ats, Culture and Language.
How will I learn?
You will learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also be expected to undertake some group work as well as individual study. On this MA English Literature, you will also meet regularly with your Dissertation Supervisor for guidance and advice.
How will I be assessed?
This MA English Literature degree offers various assessment methods such as:
- Coursework
- Presentations
- Portfolios
- Blogs
- Research posters
- Dissertation
Programme Length
MA: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
Diploma: 9 months full-time (also available part-time)
Hello. My name is Esraa Alkandari I'm studying English literature.
The reason I chose English literature in the first place is that I love reading.
Reading makes me feel like I'm a time traveller and explorer.
I get to learn about other cultures. And this is exactly what I love about ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É.
It's a very diverse place with students from all over the world.
Plus, the staff here is amazing. They're very kind. They make you feel welcome.
They're always willing to help, so they'll answer your emails very fast and also are available in the office hours for any questions.
What I love about English here is that the classes are smaller in size, so that means that the lecturer can focus on each one of us individually.
So that's going to make you feel like you're a part of a team and also makes it easier to meet people that share the same interests in you.
As an international student, I really feel safe here. Everyone is so friendly and I feel like we're one big family, so it feels just like home.
I'm currently a Ph.D. student here, so I just loved my ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É Uni experience I couldn't leave.
Course Content
What will you study on this course?
On this MA English Literature programme, you will study the following modules:
- Critical Theory, Practice and Research (20 credits)
- Into the World (20 credits)
- The Postgraduate Dissertation (60 credits) - You will prepare a 12,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, researched and written under the individual supervision of a subject specialist.
You must take a further 80 credits from a choice of the following module choices:
- Building Other Worlds: Dreams and Fantasies (20 credits)
- Future Worlds: Dystopias and Utopias (20 credits)
- Open Essay (20 credits)
- Past Worlds: Literature and History (20 credits)
- This World: Going Global (20 credits)
Please note modules are subject to change from year to year, and the above is for guidance purposes only.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the English Literature MA Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
A 2.ii undergraduate degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g. Literary Studies, History, Arthurian Studies/Literature, Film Studies).
Applicants with equivalent qualifications or experience and applications from working professionals with non-graduate qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. Please contact us for more information.
For students whose first language is not English an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (with no element below 6.0) is required.
Careers
The course offers excellent preparation for participation in doctoral programmes. It adds to the qualifications of those intending to pursue a career in cultural and creative fields such as publishing, arts administration, the media, communications and teaching. The experience of postgraduate literary study can also enhance future employability, through the acquisition of transferrable skills such as: the ability to pursue independent research; to carry out advanced analysis of texts and arguments; and to present ideas fluently in written and oral form. Above all, the MA affords an opportunity for advanced personal and intellectual development.
