English Literary Studies (MA)

Entry requirements

2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in English literature or related subject, for example literature in other languages.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

Additional Requirements

As part of your application you also need to provide a sample of your academic writing about literature.

Months of entry

October

Course content

Why Lancaster?

• Develop your own critical voice with support from widely published scholars and critics, including our Distinguished Visiting Professor of Poetry, Paul Muldoon
• Get involved with our four student-run literary journals: Cake, Lux, Flash, and Errant
• Be inspired by our rich programme of literary events on campus, online, and in the city’s historic Castle Quarter
• Study close to the beautiful Lake District, home of the Romantic poets, and inspiration for many writers since
• Develop a host of professional skills from within literary study such as researching, persuading and presenting

Literary study at Lancaster offers creative engagement with the very best of literature, from the medieval period to the present day. You can explore a range of texts from ancient myths and Renaissance sermons, through to nineteenth-century slave narratives, graphic novels, and video games.

Freedom to shape your study

Our flexible programme allows you to curate your study according to your interests. From William Shakespeare to Sally Rooney, you can carve your own pathway through the history of English Literature and create your own degree programme.

You can explore everything from poetry and novels to film and philosophy -- as well as produce your own works of critical-creative literature. Because of our commitment to innovative literary studies, you'll also explore important new debates in the field such as neoliberalism, decolonisation, and disability studies.

Supportive community

You’ll be taught in weekly small group seminars and have regular one-to-one sessions with your dissertation supervisor. We also encourage you to meet in person with all your tutors to discuss your work. You’ll have an academic advisor who you meet twice a term to review your progress.

You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of modules including Romance and Realism, Postcolonial Women’s Writing, and the Neoliberal Novel. You’ll also get the chance to take part in an academic conference here at Lancaster. Finally, every student will write their own dissertation on a literary subject of their choice, with the help of a supervisor.

Careers

You’ll have many opportunities to enhance your employability and create the connections you need to get a head start in your career.

You can get involved with our student-run magazines, and will also benefit from our rich programme of guest lectures and open seminars on campus and in the University Suite at Lancaster’s spectacular medieval Castle.

By the time you finish this course you will have an advanced understanding of literary and critical forms. From advertising to professional services, your skills will be sought after across many different sectors.

Graduates of this course go on to careers in areas such as :

• Publishing
• Journalism
• Writing
• Television and the media
• Teaching
• Librarianship

You may choose to continue your studies at PhD level to deepen your knowledge, and progress to an academic career. Graduates of this course have gone on to become academic researchers and teachers at universities throughout the world.

Information for international students

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 7.0, and a minimum of 6.5 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.

Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk

Fees and funding

Learn more at our fees and funding page.