English Literature (Modern and Contemporary pathway), MA

Course content

You'll begin the programme with a core module that develops your knowledge of research methods and approaches in literary studies, helping you prepare for the rest of your studies.

At the same time you'll take the first of your three optional modules, allowing you to pursue topics that interest you in particular. You may focus entirely on modern and contemporary literature, or you can choose to take up to two from the full range of options across the School of English. You'll take two optional modules in Semester Two.

Throughout the year, you'll develop your high-level skills in research and analysis while developing specialist knowledge of your chosen topics. You'll expand on this in your dissertation or research project, where you'll research a topic of your choice in British or Irish modern and contemporary literature and submit your work by the end of the programme in September.

If you choose to study part-time, you'll take fewer modules in each year and study over a 24 month period.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Studying English: Research Methods 30 credits
• Research Project 60 credits

Optional modules

• Caribbean and Black British Writing 30 credits
• Reading (with) Psychoanalysis 30 credits
• The Enigmatic Body of Modernism 30 credits
• Global Indigeneity 30 credits
• Culture and Anarchy: 1945-1965 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read English Literature (Modern and Contemporary pathway) MA Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information on typical modules, read English Literature (Modern and Contemporary pathway) MA Part Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Most of our MA modules are taught in two-hour weekly seminars, where you'll discuss issues arising from your reading with a small group of students and your tutor. You'll also have the chance to expand your learning by making the most of the range of visiting speakers and research seminars that we run throughout the year. You'll also benefit from supervisions throughout semester 2 with your dissertation supervisor.

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods, but most of your modules will be assessed by a single 4,000 word essay, which you submit at the end of the semester. Your research project or dissertation is usually between 12,000 and 15,000 words. During the year you may also be expected to give presentations on your reading during seminars, or submit unassessed essays to get feedback on your work.

Applying, fees and funding

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in English literature or a related subject.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of English admissions team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in all components.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Arts and Humanities (6 weeks) and Language for Social Science and Arts: Arts and Humanities (10 weeks).

How to apply

Deadlines

We don't have a final deadline for MA Applications, and we'll consider your application right up until the start date of the programme. However, we encourage you to apply before the end of July if possible, to make arrangements such as securing funding, accommodation or visas. Modules will be allocated to offer holders in early August, so if you apply after that point you may have a more limited choice of modules.

• Apply (Full time)
• Apply (Part time)

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information you need

You'll need to upload the following documents when completing the online application form:

• A transcript of your completed BA degree or grades to date
• A personal statement of around 500 words outlining your reasons for applying to the programme and your suitability to the programme
• A recent sample of your academic work of around 2,000 words on a topic relevant to the programme
• We do not generally request references, unless further information is required to support the assessment of your application
• If English is not your first language, you'll need to submit proof of your English language results (e.g. IELTS)

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Fees

UK/EU: £7,250 (total)

International: £17,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

The School of English also offers a range of scholarships for taught postgraduate study. Find out more on our Scholarships page.

Career opportunities

This programme will equip you with a wide range of advanced transferable skills which are valuable in a wide range of careers.

You'll be a confident researcher who can work independently as well as within a team. You'll be a strong communicator, both verbally and in writing, and be able to think critically and analytically. In addition, you'll have a strong level of cultural and critical awareness, and you'll be able to look at a situation from different points of view.

All of these qualities are attractive to employers across sectors, and you'll be well equipped to pursue a career in a wide range of fields depending on your interests. These could include teaching, journalism, publishing, advertising, broadcasting and law. Many of our graduates also progress to PhD-level study and you'll be in a good position to develop a career in academia.

Careers support

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Related courses