Our MA in English Literature is taught by a team of distinguished critics, scholars and creative writers, all working at the cutting edge of their disciplines. As well as developing your skills as a critical thinker, you will join a thriving intellectual community, and benefit from a range of guest seminars and masterclasses, many of which are organized through our Institute of Creative and Critical Writing.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS COURSE?

The course is aimed at undergraduates who want to take their interest in literature to the next level, as a career development opportunity or simply for the love of the subject. Students with interests in both literary criticism and creative writing can opt to take a module from our MA in Creative Writing.

At the centre of the course is the module ‘Literature and Place’, which encourages students to think about how literary writing responds to, and creates, the places we inhabit and move through. Situated in the heart of a culturally diverse and always evolving city, you will be perfectly located to think about how writing intersects with the world it describes.

Texts for study are drawn from a range of historical periods, but the intellectual focus is distinctly contemporary.

As well as receiving specialist tuition from expert tutors, you’ll attend our programme of guest speakers and public events devoted to the ongoing life of literary writing.

Studying MA English Literature will help you to develop a range of high-level skills and knowledge.

Upon completion of the course you will be able to:

• Form and communicate complex judgements and ideas and demonstrate comprehensive research skills relating to the advanced study of English Literature.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques in conceptual analysis as it relates to the advanced study of English Literature.
• Critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline, to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses.
• Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline.
• Develop the independent learning ability and self-direction required for continuing professional and academic development.

Industry Links

The School of English has links with local and regional arts organisations, authors, poets, and many more leading professionals. Our staff and students have worked with:

• Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
• The Birmingham Midland Institute
• Writing West Midlands (the Literature Development Agency for the region)
• Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery
• The Library of Birmingham

Find out more about how we work with industry here.