Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Literature

The MSc in Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Literature at the University of Southampton offers a comprehensive exploration of modern and contemporary literary texts, themes, and critical debates. Designed for students with a passion for recent and current literature, this programme provides an in-depth understanding of the cultural, political, and social contexts that have shaped literary production from the 20th century to the present day. Participants will engage with a diverse range of texts, including novels, poetry, drama, and essays, by renowned authors and emerging voices from around the globe. The curriculum encourages critical analysis of literary forms and innovations, emphasizing postmodernism, postcolonialism, gender studies, and digital cultures. Students will have the opportunity to develop advanced research skills through specialized modules, seminars, and independent study, culminating in a dissertation that allows them to explore a chosen area of interest in detail. The programme fosters a vibrant academic environment where students can collaborate with leading scholars in the field, attend guest lectures, and participate in literary festivals and events organized by the university. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, cultural management, and other fields that value critical thinking and literary expertise. With access to the university's extensive library resources and digital archives, students will be able to conduct thorough research and contribute original insights to the ongoing discourse on modern literature. The MSc in Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Literature is ideal for individuals eager to deepen their understanding of contemporary literary landscapes and to hone their analytical, writing, and research skills in a stimulating academic setting.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14660 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Years one and two

The MLang Spanish and Portuguese in years one and two is broadly the same as the corresponding undergraduate programme but in your second year you are also required to take a module entitled “Languages for Academic Study" which is designed to prepare you for studies at the partner university during the year abroad.

Year three - the year abroad

You will select from a range of relevant modules at the partner university and you will take an assessed language module for each language as well as taking two other online modules from Southampton (research skills and one language related content module). Students studying two languages are strongly advised to take up a three month work or study placement in a second country either prior to or following the year abroad. Modules taken at the partner university and online modules from Southampton will all contribute to the final degree classification and marks awarded by the partner university will be translated in accordance with Humanities guidelines.

Preparation and support

You will be carefully prepared both for the year abroad and for higher levels of study. We have well established procedures for supporting you as you prepare for the year abroad and you will receive risk assessment training and will be assigned an academic advisor who will support you in your studies both at Southampton and abroad.

Year 4 - the Masters year

In your final year back in Southampton you will choose modules from Modern Languages Masters programmes and will complete research in an area related to your programme in which you have developed an interest. This will be supervised by a member of academic staff with the relevant research interest. You will write your Masters dissertation in the summer at the end of your fourth year. As an MLang student you are expected to participate in the Humanities research community through Graduate School events and ML research seminars.

Requirements

A Levels:

AAA from 3 A levels including A in French General Studies is not accepted.

IB:

36 points with 18 at the Higher Level, including 6 at higher level in French

Selection process:

Intake: 150 Average applicants per place: 8

UCAS application and one-to-one interview

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Southampton.

Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Literature at the University of Southampton offers students the opportunity to explore a diverse range of literary works from the 1900s to the present day. The programme focuses on the historical, cultural, and aesthetic developments that have shaped modern literature, including modernist movements, contemporary prose, poetry, and experimental writing. Students engage with critical theories and methodologies to analyze texts, fostering a deep understanding of the evolving literary landscape.

The course includes modules that cover iconic authors and movements such as modernism, postmodernism, postcolonial literature, and recent trends in digital and multimedia storytelling. This comprehensive approach equips students with analytical and interpretive skills, preparing them for careers in publishing, academia, media, and other sectors requiring critical literacy. The curriculum emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to consider diverse voices and narratives in the study of modern and contemporary literature.

Teaching methods involve lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, with opportunities for students to develop their own literary projects. The programme may incorporate visits to literary festivals, guest lectures by renowned writers, and collaborative research projects. Assessment strategies typically include essays, presentations, involving critical analysis and original thought.

The department boasts a vibrant academic community, with staff who are published scholars in their fields, providing mentorship and support for students' academic and professional development. The university's facilities include extensive resources such as specialized libraries, digital collections, and access to literary archives, enhancing research capabilities.

Career prospects for graduates of this programme are broad, including roles in publishing houses, media companies, arts administration, education, and further academic research. The programme also aims to foster transferable skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural awareness that are valuable across many industries.

Overall, Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Literature at Southampton is designed to cultivate a nuanced understanding of recent literary developments while encouraging innovative thinking and scholarly inquiry, equipping students to critically engage with the cultural narratives shaping our contemporary world.