MA Twentieth And Twenty-first Century Literary Studies

Explore subjects from the beginnings of the literature of revolution, to life writing, to contemporary US crime narrative.

Our taught MA course in Twentieth- and Twenty-First Century Literary Studies offers choice, flexibility and the opportunity to specialise within this field. You can learn from the rich variety of research expertise in the Department and you also have the chance to concentrate on a particular area of literary study within the field. Our commitment to research-led teaching means that students are able to explore the cutting edge of the discipline – from the beginnings of the literature of revolution, to life writing, to contemporary US crime narrative. We provide an intimate, dynamic and supportive environment for students of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Our course offers up-to-date training in research methods and skills. You will choose three modules, at least two of which are from within the pathway, and you will write a dissertation on a subject related to twentieth- and twenty-first-century studies.

An MA in Twentieth- and Twenty-First-Century Literary Studies is often the platform for further research at PhD level, as well as providing an excellent grounding for jobs in education, the arts and the media.

Course Structure

If you choose to take this named pathway, you will be expected to select at least two modules from those available within the pathway and to write your dissertation in an area related to it. Your third optional module may, if you wish, be chosen from the full list of MA modules on offer in the Department. Students may, with permission, take one module from other modules on offer elsewhere in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. All students must take a triple weighted dissertation alongside their three optional modules.

Core module:

• Dissertation.

Examples of optional modules:

Typical modules might include:

• Modern Poetry
• Literature of Slavery
• Modernism and Touch
• Representing the Self: From Sophocles to the Sopranos
• Post-War British Drama
• The Contemporary US Novel
• The Writing of Poetry
• Blood and Soil: Regionalism and Contemporary US Crime Narrative
• Twentieth Century satire.

Modules are subject to staff availability and normally no more than five of the above will run in any one year.

Please use the ‘additional comments’ section of the application form to indicate your choice of modules as well as to provide a personal statement.