English Literature MA

University of Leicester

On our English Literature MA, you’ll explore the rich variety of writing in English from the Middle Ages to the present day, and – if you choose – develop a specialism in a particular period. Our programme allows you to work in-depth on medieval and Renaissance material, or on Victorian literature, or on contemporary literature, and to encounter authors from around the world. Led by internationally recognised and world-leading experts, you’ll examine the cultural and historical factors that have shaped and continue to shape literature. You’ll build your academic knowledge and professional skills, culminating in a dissertation project of your own devising. In the process, you’ll receive training in research, communication and analysis crucial for a variety of careers. The programme begins with two core modules designed to hone your skills and practise them on a range of literary works at an advanced level. At Leicester, interdisciplinary investigation is vital to our research. You’ll have the chance to find this out for yourself with your first choice of option. You can choose to study either boundary-crossing literature, creative writing, or film. From this point, your module choices allow you develop a specialism in a particular period, or mix-and-match to explore a range of topics that intrigue you. You will also take an Advanced Research Methods course to prepare you for your dissertation, and to develop your abilities writing and presenting to academic and non-academic audiences. Finally, you’ll complete a dissertation with one-on-one support from an academic specialising in your chosen subject. The dissertation provides an excellent grounding in research if you're thinking of continuing to doctoral level, while simultaneously delivering evidence of a wide range of skills that are highly valued by employers.

School of English