MA in English Literature: Modern and Contemporary Literature, University of Liverpool

Liverpool,

12 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

This postgraduate programme focuses on modern and contemporary literature, shaped by leading international researchers committed to addressing critical issues such as racism, climate change, gender, and post-modernity. Students will benefit from interactions with visiting writers, the vibrant cultural scene, and access to extensive archives including Europe’s largest Science Fiction collection. The teaching involves small group seminars and tutorials on campus, emphasizing research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment, all within an inclusive environment that fosters digital fluency, confidence, and global citizenship.

Why this course is highly recommended

This course is ideal for graduates aiming to work in arts, culture, and heritage sectors, or pursue academic careers through doctoral research. Its unique focus on critical contemporary issues, world-class research environment, small class sizes, and connections with renowned cultural institutions make it a compelling choice for those seeking an in-depth, globally-informed education in literature.

Specialisation

Students opting for this pathway will explore topics like neo-slave narratives, surrealist climate change depictions, global feminisms, and the crisis of post-modernity, integrating these themes into their core learning through modules such as The Modern, The Contemporary, and Literature and Crisis, among others. The programme offers a thorough interdisciplinary approach to understanding the cultural and literary landscape of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

25.44L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent qualification in English studies or a closely related subject. International qualifications are also accepted. For non-native English speakers, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0 or equivalent test scores are required.

English language test

DUOLINGO

120

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in arts and cultural sectors, journalism, management, or teaching. The programme also supports those wishing to pursue doctoral research, especially in higher education or secondary school teaching, with career support from day one through employability events, career coaching, and networking opportunities.

FAQs

What are the main modules I will study?

Core modules include Research Skills and Practice, The Modern, and The Contemporary. Optional modules cover topics like Literature and Crisis, Science Fiction Archive, Victorian Gothic, and Slavery and Empire.

What are the tuition fees for international students?

The full-time international tuition fee for 2025-26 is £24,100 per year, with part-time options at £12,050 annually.