Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject (translation, business english, english education).

You will also need to provide a sample of written work for assessment. The sample should be approximately 2,500 words in length.

Months of entry

September

Course content

About this course

This master's degree is a specialised pathway within the MA English Literary Studies program, offering an in-depth focus on Postcolonial and World Literary Culture. The course explores the global context of literature and critical issues stemming from historical power dynamics. Key topics covered include:

• Legacies of colonialism and imperialism.

• The aftermath of decolonisation.

• The relationship between gender and nationalism.

• Fault lines in postcolonial national narratives.

The program is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation, and theoretical methods in a global context. We're ranked 6th for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).

Key Features and Distinctiveness

• Specialised Focus: This pathway allows for dedicated engagement with postcolonial theory and world literatures, distinguishing it from the general MA.

• Research Centre Link: The course is linked to the Southampton Centre for Imperial and Postcolonial Studies, which brings together academics, writers, and students to explore the practices, experiences, and legacies of imperial power globally, from the early-modern period to the present.

• Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an extended piece of independent scholarly research on a relevant literary topic of your choosing.

Your Future Career

The course develops highly sought-after skills—such as advanced research, critical thinking, communication, and archival usage—that are vital for careers that require cultural and global awareness. Graduates are prepared for roles in:

• Teaching and Academia (including progression to PhD research).

• Publishing and Editorial Roles.

• Museums and Galleries

• Librarianship

• Cultural Heritage

Further Information

• Course Duration: Available as a full-time (one-year) master's or a part-time option over two or more years.

• Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus.

• Related Pathways: Other specialist pathways within the MA English Literary Studies degree include the Eighteenth Century, Nineteenth Century, and Twentieth Century and Contemporary.

Information for international students

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English ability by meeting our Band D requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing and 6.0 in speaking and listening. For information on other accepted English language tests, please see our website.

Fees and funding

A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MA
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
part time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk

Phone: +44(0)23 8059 5000

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English Literary Studies (Postcolonial and World Literatures)