English Literature

Advertisement

Buckinghams Masters Degree by Research in English Literature, which is designed for full or part-time study, appeals to a number of different groups.

School teachers, often numbed by the repetitive demands of set books, can seize the opportunity to revitalise their love of English literature by researching into an author or area of their own choosing. Those who have some leisure time to devote to study may be attracted by a programme in which they can explore in depth their own literary interests. Students who have graduated successfully from an undergraduate programme at Buckingham or elsewhere may find this an ideal way to hone their research and analytical skills. Graduates from overseas can study English literature in its homeland, benefiting from being part of a supportive and close-knit academic community.

Those who wish to continue their research may study for a further year (MPhil) or two years (DPhil), or for the part-time equivalent.

The University has a four-term year. The MA programme normally runs from September to August, though other start times may be possible. In the first term there are core seminars on research methodology; there are then two seminars in each of the subsequent three terms on a range of literary topics, led by Buckingham academics and eminent guest lecturers. These seminars, held in the early evening, are not only of interest and value in themselves, but also allow students to meet together and benefit from each others experiences.

At the heart of the MA is the close working relationship between candidate and supervisor. While the final thesis must be the candidates independent work, it is the supervisor who offers advice on refining the topic (if necessary), on primary sources, on secondary reading, on research techniques and on writing the final thesis. Supervisors and candidates meet frequently throughout the year, and not less than twice a term; and the supervisor is always the candidates primary contact for academic advice and support.

Those with limited time may prefer to spread the writing of their dissertation over two years, in which case an individual timetable of lectures and supervisions will be arranged.

Research Options
The Buckingham MA does not aim to offer systematic instruction in English Literature, nor does it require written examinations on broad areas of the subject; instead, the emphasis is on independent research. During the programme, students complete, under supervision, a 30,000 40,000 word research dissertation on a suitable subject in English literature from 1550 to the present day. The English Department has particular expertise in nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature, but proposals for research in other areas will be considered.

* First or Second class undergraduate degree English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) 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.

Bursaries and scholarships can be a great way of financing your studies, and enabling you to achieve your potential. If you win a scholarship, you receive a discount on your fees and, most important, a scholarship on your CV will make you stand out to future employers.

How many bursaries and scholarships are available?
A number of scholarships and bursaries are awarded annually by the University which vary from partial fee to full-fee awards. These are thanks to the donations received from supporters of the University, including the Audrey Osborn Trust, The Headley Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Brunner Family Trust, RM & D Gregory, Eranda Foundation and John Desborough Memorial Bequest.

Applications are now closed for July and September 2012 applicants. We will be considering January and April 2013 applicants from Monday 17 September, the deadline for submission will be Friday 2 November.

The following Scholarships have specific entry criteria and / or deadlines:

* Sir Ray Tindle Scholarships
* The Paul E H Davis Awards Deadline for applications: 31 October 2012 for Exhibitions & flexible for Research Scholarship.

Entry requirements & procedure
It is the Universitys policy to ensure that bursaries and scholarships are awarded to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from a University education. In the case of some scholarships, at the request of the donor, academic merit will also be taken into consideration.

All awards are subject to your meeting the Universitys academic entry requirements and abiding by the rules and regulations. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you will need to have been offered a place to study at Buckingham. In the case of UCAS applications, if you are made an award you will need to select Buckingham as your firm acceptance choice.

Please note: these awards are made to new students only, current students are not eligible to apply.