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English Literary Studies MA

Durham University

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Course options

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    Durham University

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    SEP-24

  • Duration

    1 year

Course summary

Course Summary

Our taught MA course offers choice, flexibility and the opportunity to specialise. You can learn from the rich variety of research expertise in the Department and you also have the chance to concentrate on a particular area of literary study. Our commitment to research-led teaching means that students are able to explore the cutting edge of the discipline - from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day, from medieval manuscripts to contemporary crime narrative. We provide an intimate, dynamic and supportive environment for students of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Our courses offer up-to-date training in research methods and skills and a wide selection of literature modules from which you choose three; you will also write a dissertation. You will have the opportunity to follow up particular interests by studying a named pathway, or to designate your own area of study within the broad MA in English Literary Studies, tailoring an individual course based on period, theme or genre. An MA in English is often the platform for further research at PhD level, as well as providing an excellent grounding for jobs in education, the arts and the media.

Course Learning and Teaching

One of the distinctive features of the Durham MA in Literary Studies is that it permits both a broad-based, eclectic study of literary topics from the earliest periods of literature to the present and the possibility of specialisation through designated pathways in such areas as Medieval and Renaissance Studies or Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Studies. All students take 3 optional modules, taught in small seminar groups of up to 10, with each module generating 18 hours of contact time (9 seminars x 2 hours) over the academic year. A strong emphasis is placed on independent research, and seminars usually involve a considerable amount of preparation, including short presentations and workshop activities. Assessment for these modules is usually by coursework essay.

All students also register for a triple-weighted dissertation, which generates an additional 20 hours of contact time over the first two terms in the form of fortnightly seminars, together with an additional 3.5 hours of dedicated individual supervision time in the third term. Strong emphasis is placed on independent research. In preparation for the MA dissertation, all students submit a 1,000 word research proposal at the beginning of the second term, and are given constructive feedback on it. A draft chapter (approximately 3,500) words will be read and commented upon by their supervisor.

Throughout the taught MA degree course, all students are strongly encouraged to participate in a lively series of staff-postgraduate research seminars, usually involving invited guest speakers from the UK and beyond.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 24,750per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

Durham University

Durham University

  • University League Table

    8th

  • Campus address

    Durham University, The Palatine Centre, Stockton Road, Durham, Durham, DH1 3LE, England

Choose from a wide range of fascinating courses led by world-leading experts in a university that blends the traditional and state-of-the-art.
More than 120 countries are represented at Durham, creating a diverse and welcoming community.
Its collegiate system makes Durham University exceptional. Each student is a proud member of a college, and each college has its own character and traditions.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    4th out of 97 1

  • Entry standards

    / Max 205
    188 93%

    5th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    84.0 84%

    4th

    2
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    3.77 75%

    84th

    28

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