The MPhil in English — 18th Century and Romantic Literature at the University of Cambridge offers a distinctive and comprehensive postgraduate study experience focused on the vibrant and transformative periods of the 18th and early 19th centuries. This programme is designed for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the literary, cultural, and historical contexts that shaped the works of prominent authors such as Samuel Johnson, William Wordsworth, Percy Shelley, Jane Austen, and many others. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide range of texts, exploring themes of revolution, imagination, political change, and evolving notions of identity that characterize this dynamic era of English literature.

The programme combines rigorous academic inquiry with critical analysis, encouraging students to develop their own research projects and contribute original insights to the field. Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, and tutorials led by leading experts in 18th and Romantic literature, providing an intensive and interactive learning environment. Students will also have access to the university’s extensive libraries and archives, enabling detailed primary research on a variety of texts, authorship, and literary movements.

This course offers a balanced approach to both the literary and historical aspects of the periods studied, fostering a nuanced understanding of how literature reflects and influences the political, philosophical, and societal changes of the time. Students are encouraged to examine visual arts, political philosophy, and other interdisciplinary areas, enriching their literary analysis and broadening their academic perspective.

Assessment methods include essays, presentations, and a dissertation, allowing students to demonstrate their analytical skills and original thinking. The programme prepares graduates for careers in academia, publishing, cultural institutions, or further research, providing a solid foundation in English literary history and critical theory. Whether you are aiming to pursue a doctoral research career or seeking to enhance your knowledge of a formative period of English literature, this programme offers an outstanding academic environment and expert guidance to support your intellectual development.

Feedback

In addition to supervision meetings each student should also receive a supervision report at the end of each term via the online Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System.

Assessment

Thesis

Submission of an 80,000 word dissertation and an examination, conducted orally, on the subject of the dissertation.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Sample of Work. This can be an extract from a dissertation or one or two long essays amounting to 5,000 -7,000 words
• Research Proposal. This should be 800-words long and include a simple, descriptive title. Please see the following website for more information and examples of previous, successful research proposals.
• Personal Reference

The financing studies of the English — 18th Century and Romantic Literature program at the University of Cambridge encompass a comprehensive overview of the financial structure, funding options, and support mechanisms available to both domestic and international students. The program's tuition fees are determined annually and vary depending on the student's nationality and the specific course components. Generally, for UK students, tuition fees are set within a standard range established by the university’s regulations, which are subject to adjustments each academic year. For international students, fees tend to be higher, reflecting the additional costs associated with overseas study arrangements.
The University of Cambridge offers a variety of funding opportunities to assist students in financing their studies. These include government-funded student loans, scholarships, grants, bursaries, and external sponsorships, some of which are specifically targeted at students pursuing humanities and literature at postgraduate levels. For UK residents, the government’s Student Finance England or similar agencies provide loans that cover tuition fees and living expenses, alleviating financial burdens during the course duration. International students are encouraged to seek scholarships offered directly by the university or through external organizations, many of which honor academic excellence, financial need, or other criteria.
Additionally, the university provides a limited number of hardship funds and financial aid programs to support students facing unforeseen financial difficulties. Students are advised to explore early application processes for scholarships and bursaries, as these can significantly reduce overall costs and enhance access to academic resources. Work placement opportunities, assistantships, and part-time research positions are also available to eligible students, providing supplementary income and practical experience, which further contributes to their financial stability throughout the course.
The university emphasizes transparency in its tuition and funding policies, and prospective students are encouraged to consult official university resources and financial aid offices for detailed and updated information on costs, eligibility, application procedures, and deadlines. Overall, the financing of studies in this program is designed to be flexible, accessible, and supportive, ensuring that qualified candidates can pursue their academic interests without undue financial hardship.

The MPhil in English — 18th Century and Romantic Literature at the University of Cambridge offers students an in-depth study of a pivotal period in English literary history. This programme is designed for graduate students who wish to explore the rich literary output of the 18th century and the Romantic era, spanning from the early 1700s to the mid-1800s. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of texts, including poetry, prose, and drama, contextualized within the social, political, and philosophical currents of the time. The programme emphasizes critical analysis, historical understanding, and literary theory, preparing students for both academic research and careers in literary criticism, publishing, or education.

Students benefit from the University of Cambridge’s illustrious academic environment, with access to exceptional resources, including its extensive libraries, archives, and collections related to 18th and Romantic literature. The programme often involves seminars, lectures, and workshops led by leading scholars in the field, providing ample opportunities for discussion and original research. The dissertation component allows students to pursue a specialized topic of their choice, contributing to ongoing scholarly conversations. Collaborative projects, presentations, and possible attendance at conferences further enrich the learning experience.

The programme aims to develop advanced skills in textual analysis, historical contextualization, and critical writing. Graduates leave equipped with a thorough understanding of the cultural and literary developments of the 18th and Romantic periods, as well as the ability to conduct independent research. The university's reputation and network provide excellent prospects for further academic pursuits or careers in related fields. Overall, the MPhil in English — 18th Century and Romantic Literature is an ideal course for students passionate about the literature of this transformative era and seeking a rigorous academic pathway to deepen their knowledge and skills.