Carry out extended research from across a range of literary periods and genres. Develop your ideas under the guidance of expert academics to build a sustained argument.

Your research

The MA by research is available on a full-time or part-time basis. You'll receive training in research methods and an opportunity for supervised study leading to the presentation of a dissertation which offers a sustained argument in relation to any period of English literature, or any of our related areas of study.

You'll write a supervised dissertation of between 25,000 and 30,000 words. This word limit includes quotations and footnotes, but excludes the bibliography and plate/figure captions.

Careers and skills

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support, including a programme of professional researcher development. We also offer careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will improve your skills and experience within and outside your research work.

Our postgraduates go into academia and teaching, arts administration, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, social work, politics, the civil service, management consultancy and many more professions.