COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in English Literary Studies: Long Nineteenth Century at the University of Southampton provides an in-depth exploration of 19th century literature, combining rigorous research training with opportunities to study a wide range of literary genres and topics. Core modules such as Adventures in Literary Research and Approaches to the Long Nineteenth Century equip students with advanced knowledge of critical, theoretical, and historiographical debates while developing essential research and analytical skills. The English Dissertation allows students to undertake independent, original research under supervision, producing a substantial scholarly study on a chosen literary topic. Students can also select from a diverse range of optional modules, including Approaches to Literary Genres, Approaches to Shakespeare, Past and Present, Digital Forms, Literary Industries and New Media, and Literature, Culture and Social Change, which broaden understanding of textual interpretation, cultural analysis, and the role of literature in society. Additional options such as Narrative Non-Fiction, Popular Fiction and Digital Culture, Scriptwriting, The Art and Craft of Fiction, and Writing for Children and Young People provide practical and creative approaches to literary study. The program emphasizes the interplay between text, theory, and culture, preparing graduates for careers in teaching, publishing, libraries, cultural heritage, and related fields, while fostering critical thinking, research competence, and an appreciation of literature’s societal impact.