English Literary Studies (Twentieth Century and Contemporary)

Explore 20th century and contemporary English literature with a master’s degree at the University of Southampton. Our course gives you the chance to specialise in contemporary culture and history, covering topics such as science and climate change, politics and globalisation, the relationship between literary and visual cultures, sexuality, gender, race and disability. On completion of the course, you’ll be ready for a career in teaching, publishing, librarianship or cultural heritage.

You’ll get the chance to carry out advanced-level research and independent critical thinking, and to make effective use of archives, manuscripts, and research libraries. This pathway is linked to the Southampton Centre for Modern and Contemporary Writing. This group brings together academics, writers and research students with interests in the relations between writing and contemporary culture. The centre also hosts events including guest lectures, seminars and research study days.