About this program
English Literature MA
In a world of information overload and 'alternative facts', the ability to read between the lines is more valuable than ever. Studying English literature equips you with the skills to do this.
Our course will further your ability to analyse words and literary forms, deepening your knowledge of important literary periods, movements, authors and texts.
You'll benefit from the expertise of our literary-studies academics who are leaders in their fields. They'll inspire you to extend your understanding of literary theory, genre and literary history, introducing you to a variety of up-to-date approaches to literary study.
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Admission requirements
A minimum of a 2:1 UK honours degree in English Literature, History or Philosophy.
Alternative degree subjects can be considered by the faculty on a case-by-case basis. A sample of written work and/or interview may be requested.
We may be able to take relevant work experience into consideration if you don't meet these requirements. If you have at least one year of relevant experience in a full-time graduate-level role (or a minimum of two years' experience in a relevant graduate-level part-time role) please provide full details of your role and responsibilities in your personal statement and CV when you submit your application.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 7.0 in Writing and 6.0 in each other element.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
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Learn moreProgram content
- 21St-Century Literary Studies: Theories, Methodologies and Approaches
- Research and Writing Skills
- 21St Century Literature: Forms, Modes, Genres
- English Literature Dissertation
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for more information.
Tuition
Please visit the University website for more information about tuition fees.
Qualification
You'll be joining a course with a strong emphasis on contemporary, 21st-century literary forms and themes, and on literature and cultural production with an innovative, sometimes avant-garde dimension. The material you read (and possibly write) can therefore range from gaming narratives, screenplays, travel writing and experimental poetry to science fiction, children's literature, neohistorical fiction and queer ecology.
At the same time, there is ample scope to study other periods and more traditional, canonical texts, for example from the medieval era or from the Victorian period. The program also builds in plenty of flexibility (in its Open Writing modules, the dissertation and several other modules), giving you scope to home in on the topics and texts that most interest you. This means you can use the MA to lay down a good foundation for PhD study, or just to explore in depth a particular enthusiasm or fascination.
Career paths
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
The skills you develop on our course are a gateway to a wide range of careers in the creative industries, marketing, PR and professional writing.
Some of our graduates have gone on to start their careers in the following roles:
- Content writer
- Editor
- Publisher
- Journalist
- Teacher
- Technical writer.
Message the school
About this institute
University of Surrey
Welcome to the University of Surrey, a global community of more than 16,000 students from 140 countries. We’re based in the popular town of Guildford, just 35 minutes from central London by train. Our beautiful, green campus is home to...
Why study at University of Surrey
Expect more at Surrey, the University of the Year for Graduate Employment. Over 95 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study after graduating, putting us firmly in the UK top ten. This performance is a combination of talented and hard-working students and our commitment to helping you get the best work experience and career advice while you are here.
As well as the opportunity to take part in our work placement programme – rated as the best in the UK for four years in a row – across the campus you’ll find amazing simulation facilities: a fully operational pilot process plant, wind tunnels, flight simulators, a courtroom and a Clinical Simulation Centre, home to our Immersive Learning Environment that’ll transport you to the centre of clinical scenarios. These provide a safe, supervised environment to put your skills and knowledge to the test and build your professional readiness.
Contact info
University of Surrey
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