MA English Literature
- MA
Overview
The MA in English Literature at the University of Bristol offers an intellectually rigorous and wide-ranging exploration of literary study. You will deepen your understanding of literature whilst developing the advanced research, analytical and critical skills essential to postgraduate study.
Supported by the expertise of the Department of English, you will engage with diverse literary texts, histories and critical approaches in a stimulating and supportive academic environment.
The programme offers four pathways, reflecting the department's core research strengths:
- Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature
- Romantic and Victorian Literature
- Modern and Contemporary Literature
- Literature and the Environment.
If you wish to focus on a particular period you may follow a single pathway. Alternatively, if you want to broaden your engagement with English literature, you may decide to choose no single pathway, and combine optional units to suit your interests.
Throughout the programme, you will develop specialist skills in literary research, critical analysis, academic writing and independent thinking. You will also gain transferable skills in communication, argument and the interpretation of complex ideas, preparing you for careers across education, publishing, the creative industries, media, journalism and further academic research.
All students are encouraged to participate fully in the wider intellectual life of the Department and the University through seminars, research events and the department's academic community.
Programme structure
You will study units that follow the pathway or route through the programme that matches your interests. After successfully completing the taught portion of the programme, you must complete a dissertation of up to 12,000 words.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in English Literature.
Entry requirements
- English Literature
- English (where 50% of modules taken are literature modules, not language modules)
- History
- Politics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have additional qualifications, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level A.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £13,100 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £6,550 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £29,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Graduates of the MA in English Literature at the University of Bristol have gone on to successful careers in media, journalism, publishing, theatre, arts administration and education, as well as sectors including industry, commerce, law, computing and social work. Many graduates also continue their studies through MPhil and PhD research programmes.
Throughout the programme, you will develop advanced transferable skills in critical analysis, research, academic writing, communication and the interpretation of complex ideas, preparing you for a wide range of professional and academic pathways.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk
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