Overview

The MA in English Literature aims to deepen your passion for literature while developing the rigorous specialist skills essential to postgraduate-level research. With the help and support of the distinguished Department of English, we aim to provide a stimulating and challenging intellectual experience in a friendly, supportive environment.

The programme offers four pathways, which build on the core research strengths of the department:

  • Shakespeare and Early Modern Literature
  • Romantic and Victorian Literature
  • 20th Century and Contemporary Literature
  • Literature and the Environment.

If you wish to focus on a particular period you may follow a single pathway. Alternatively, if you want to broaden your engagement with English literature, you may decide to choose no single pathway, and combine optional units to suit your interests.

All students are taught the specialist skills required for postgraduate-level research and the practical skills that academic life demands. Everyone on the programme is invited to enter fully into the wider academic community of the department and the University.

Programme structure

You will study units that follow the pathway or route through the programme that matches your interests. After successfully completing the taught course, you must complete a dissertation of up to 15,000 words.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MA in English Literature.

Entry requirements

An upper second class honours degree or international equivalent in English Literature or a related subject, and 60% or above in any dissertation/research component. In cases where an undergraduate transcript does not contain a research element such as a dissertation, we may ask applicants to provide an example of their academic writing that demonstrates capacity for independent research.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level A.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£12,400 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£6,200 per year
Overseas: full-time
£30,900 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Funding and studentship opportunities are listed on the Faculty of Arts funding pages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Students who complete the MA in English Literature have been successful in obtaining employment in the media, journalism, publishing, the theatre, arts administration and teaching, as well as in industry, commerce, law, computing and social work. Many MA English Literature graduates continue their studies by moving on to MPhil/PhD programmes.