English Literature

Discover the incredible diversity of English literature throughout history and around the globe with this broad and varied Masters degree.

You’ll draw upon our School’s extensive research strengths across all literary periods (including Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, and modern), diverse cultures (including postcolonial and American), and interdisciplinary humanities (such as digital, environmental, and medical).

With access to a rich range of modules, you’ll be able to specialise in your particular field and make unexpected connections between disparate areas, such as Renaissance plays about race and identity, or the Victorian media revolution, Black British writing or the Brontës, psychoanalysis or postcolonialism.

This degree’s flexibility and wealth of module options connects you to internationally-renowned academics with expertise in many areas and specialisms, allowing you to gain a multifaceted perspective on your subject. The range of optional modules will allow you to tailor the degree to your own particular interests, while still encouraging you to explore literatures that you may not have known before coming to Leeds.

You’ll also have the freedom to pursue your personal interests through an independent research project on a topic of your choice. Throughout your studies, you’ll be encouraged to consider overarching issues relating to the study of English literature in all its forms.

Specialist resources

The University Library is one of the UK's major academic research libraries. It has extensive holdings to support your studies, including English Literature Collections that have been designated of national and international importance.

Our Special Collections also offer a huge range of rare books, manuscripts and art, covering topics as varied as poetry, feminism, vernacular culture, and the history of science.

The School of English is based in a characterful set of Victorian terraced buildings on the edge of campus, close to the Parkinson Building. Students are welcome to use its facilities for informal meetings, events, and personal study. In addition, the Workshop Theatre across the road is also part of the School, and regularly hosts poetry readings, drama performances and workshops, and academic conferences.