English Literature

Our MA in English Literature is designed for students who have already studied the subject at undergraduate level and who wish to:

• deepen their knowledge of English literature;
• improve their powers of literary analysis; and
• strengthen their skills in academic research and writing through study and analysis of both literary and non-literary writing taken from a broad selection of historical periods and literary traditions.

What will you study?

All students will study conceptual approaches to literature and advanced research skills in core modules, as well as writing a 15,000-word dissertation on an area of English literature of your choosing under specialist supervision.

Areas of staff expertise include early modern literature, 18th century literature, Victorian literature, contemporary literature, life writing, literature and empire, suburban studies, gender studies and representations of Islam.

Core modules

• Advanced Postgraduate Study Skills
• English Literature Dissertation

Optional modules

• Critical and Cultural Theory: Identity and Representation
• Cultural Histories
• Empire and its Aftermath
• Gender and Sexuality
• Life Writing
• Location and Literature
• Shakespeare
• Special Study: American Dreaming: Suburbia, Literature and Culture
• Special Study: Bruce Springsteen and Contemporary American Culture
• Special Study: Gender without Borders
• Special Study: Iris Murdoch and the Novel of Ideas
• Special Study: Jane Austen
• Special Study: Monsters: Theory, Fiction, Culture
• Special Study: Other Victorians: Sex, Crime and Empire
• Special Study: Writing and Environment

What you need to apply for this courseWe normally expect applicants to have a good second-class degree in English literature or a related subject. We will consider non-standard entrants on an individual basis.You must also submit a 3,000-word piece of critical writing on a literary topic or work, a personal statement (1,000 words), plus two academic references.InterviewsWe normally invite applicants for an interview with the course director or another senior member of the teaching team. International students based overseas can arrange for an interview by email or telephone.Prior learning Applicants with prior qualifications and learning will be considered on an individual basis. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Discount for Kingston University alumniAll alumni of Kingston University, who have been awarded a bachelors degree are entitled to a 10% discount on their tuition fees.The alumni discount of 10% applies to home, EU and overseas fee payers.Humanities bursariesBursaries are available from the School of Humanities for students working on the Kingston University Press (KUP), Ripple magazine or other related activities (find out more and apply after you have enrolled).Annual Fund postgraduate scholarshipsThe Development Office offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for UK and EU students.They are available for all courses (except teacher training/PGCE courses) and will pay 50% of the fees (up to £3,000 for the 2013/14 academic year) for a one-year full-time or two year part-time masters programme.International scholarshipsThe International Office offers awards totalling £200,000 every year, with each international scholarship worth £3,500. These are open to prospective full-time postgraduates in any subject area on a one-year taught masters degree based at Kingston University.You might also be eligible for an international loyalty bursary if you are an overseas Kingston University alumnus or have a family connection with the University.