Course summary

On our English Literature MA, you’ll explore the rich variety of writing in English from the Middle Ages to the present day, and – if you choose – develop a specialism in a particular period. Our programme allows you to work in-depth on medieval and Renaissance material, or on Victorian literature, or on contemporary literature, and to encounter authors from around the world. Led by internationally recognised and world-leading experts, you’ll examine the cultural and historical factors that have shaped and continue to shape literature. You’ll build your academic knowledge and professional skills, culminating in a dissertation project of your own devising. In the process, you’ll receive training in research, communication and analysis crucial for a variety of careers. The programme begins with two core modules designed to hone your skills and practise them on a range of literary works at an advanced level. At Leicester, interdisciplinary investigation is vital to our research. You’ll have the chance to find this out for yourself with your first choice of option. You can choose to study either boundary-crossing literature, creative writing, or film. From this point, your module choices allow you develop a specialism in a particular period, or mix-and-match to explore a range of topics that intrigue you. You will also take an Advanced Research Methods course to prepare you for your dissertation, and to develop your abilities writing and presenting to academic and non-academic audiences. Finally, you’ll complete a dissertation with one-on-one support from an academic specialising in your chosen subject. The dissertation provides an excellent grounding in research if you're thinking of continuing to doctoral level, while simultaneously delivering evidence of a wide range of skills that are highly valued by employers. This programme draws directly on the diverse research of the teaching team. You’ll be taught by experts in literature and related fields, whose expertise is nationally and internationally recognised through their publications, collaborations, and engagement with the public. You’ll also become part of a vibrant postgraduate and research culture in the School of Arts, Media and Communications. This culture is driven by the interests of students and staff, and by institutes such as the University’s world-famous Centre for Victorian Studies (founded 1966) and the lively Centre for New Writing. Alongside your studies you can join in a variety of formal and informal extracurricular events on literature, language and creative writing running throughout the year. Leicester is fantastic city in which to explore literature, and the city’s diverse, inclusive character is reflected in our academic community and in our curriculum.