MRes English Literary Research

The course is designed to provide you with the independence of a research degree with some of the guidance of a taught Masters. You will learn about approaches to the study of literature, and will have the opportunity to study authors, literary movements, themes or critical ideas in depth.

We are pleased to consider any literary topic but applicants are advised to email us in advance so we can match your interest with staff expertise.

What you'll study

Studying alongside our team of academics you will become embedded in our research culture. You will learn about approaches to the study of literature, and will have the opportunity to study authors, literary movements, themes or critical ideas in depth.

The course has been designed to provide you with the independence of a research degree with some of the guidance of a taught masters. Central to the course is the dissertation, which allows you to explore, in detail, your area of literary interest. You will take part in one to-one tutorials and the supervisor will offer advice on developing appropriate study methods and provide feedback on drafts of the dissertation.

Within the course you will take part in student-led symposia. These will give you the opportunity to present and exchange ideas on other students’ work. These sessions lead to a study proposal that gives a detailed description of the dissertation topic. The symposia encourage discussion, cooperation and the sharing of problems and solutions.

Whether you wish to take this course as a route to a PhD or as a stand-alone degree, the course structure and its assessments enable you to research a literary interest deeply, organise your ideas effectively, develop your written and oral expression, and to interact in productive ways with your peers.

Assessment

You will write an essay of 4,000 words examining an aspect of one or more of the theories examined in the core course. The second assessment is a 4,000-word study proposal, outlining your dissertation plans. It will present information on your aims and methodology, offer a provisional chapter breakdown, summarise your likely argument and provide a selective, annotated bibliography. This is supplemented by a 1000 word synoptic assessment in which you will reflect on how you have developed as a researcher, and how the course has prepared you for your future – in or outside academia.

Careers and employability

This course will help you to develop a broad range of skills transferable to many job roles. Recent graduates have pursued a range of careers (including teaching) or have gone onto doctoral or postdoctoral research.

The course offers a range of professional and training opportunities as part of the Symposia module, including optional placements.