English Literature

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in English Literature or a related subject, and 60% or above in any dissertation/research component. In cases where an undergraduate transcript does not contain a research element such as a dissertation, we may ask applicants to provide an example of their academic writing that demonstrates capacity for independent research.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

Evidence of significant, relevant work experience:

Acceptable sectors:

• Creative Industries
• Journalism
• Teaching
• Curating
• Museums
• Publishing
• Editing

A relevant postgraduate qualification:

Acceptable Subjects:

• Classical Studies
• Comparative Literature
• English Literature
• Film
• History
• Humanities (Philosophy, Archaeology, Anthropology, Law, Politics, Theology)
• Modern Languages
• Music
• Theatre

Specific module requirements would still apply.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MA in English Literature aims to deepen your passion for literature while developing the rigorous specialist skills essential to postgraduate-level research. You will receive the help and support of the distinguished Department of English as we aim to provide a stimulating and challenging intellectual experience in a friendly environment.

The programme offers four pathways, which build on the core research strengths of the department:

• Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature
• Romantic and Victorian Literature
• 20th Century and Contemporary Literature
• Literature and the Environment.

If you wish to focus on a particular period you may follow a single pathway. Alternatively, if you want to broaden your engagement with English literature, you may decide to choose no single pathway, and combine optional units to suit your interests.

All students are taught the specialist skills required for postgraduate-level research and the practical skills that academic life demands. Everyone on the programme is invited to enter fully into the wider academic community of the department and the University.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences funding pages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.