COURSE CURRICULUM

This MA English Literature course offers a rigorous and intellectually engaging exploration of literary study at postgraduate level, combining scholarly depth with applied critical practice. At the core of the program is the 60-credit Dissertation, which allows students to conduct an independent research project in a self-chosen area of literary interest, guided by expert supervision. This extended piece of research provides the opportunity to demonstrate originality, analytical rigour, and sustained critical engagement with literary texts and scholarship. The module encourages independence and the development of advanced research and self-reflective skills, marking a culmination of the student’s academic journey. Supporting this research process is the Research Skills and Theories module, which equips students with vital tools in information literacy, critical theory, and scholarly writing. It introduces diverse theoretical frameworks and methodologies that underpin literary studies today, fostering critical awareness and academic competence necessary for dissertation work. The Literary Studies Today module deepens students' engagement with contemporary debates and texts, offering insight into pressing critical questions within modern literary scholarship and enhancing students’ ability to interpret literature in relation to ongoing human concerns. Literature In Practice bridges the gap between academic inquiry and real-world application, showing how literary skills can illuminate broader issues such as leadership, sustainability, and social discourse. It strengthens students’ understanding of literature’s role in shaping narratives and arguments beyond the academic context. The Spaces of London module adds a geographical and cultural dimension to literary analysis, examining how writers across centuries have depicted the city and its shifting cultural landscapes. By studying a range of genres and theoretical approaches, students gain a richer perspective on urban representation, identity, and space in literature. Collectively, these modules prepare students for advanced literary research and provide them with the tools to contribute meaningfully to academic and public conversations about literature and culture.