ObjectivesThe course aims to develop high level critical, intellectual, and communication skills which are attractive to a wide range of employers.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements Normally a degree or equivalent in the humanities is expected (2.1) Students from overseas also need certified competence in English language in one of the following forms • British Council IELTS test band 7.5-8 • Cambridge Examinations Board pass in Certificate in Proficient English (Proficiency) or Certificate in Advanced English or a First Certificate in English at A or B grade plus a further year’s English study • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 620-677 (paper-based) 265-300 (computer-based) or 108-120 (Internet based) – plus some independent assessment of speaking. There is no direct test of speaking ability in TOEFL. Alternatively we may determine your competency through a submission of a writing sample.
Academic titleMA/PgDip/PgCert English Studies
Course descriptionThe MA English Studies offers you the chance to extend your study of English language and/or literature to postgraduate level through increasing specialisation.
You can choose to take a general course covering a range of English topics. Or you can specialise in renaissance literature, romantic literature, children’s literature, contemporary and modern literature or English language.
Throughout the course, we emphasise the professional expertise and knowledge needed by the modern literary researcher.
As well as more traditional skills, you gain a working knowledge and understanding of the important role of new information technologies in advanced literary study. You can work with academics who are at the forefront of developments in this area.
Although the MA English Studies is a self-contained course in its own right, it also prepares you for independent research at MPhil or PhD level.
If you choose to specialise in an area of literature, your qualification title can change to reflect this, such as MA English Studies (Renaissance Literature). Your dissertation must also relate to your specialist area.
Associated careers
There may be opportunities for research registration at MPhil/PhD level within the Humanities Research Centre.
Course content
Core modules – all routes
• postgraduate research methods • dissertation – this must relate to your specialist area
MA English Studies
Choose three from • Corvey case study – literary archives and new technologies • adopt a children’s author • approaches to discourse • contemporary literature • critical discourse analysis • editing a renaissance play • Shakespeare, Marlowe and the British Empire • passions, interests, protests the discourse of sentiment, 1750–1850 • moderns and others • theorising children’s literature • writing children’s literature • Elizabeth’s men – poetry and prose, 1558–1603 • a module from our humanities subject area
MA English Studies (Renaissance Literature)
• editing a Renaissance play • Marlowe, Shakespeare, and the British empire • plus one module from MA English Studies or our humanities subject area
MA English Studies (Romantic Literature)
• passions, interests, protests • Corvey case study – literary archives and new technologies • plus one module from MA English Studies or our humanities subject area
MA English Studies (Contemporary and Modern Literature)
• moderns and others • contemporary literatures • plus one module from MA English Studies or our humanities subject area
MA English Studies (Children’s Literature)
• theorising children’s literature • adopt a children’s author • writing for children • or one module from MA English Studies or our humanities subject area
MA English Studies (English Language)
• approaches to discourse • critical discourse analysis • plus one module from MA English Studies or our humanities subject area