English Literature

Deepen your love of literature and learn how to analyse a range of texts with our English Literature MA. Explore a range of literary periods or specialise on one of our pathways.

You'll turn your passion for reading into transferable critical thinking skills. On the MA you'll conduct rigorous research and analyse literature, developing your own interpretations - perfect for preparing for a PhD or a wide range of careers.

Our English Literature MA explores many literary and cultural texts across key literary periods. You'll discover new ways to approach literature by considering different theories, methods and the key intellectual debates surrounding literary movements.

- You can focus in-depth on the area of English Literature you're passionate about with our pathway options. Our current pathways are: Medieval Literature; Long Nineteenth-Century Literature; Modern and Contemporary Literature; and Popular Literature and Culture. Alternatively, you can pick modules from across these literary periods. Either way, you’d need to apply to MA English Literature and if you'd like to specialise, you'll choose the pathway when you begin the course. All students who complete the course will graduate with an MA in English Literature and your degree certificate won't refer to the pathway you choose.

- Live in a city that shares your love of literature - contribute to our student newspaper, enjoy talks from high profile authors like Michael Rosen, and attend city-wide literary festivals.

- Join postgraduate-run literary reading groups or attend talks and conferences led by academic staff in the department.

- The University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 30 for English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings 2024).