English Issues in Modern Culture

Overview of the English Issues in Modern Culture MA Program at University College London

The English Issues in Modern Culture MA program at University College London offers students a comprehensive exploration of contemporary cultural phenomena through the lens of English literature, media, and societal developments. This program is designed for individuals interested in critically analyzing the dynamic interplay between language, identity, politics, and culture in modern society. Over the course of their studies, students engage with a wide array of topics including postcolonial narratives, digital media transformations, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, nationalism, and the influence of globalization on cultural identities. The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical frameworks with practical analyses, encouraging students to develop their own research projects and contribute original insights to ongoing cultural debates.

Delivered by leading experts in the field of cultural studies, the program incorporates diverse teaching methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate contemporary texts, visual materials, and media representations to better understand how culture shapes and reflects social change. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on history, philosophy, media studies, and literary theory to provide a multifaceted perspective on modern cultural issues.

The MA in English Issues in Modern Culture prepares graduates for a variety of career paths, including academia, journalism, publishing, cultural policy, and international organizations. It fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and an in-depth understanding of the complex cultural currents that define modern life. With access to UCL’s extensive resources and a vibrant academic community, students will develop a nuanced perspective on the ongoing cultural shifts shaping the contemporary world. This program offers an intellectually stimulating environment for those eager to engage with the key questions and themes that define modern culture through the language and perspectives of English studies.

The core module develops a close reading of works by writers of the period, while the optional modules offer the opportunity to analyse some of the technologies, media, philosophical perspectives and art forms whose development during the 20th century has made itself felt in modernist and postmodernist writing.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of one core module (60 credits), three optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core module

• Authors (including Gustave Flaubert, D.H. Lawrence; T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Ralph Ellison, Alfred Hitchcock, Slyvia Plath, Toni Morrison, Alan Hollinghurst, David Foster Wallace). Please see UCL English website for more.

Optional modules

• The majority of students elect to take Contexts, which explores the relationship between modern culture and the city from the 1860s to the present day, and may include the following topics:
• The Body and Technology
• Catastrophe and the City
• Psychogeography
• Class and the City
• The Harlem Renaissance
• Hollywood Fiction
• Queer Fictions and the City
• Students then take further optional modules. Options available change every year, but in recent years have included:
• Contemporary Poetry
• American Counter-Culture
• 21st Century Fiction
• Modernism, Sex and Redemption
• Afrofuturism
• Inventions of Cinema
• Marxist Aesthetics in the 20th Century
• Cultures of Chance: Accident, Error, and Catastrophe in post-1945 Literature and Culture
• Global Anglophone Literature

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

Each course is taught through a weekly seminar. Assessment is through take-home written examination, essays and the research dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard will normally be required. This is a competitive MA, however, and the majority of our successful applicants either have, or are predicted to gain, a first class undergraduate degree (or overseas equivalent).

The University College London offers various financing options for students enrolled in the English Issues in Modern Culture program. Tuition fees for domestic and international students are subject to change annually and can vary depending on the length of the program and specific circumstances. UCL provides a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages to support students financially. These include merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students, need-based bursaries for those demonstrating financial need, and subject-specific awards. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government grants, national loans, and private scholarships applicable in their home country or internationally.

UCL also offers payment plans to help students manage tuition fee payments over the duration of their studies. Students can usually pay in installments, which eases the financial burden and provides flexibility. For international students, additional costs may include visa application fees, health insurance, travel expenses, and accommodation costs. UCL provides guidance and support services to assist students in understanding and securing appropriate funding resources.

Students are advised to start their funding applications early, as many scholarships and bursaries have strict deadlines. In addition, the university maintains a financial advisory service that offers one-on-one consultations, helping students develop personalized financial plans. The program does not include specific information about specialized financing studies dedicated solely to the English Issues in Modern Culture curriculum. Therefore, students are recommended to consult the UCL financial aid office or the university’s official website for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding tuition, funding opportunities, and other related costs associated with this program.

The undergraduate program in English Issues in Modern Culture at University College London offers students an in-depth exploration of contemporary issues related to English language, literature, and cultural studies. The program is designed to examine the evolution of modern culture through a multifaceted lens, including the analysis of texts, media, and cultural phenomena. Students engage with theoretical concepts rooted in literary studies, media studies, and cultural theory, which enables them to critically analyze how language and culture intersect in the modern world. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics such as identity, nationalism, globalization, digital culture, pop culture, and the socio-political implications of language use. Through seminars, lectures, and independent research, students develop their analytical skills, critical thinking, and ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to integrate perspectives from history, sociology, philosophy, and media studies. Assessment methods typically include essays, presentations, and research projects, aimed at fostering both academic and practical skills applicable in various future careers. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in media, publishing, education, arts and culture management, and further postgraduate study. The program benefits from UCL’s excellent research environment, access to extensive academic resources, and collaborations with cultural institutions in London, providing students with enriched learning experiences. Overall, this program offers an engaging and rigorous academic pathway for those interested in exploring the complexities of modern cultural issues through the lens of the English language and literature.