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MA in English Literary Studies, Lancaster University
Lancaster,
.
12 Months
Check Eligibility
About this course
Lancaster University’s MA in English Literary Studies offers a rich, flexible program that allows students to explore from medieval texts to contemporary literature. The course emphasizes active reading and critical engagement, with opportunities to participate in literary events, internships, and collaborative projects such as student-run journals and conferences. Students can tailor their studies to their own interests, selecting modules across various literary periods and themes, and even exploring interdisciplinary topics outside the department, including politics, ecology, philosophy, and more. The program combines a strong theoretical foundation with opportunities for creative and experimental criticism, encouraging students to see literature as a force that interacts with the world and changes it. The campus locations, including the University Library and the historic Castle Quarter, enhance the learning environment with access to cultural and scholarly resources.
Why this course is highly recommended
Lancaster’s renowned reputation in English Language and Literature, ranked in the QS World Top 40 for 2025, makes this course stand out. The program offers a unique combination of academic rigor, active participation through literary events, and practical opportunities like internships and conferences. The close-knit small-group seminars and one-on-one tutorials foster a supportive learning community where students can develop their critical voices, pursue research, or prepare for diverse careers beyond academia. The collaboration with the Wordsworth Trust and the historic Castle Quarter enriches the learning experience, making it ideal for students who want a deeply engaged, flexible, and culturally vibrant literary education.
Specialisation
This MA program offers a broad range of modules, covering topics from Romanticism, Gothic, Victorian bodies, religion, and modernist writing to genres like Gothic and manhunt narratives. Students can curate their own study plan, focusing on areas of particular interest such as Gothic representations of illness, critical and creative genres, or religious themes in modern literature. The program also includes a long-form Dissertation involving a personally chosen topic, supported by individual supervision, allowing students to deepen their expertise in their preferred field of literary studies.
Course fees
Application fees
26.21L
1st year tuition fees
26.21L
Living cost
-
Living cost
-
Degree requirements
Applicants typically need a 2:1 degree in a related subject, though applications with a 2:2 or extensive relevant experience may also be considered. All applicants must submit a sample of academic writing about literature. For international students, English language proficiency may be required, such as an IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in each component. The program also considers individual circumstances and offers pre-sessional English courses if needed.
English language test
DUOLINGO
-
PTE
66
TOEFL
94
IELTS
7
Career prospects
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in publishing, journalism, teaching, archives, museums, librarianship, and media. The program emphasizes research, persuasive communication, and presentation skills, which are valued across many professional fields. Some students continue with PhDs, entering academia, while others find opportunities in creative industries, law, social work, and business, leveraging the analytical and cultural literacy skills cultivated during the course.
FAQs
What are the entry requirements for the MA in English Literary Studies?
Typically, a 2:1 degree in a related subject is required. Applications from those with a 2:2 or significant relevant experience are also considered, along with a submission of a sample of academic writing about literature.
Is there an English language proficiency requirement?
Yes, applicants may need to provide a recognized English language qualification, such as an IELTS score of at least 7.0 overall and 6.5 in each element.
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