Research course

English by Research

Institution
University of South Wales · Faculty of Business and Society
Qualifications
MA by research

Entry requirements

A good Honours degree in English or English related subjects (2:1 or above). Non-standard qualifications and experiential learning will also be taken into account.

All applications must include two references on headed paper from your referees which should be uploaded as a supporting document. Please note, we cannot accept applications without these two references. At least one referee should be able to comment on your academic/professional ability. References provided by relatives are not acceptable.

All applicants for research degrees must submit an online application accompanied by a research proposal which will be considered by the Faculty Research Programmes Committee (FRPC).

Months of entry

January, April, October

Course content

The MA English by Research is your opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of your choice from the field of modern literary studies, relative to an area of staff expertise.

This piece of original research will usually be based on close study of the primary texts as well as engagement with critical, contextual and theoretical material as appropriate.

You will conduct your research under the close supervision of a member of staff.

Your research topic will be decided in consultation with a member of the English team. An individual supervisor will be assigned during the application and interview process and you will then work closely with them.

Dissertation supervision for the MA English by Research is available in the following broad areas:

  • 19th Century Literature
  • 20th Century and Contemporary Literature
  • Women’s Writing
  • Feminist Theory
  • Welsh Writing in English
  • Welsh Women’s Writing
  • Gothic Studies
  • Religious Poetry
  • Postcolonial literatures
  • Historical fictions

For more details of staff expertise see the English Research pages.

Once a research area has been identified and a research programme agreed, you can begin researching and writing your dissertation. You will determine its content, development and structure in regular consultation with your dissertation supervisor. You will produce a dissertation 25,000 words in length.

The MA English by Research is assessed by a dissertation and a viva voce (oral examination). The dissertation should be 25,000 words in length.

The MA by research is an excellent qualification for further postgraduate study at MPhil or PhD level. Alternatively graduates will have developed the research skills needed for a range of careers in the arts, media, industry and public or private sectors, including teaching, public administration and publishing.

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.

Information for international students

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to have an IELTS score of 8.0.

Fees and funding

UK students
https://www.southwales.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate-fees-and-funding/
International students
https://www.southwales.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships/

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA by research
    part time
    36 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    18 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Grad School
Email
gradschool@southwales.ac.uk