English Literature

University of Birmingham
Postgraduate MA Full-time 1 Year English literature and creative writingEnglish language

About this course

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).

    • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Part-time

    Duration: 2 Years

    Qualification: MA

    Location: Birmingham

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 1 Year

    Qualification: MA

    Location: Birmingham

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    3412 Authors, writers and translators
    4135 Library clerks and assistants
    2471 Librarians
    2115 Social and humanities scientists
    2492 Newspaper and periodical broadcast journalists and reporters
    2491 Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors

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    Course Details

    Qualification
    MA
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    1 Year
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Birmingham
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    English literature and creative writing, English language

    Offered by

    University of Birmingham

    Birmingham

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