Master of Arts - English

The MA English programme covers a varied range of theoretical approaches to literature, from cutting-edge perspectives to historically significant ones. Modules are grouped by theme rather than historical period, allowing students to observe connections between texts from different times and places, spanning early-modern Europe to contemporary Africa. The programme encourages original thinking and intellectual self-reflection, applying these skills to contemporary debates on issues such as sustainability and decolonisation. Students benefit from an exceptional learning experience, with more contact hours than many other universities and dedicated staff support.

The programme examines how narratives shape the world, demonstrating that the study of English literature provides insight into cultural history and the narratives that influence contemporary society, including topics such as misinformation, gender and racial identity, environmental impact, and freedom of expression. MA English students engage critically with major concerns through the study of diverse literary texts, informed by intellectual, theoretical, and historical contexts. The course provides a solid grounding in literary and cultural theory, which complements extensive independent research.

Key themes explored include theory, culture, and criticism; the representation of landscape and evolving attitudes toward the natural world; the role of humour, satire, and the carnivalesque; global literature and travel writing; and blasphemy, obscenity, and censorship. The programme offers literature from a wide range of nations, providing insight into the relationships between different cultures and perspectives, and encouraging critical reflection on how cultural values are shaped in an increasingly globalised world.