English Literature (MA)
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: Part time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Offering a range of approaches and subjects from the medieval to the contemporary, together with the opportunity to specialise in a particular area, this programme engages creatively with the key cultural, theoretical, historical and political contexts informing the latest literary research.
Our eclectic and rewarding MA English Literature programme is designed to enable you to explore your true passions.
You have the freedom to assemble a programme tailored to your personal and professional interests, drawn from one of five engaging Research Pathways. Choosing Medieval and Early Modern, Romantic and Victorian, Modern and Contemporary, Gender and Sexuality, or Critical and Cultural Theory, you’ll find a diverse and exciting range of research-led modules to explore.
Our academics teach across the whole chronological span of English Literature, from Middle English to literature of the twenty-first century, sharing their latest research in our varied module portfolio. Drawing connections between literature, popular culture and theory, topics range from fan fiction to contemporary women’s writing, from romance to travel, and from poststructuralist and postcolonial ways of reading to theories of gender and queer studies.
While immersing yourself in your chosen field, you will also develop advanced skills in the latest research methods, critical theory and scholarly writing, as well as your ability to communicate research to a variety of audiences. Topics range from writing at Master’s level to developing research proposals and preparing for interviews, to name but a few.
Each pathway is complemented by a research seminar series, featuring national and international speakers, plus reading groups and conferences. You are encouraged to take advantage of the world-class Special Collections and Archives on our doorstep, housed in the University’s neighbouring Arts and Social Sciences library.
A highlight remains our MA conference, enabling you to present short papers and exchange ideas in a supportive environment.
English Literature at Cardiff is ranked in the world top 100 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020).
Distinctive features
- A wide-ranging programme of research-led modules taught by specialists in the field
- A series of dedicated research pathways, including Medieval and Renaissance Studies; Romantic and Victorian Studies; Modern and Contemporary Literature; Gender and Sexuality Studies; Cultural and Critical Theory
- Access to skills training and various research activities
- The freedom to assemble a programme of study tailored to personal and professional interests
- High-level training in the latest research methods, critical theory and scholarly writing and presentation skills in a non-assessed core module
- Popular two-day residential conference and workshop at Gregynog Hall, where you will present short 15-minute papers in a supportive and lively atmosphere
- One-day symposium dedicated to increasing your employability skills
- Opportunities to take part in a series of dynamic research seminar series
- Access to specialist library collections
Where you'll study
School of English, Communication and Philosophy
Powered by pioneering research, we celebrate curiosity, engage in informed debate and critical analysis, and encourage creative thinking - across and beyond our disciplines.
Admissions criteria
A 1st or upper 2nd class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a related discipline is usually required.
Early application is strongly advised, normally well before the end of June. Later applications will be considered, but international students must bear in mind the time needed to obtain a visa.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
Our flexible structure allows you to assemble programmes of study tailored to your personal and professional interests. You can opt for the open pathway, or choose one of our specialist pathways: Medieval and Renaissance; Romantic and Victorian Studies; Modern and Contemporary Literature; Gender and Sexuality Studies; Cultural and Critical Theory, which groups together groups of taught modules with related research activities and skills training available in the School. As a part-time student, you will take one module per semester.
The degree is structured in two parts.
Part one
You choose four modules from a range of specialist options. You take one module per semester.
All teaching is by seminars and workshops structured around student participation, featuring opportunities to present your work. Each module consists of a two-hour seminar per week and is assessed by a 4,000-word essay (or equivalent).
In addition to the taught modules, you will attend weekly workshops on research methods and scholarly presentation.
Part two
You will undertake a dissertation of 16,000-20,000 words on a subject of your choice, developed in consultation with a supervisor in the field.
You will start your dissertation in May of your second year for submission the following January.
Our flexible structure allows you to assemble programmes of study tailored to your personal and professional interests. You can opt for the open pathway, or choose one of our specialist pathways.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2021/22 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2021.
