Course summary

About this course The MA in English Literary Studies at University of Southampton (ranked 6th for research quality in the UK, Complete University Guide 2026), offers the opportunity to pursue advanced-level study of literary topics and genres from a wide selection of authors and historical periods, including Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Holocaust literature, Victorian print culture, and literature and law. The course uses a flexible module structure to provide an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation, and theoretical method. A core focus is to examine how literature shapes public understanding of diverse fields such as climate change, economics, medicine, and religion. You can choose to specialise by following one of four subject-specific pathways, or you can take a more general approach: • Eighteenth Century • Nineteenth Century • Twentieth Century and Contemporary • Postcolonial and World Literature Your future career This master's degree equips you with valuable transferrable skills such as research, critical thinking, communication, and creativity, which are key for further academic study (PhD) and a variety of careers. Graduates are prepared for roles in sectors including: • Creative Industries (e.g., writer, digital copywriter, content creator) • Publishing (e.g., editor, copy editor, proofreader) • Education (e.g., university lecturer, secondary school teacher) • Arts Administration and Cultural Organisations • Media and Communications (e.g., public relations officer, social media manager) Key features of this course • Flexibility and Specialisation: The program offers a choice of four distinct pathways or a general route, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and goals. • Advanced Research: You'll gain practice in advanced-level research and independent critical thinking, including making effective use of archives, manuscripts, and research libraries. • Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an in-depth scholarly study of a literary aspect or body of literature of your choice. Further Information • Course Duration: The course is offered as a full-time (one-year) master's degree or as a part-time option over two or more years. • Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus.