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English Literary Studies MA

University of Southampton

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University of Southampton

Course options

2 options available

  • Qualification

    MA - Master of Arts

  • Location

    Avenue Campus

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    21-SEP-26

  • Duration

    1 Year

Course summary

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.

Application deadline

02/09/2026

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 25,400per year

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

University information

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

  • University League Table

    15th

  • Campus address

    Main Site - Highfield Campus, Highfield, Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom

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Southampton is proud of its inclusive international community, welcoming over 9,000 students from more than 140 countries.
The Career Advantage scheme gives career support to international students, from when you accept your offer to long after graduation.
Prepares international students for their future in the global job market. Get specialist careers support, paid internships and work experience opportunities.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    English

    24th out of 89 11

  • Entry standards

    / Max 207
    127 61%

    30th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    74.0 74%

    19th

    9

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    3.15 79%

    67th

    26

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