English Literary Studies

The MA offers flexibility and independence and a wide range of literary optional modules which allows you to tailor your studies to your interests.

Each module is taught in small seminar groups including 20 hours of contact time over the academic year. Given the emphasis on research-led work, you will be expected to do a considerable amount of preparation for the seminars including short presentations and workshop-related activity.

You will also undertake a major dissertation on a subject of your choice that will contribute a further 22 hours of contact time over the first two terms through fortnightly seminars, plus five dedicated individual consultations with your dissertation supervisor in the third term.

In preparation for the dissertation, you will write a research proposal at the start of the second term and draft a chapter that will be reviewed by your supervisor.

Assessment

While your options are broad, assessment is rigorous, and the majority of modules are assessed by coursework, usually two essays per module.

You will also be required to produce a 12,000-word dissertation on your specialist area which could be based on a theme, genre or period. In preparation, you will submit a research proposal for which you will receive feedback and then you will produce a draft chapter which will be commented on by your supervisor.

You will normally require an English or English-related Honours degree (at least a 2:1 or equivalent) from a recognised university.

You are required to submit the following information with your online application:

• Academic Transcripts and Certificates, if available and if degree already attained
• Personal statement of about 500 words describing background in English studies / areas of interest and study.

English language requirements

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

The Department’s reputation for the quality and intellectual rigour of its teaching means students are in possession of skills and experience that are much sought after by potential employers around the world.

Our postgraduates are equipped with highly transferable skills and the ability to analyse, assess and communicate knowledge effectively. Many choose to take these newly acquired abilities into professional roles in sectors including arts and theatre management, broadcasting, publishing and journalism, business, accounting, marketing and advertising, teaching, higher education, law, third sector and government positions. Others choose to continue their academic study at a higher level.

For further information on career options please visit our web pages.

The Department of English Studies is one of Europe’s leading centres for research in literary studies. We carry out important and influential research into a wide range of literary topics with compelling historical and cultural themes.

We are one of the few departments in the world who teach and research in literature produced in Britain from the early medieval period to the present day as well as in anglophone literature from across the globe.

Courses are taught by leading subject experts and include MAs in Creative Writing and English Literary Studies, The Department offers valuable partnerships with interdisciplinary research institutes and centres within the University. These include the Institute for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, the Centre for Poetry and Poetics, the Centre for Modern Conflicts and Cultures, and the Institute for Medical Humanities.

Our overriding aim is to enable you to develop the skills and abilities to produce research built on evidence-based argument, rigorous analysis, verbal accuracy and independent and creative thinking. We provide a vibrant learning community that is supportive and inclusive.

For more information see our department webpages.

Rankings

• World Top 50 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023
• 4th in The Complete University Guide 2024 and 3rd in The Guardian University Guide 2024
• Top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the English Studies web pages.

Research Excellence Framework

• 90% of our research activity was judged to be 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in (REF 2021)

Facilities

The Department of English Studies is mainly situated in two buildings that are close to the historic city and centre with its glorious cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage status. Hallgarth House is a Georgian-listed building and Elvet Riverside stands beside the picturesque River Wear.

Our community of around 60 taught postgraduates and 60 PhD researchers have wide-ranging access to the extensive general collections in literary studies which are housed in the University library as well as to a number of specialist collections and archives in nearby Palace Green.

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