Overview

This course provides a flexible structure to support you in developing an individual research specialism in either English Language, English Literature or History. The curriculum enables you to explore your independent research goals in each module, with research methodology taught alongside supervised subject-specific research. Designed to develop your skills in a step-by-step approach, the course culminates in an extended piece of writing in your chosen area.

Our staff are renowned for their research and we can supervise areas such as:

English Language – Global Englishes and sociolinguistics
English Literature – digital humanities; adaptation studies; Shakespeare; Medieval and Renaissance studies; Romantic and Victorian literature; Modernist studies; contemporary literature; American literature; and history of the book
History - War, Conflict and Peace; Migration history; Visual History; Heritage and Public History; Sport and Leisure History

You will graduate with the area of your specialism named in the award title, for example, MA in Humanities Research (English Literature). You will be awarded either an MA or MSc depending on your skills, aspirations and your choice of emphasis for the Dissertation, with the MSc reflecting work that employs a substantive use of scientific experimentation.

You will also collaborate with fellow students to organise a one-day humanities conference, gaining skills in event management and presenting a paper. The course enhances your ability to think creatively and solve complex problems with originality, and develops transferable skills that are highly valued in many sectors. It is therefore an ideal stepping-stone to either research at PhD level or a career in teaching, publishing, research, media, event management or the creative and heritage industries.

You will join a thriving research community and be encouraged to participate in research events, conferences and networking with our established research centres including the Centre for Adaptations, the Centre for Textual Studies, the Photographic History Research Centre and the International Centre for Sports History and Culture.

Key features

Tailor the curriculum to your own specialist research interests and receive expert teaching and supervision from leading scholars who have national and international reputations for their expertise.
Benefit from both collaborative teaching and individual learning experiences and receive personalised feedback to help you to reach your independent research goals.
Practical training in presenting work, research and organising a conference gives you real-world skills for a career in teaching, publishing, research, media or event management.

Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Graduate careers

You will graduate with high-level transferrable skills in communication, collaboration, creative thinking, primary source analysis, critical evaluation, writing for publication, conference organisation and presenting work. With these skills and your new knowledge, you will be well-equipped for a range of careers including in teaching, publishing, media, museum and archive work, the civil service, the creative and heritage industries, and project or event management.

The course also offers an excellent transition from postgraduate to PhD level study, ideal if you wish to advance your studies to the next level.