European, Latin American and Comparative Literatures and Cultures by thesis

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a good UK II.i honours degree (or equivalent) in Modern European Language/Culture, with other humanities degrees also considered. In addition to this, applicants should be able to demonstrate an advanced level of familiarity with relevant research methods and topics within their field and readiness for advanced independent research and writing. They would ordinarily demonstrate their readiness to write the MPhil thesis by showing that they have written long independent research essays as part of their undergraduate work (i.e., a final-year 'optional dissertation' or 'senior thesis' of 10,000 words or more). Students who have not undertaken such projects in the past are advised to apply instead to the 'by Advanced Study' version of the ELAC MPhil.

All shortlisted 'by thesis' applicants will be interviewed. If an applicant is found to be unsuitable, it is a possibility that we may offer a place on the MPhil 'by Advanced Study' instead.

Months of entry

October

Course content

The MPhil in European, Latin American, and Comparative Literatures and Cultures (ELAC) provides students with the critical and theoretical tools to enable them to undertake an in-depth study of specific aspects of European literatures and cultures and/or Latin American and Francophone contexts. The core course introduces students to a broad range of critical theory concepts and methods of textual analysis (and, if relevant, paleography). The course as a whole allows for in-depth study of specific cultures and contexts, and includes the writing of a thesis based on original research.

The MPhil in European, Latin American and Comparative Literatures and Cultures (ELAC) by Thesis is for students whose already have a substantial level of familiarity with the study of literary texts or other material in the relevant culture, and who already know the area they wish to research for their thesis. To be eligible for consideration for the 'By Thesis' MPhil, a student will need (a) an appropriate level of linguistic and/or cultural expertise and (b) a clear idea of the area in which the thesis will be written.

The full-time course runs from October to June, with a submission date of early June.

It is also possible to take a part-time route, in which the expected timeframe is 21 months, with a thesis submission date of early June in the second academic year of the degree.

The main aims of the course are:

to develop and test the ability to carry out a substantial advanced project of independent research in an area of literary, cultural or film and screen studies falling under ELAC, presented in the form of a 30,000-word thesis; and

to develop and test the ability to make a significant contribution to learning via dedicated Masters-level research that reflects the course length.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme students will have:

developed knowledge of critical theory and methods of textual analysis (and, if relevant, paleography), and an ability to work with theory or specific critical approaches;

developed a deeper knowledge of one or more areas of European, Latin American and Comparative Literatures and Cultures and of the critical debates within the relevant area(s);

developed more advanced critical judgement and sensitivity to literary texts or other cultural material;

demonstrated advanced skills in the literary analysis (or the analysis of other cultural material);

developed intellectual and practical research skills; and

managed a sizeable research project, culminating in a 30,000 word thesis that will prepare students for longer research projects, especially the PhD.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 7.0

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.5

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 110

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).