Year one
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Myth of King Arthur in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries | SET209 | 30 credits |
| Heroes and Villains from Chaucer to Shakespeare | SET248 | 30 credits |
| Spectral Femininities | SET249 | 30 credits |
| Learning to Lead in Shakespeare | SET273 | 30 credits |
| Foundations in Theory | SET279 | 30 credits |
| Narrative and Nation: Politics, Gender and History, 1780-1830 | SET281 | 30 credits |
| Wandering, Retreat and Exile: the Romantic Imagination and Place | SET282 | 30 credits |
| Against the Law: Writing and Reading Male Homosexuality in Post-War England | SET285 | 30 credits |
| Writers Vs Critics Vs Fans | SET293 | 30 credits |
| Ecotheories | SET614 | 30 credits |
Year two
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English Literature MA Dissertation | SET230 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Myth of King Arthur in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries | SET209 | 30 credits |
| Heroes and Villains from Chaucer to Shakespeare | SET248 | 30 credits |
| Spectral Femininities | SET249 | 30 credits |
| Learning to Lead in Shakespeare | SET273 | 30 credits |
| Foundations in Theory | SET279 | 30 credits |
| Narrative and Nation: Politics, Gender and History, 1780-1830 | SET281 | 30 credits |
| Wandering, Retreat and Exile: the Romantic Imagination and Place | SET282 | 30 credits |
| Against the Law: Writing and Reading Male Homosexuality in Post-War England | SET285 | 30 credits |
| Writers Vs Critics Vs Fans | SET293 | 30 credits |
| Ecotheories | SET614 | 30 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Teaching is delivered in seminar groups for all modules. The teaching for each module is text-based and revolves around the exploration of concepts and ideas from range of literary, historical, and theoretical perspectives within the broad field of English Literature.
The learning activities vary from module to module as appropriate, but will include such as activities as interactive discussions of prepared texts/topics and, in some cases, student-led presentations.
Encouraged to explore our excellent library resources, you are expected to undertake preparation including wide-ranging reading to enable full participation.
How will I be assessed?
Each module on Part One is assessed by a 4,000-word essay or equivalent (which can include up to 10% of the module being assessed by oral presentation).
Part Two is examined by a 16,000-20,000-word dissertation.
How will I be supported?
You are encouraged to discuss your ideas with module tutors both in seminars and on a one-to-one basis in office hours and in consultation with allocated personal tutors.
The second part of the MA is examined by dissertation, for which you receive individual one-to-one supervision.
Feedback
Discussion of essay plans and dissertation proposals is offered throughout the programme, and written feedback is provided on both formative and summative assessments.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Knowledge and understanding
- Fundamental grounding in a number of discrete research areas and the critical debate surrounding them.
- Fundamental grounding in research and bibliographic methods.
- Awareness of the historical and cultural contexts of literary texts.
Intellectual skills
- Ability to identify, gather and evaluate a wide range of materials appropriate to the topic.
- Analyse and interpret material drawn from a diversity of sources.
- Demonstrate and exercise independence of thought and ideas.
- Ability to reason in a critically sustained manner.
- Ability to plan and execute an individual research topic.
Subject-specific (writing) skills
- Ability to apply techniques of close analysis to both historical and literary texts.
- Ability to challenge, review or question received ideas about the meanings of historical and/or literary texts.
- Ability to demonstrate a good knowledge of academic systems of the presentation of arguments.
- Ability to sustain a critical argument that engages with the nuances of a literary text.
- Ability to write at a level appropriate to research work.
- Preparation for advanced academic study.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £4,100 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
EU, EEA and Swiss nationals starting in 2020/21 will pay the same tuition fee as UK students for the duration of their course.
If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss national, unless you qualify for UK fee status, tuition fees for 2021/22 will be in line with the fees charged for international students. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
| Tuition fee (2021/22) | Deposit |
|---|---|
| £9,100 | £1,000 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Career prospects
Postgraduate study is a gateway to many careers within and beyond academia.
Many of our alumni enter (or return to) various professions including academia, primary and secondary education, journalism, publishing, archival and library work, the Civil Service, arts administration and the creative industries.
In addition to taught modules and academic workshops, we also offer dedicated sessions to increase your transferable skills and employability prospects. We also encourage all students on the programme to work closely with the University’s Careers and Employability office.
Funding
Next steps
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