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English at University of Derby - UCAS

Course options

2023 - 20242024 - 2025
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

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Course summary

  • You will cover a varied range of theoretical approaches to literature: from the cutting-edge to the historically significant
  • The modules are grouped by theme rather than historical periods, so you will see connections between texts from different times and places, from early-modern Europe to contemporary Africa
  • We encourage original thinking and intellectual self-reflection and apply this to contemporary debates around issues like sustainability and decolonisation
  • We’ll make sure you have an exceptional student experience, with more contact hours than most universities and staff that go the extra mile.
Understand how narratives shape our world We can learn a lot from studying English literature. By rigorously assessing literary history, we can better understand cultural history and the narratives that continue to shape our contemporary world: from ‘fake news’ to gender or racial identity, human impact on the environment and freedom of expression. On this MA English, we encourage you to think and write critically about some of these major concerns through the study of diverse and exciting literary texts, informed by intellectual, theoretical and historical context. We’ll provide a solid grounding in literary and cultural theory, which will complement the extensive research you will undertake yourself. These are the key themes you will explore:
  • Theory, culture and criticism
  • The representation of landscape and changing attitudes to the natural world
  • The role of humour, satire and the carnivalesque
  • Global literature and travel writing
  • Blasphemy, obscenity and censorship.
You will read literature from a variety of nations and gain an insight into the relationship between different cultures and perspectives. You will critically reflect on how your own and other people’s cultural values have been shaped in our increasingly globalised world.

Assessment method

For most modules, you can choose the topic of your assessments and propose your own essay questions. This enables you to pursue your own interests and take responsibility for your own learning. Our assessments ensure you are gradually building skills and expertise throughout the programme. Essays remain a key form of assessment because they are an excellent test of your ability to form a coherent and focused argument. However, there are a variety of other written assignments that will help you write to different lengths and for different purposes, such as a literature review, a case study, and an appraisal.

How to apply

International applicants

Applications from European and international students are welcomed. To begin the course with us, you will need to have qualifications and experience that are at the same level as we would expect from a UK student applying for the same course.

Entry requirements

You will need a good honours degree (1st or 2:1) in any subject, or its international equivalent. Applications may be considered if you have a 2:2 honours degree and/or significant relevant professional experience. It is important that we get to know you, your aspirations and your expectations. Therefore, before being accepted onto the programme all applicants will be invited to have an informal interview to discuss the course, the nature of the programme, and what will be expected of you during it. This may be a virtual interview or can be done over the telephone as well as face to face. Non-standard applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications in these circumstances will be considered on their own individual merits.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

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English at University of Derby - UCAS