MA English Literature

MA English Literature at LJMU offers you the opportunity to pursue advanced study, at the leading edges of the subject, within a vibrant community of scholars.

• Embark on this interdisciplinary MA that studies literature in its diverse forms as a way of exploring complex questions about what it means to be human
• Enjoy a thematic approach to study, based around ideas of place, mobility, bodies and objects
• Explore an eclectic range of texts, periods, theories and genres within these broad themes
• Join a supportive research culture and work alongside emerging and established scholars at the cutting-edge of their subject
• Benefit from a valuable foundation for progression to doctoral research and many other careers in the cultural and heritage industries

The course explores the deeper potential of that most eclectic and interdisciplinary of subjects and extends your reading and research into exciting new areas. You will master skills of research, analysis, argument and writing that are both a vital preparation for doctoral research and highly valued by employers.

The MA English Literature is designed to help you think critically about the role of literature in history and explore some of the new directions scholars in English are taking.

The programme consists of a series of modules each within a theme that highlights key approaches and issues in contemporary literary studies:

• Place and Mobilities examine the way space structures our thinking about literature and culture, rethinking terms such as locality and environment, nation and world
• Objects and Bodies address ongoing debates about the body in history and, more recently, emerging theories of the relation between humans, animals, and things

In all of these modules we explore a wide range of literature from the early modern period to the present, from Britain, America, Europe and beyond.

"I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the MA module from beginning to end and I felt that it flowed well throughout the year. My personal experience of the course could not be improved upon. As I reflect back on the MA course and realise how much work I undertook and completed and how much I enjoyed it, it is difficult for me to suggest improvements. I certainly cannot suggest improvements as far as the MA staff are concerned as they could not do more for students. They care about the students and their progress and it is this aspect that is invaluable and, in my view, sets the university apart from other universities."

-English Literature Graduate