MA English Language and Literature

The English Language and Literature MA explores the interconnections between language and literature. Our course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the linguistic features of English from a wide range of perspectives (theoretical and applied, synchronic and diachronic), as well as leading you to explore a wide array of texts in connection with the social, historical and political circumstances from which they emerge. It will also equip you with the intellectual perspectives and scholarly skills to conduct independent research.

The MA is for you if you've taken English language and/or literature modules at undergraduate level, or studied allied disciplines such as TESOL. It's of particular interest if you're wishing to pursue further study, or if you're teaching English and wish to gain a further qualification and investigate current developments in the field.

If studying the degree full-time, you'll complete 180 credits in one academic year. If part-time, you'll normally complete 180 credits in two academic years. You'll study five core modules (including a 60-credit dissertation on a topic of English language and/or literature), as well as two modules from the list of options. The two core modules Materialities, Institutions and Contexts, and Themes and Problems in Modern and Contemporary Literature examine classic and contemporary critical texts on literature in relation to ideas in larger contexts, such as history, the visual image, gender, psychoanalysis and post-colonialism. The two core modules Multilingualism, Past and Present, and English Worldwide examine linguistic variation and contact in English and other languages from a wide range of perspectives, both historical and present day.

Teaching is mainly delivered through weekly two- or three-hour sessions for each module, which include tutorials, seminars, practical sessions and workshops. There's also independent self-directed study, and you'll be prepared for the dissertation via structured sessions in research methodology. Assessment methods include submitted coursework such as essays, reviews and exercises – there are no formal exams.