Program Overview

MA (by Dissertation) Literature

Overview

The University of Essex offers a Postgraduate Research Course in MA (by Dissertation) Literature. The course starts in October 2026 and is available in both full-time and part-time study modes. The duration of the course is 1-2 years, and it is based at the Colchester Campus in the Department of Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies.

• The department offers supervision in all fields of staff research interest, covering a wide range of expertise in different literatures and approaches to literature.
• The research strengths of the department include Early Modern literature, Romanticism, eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literature, US and Caribbean literature, postcolonial literature, modern, postmodern, and contemporary literature, eco-criticism, and nature writing.
• Graduates from the department have gone on to successful careers as writers, scholars, university lecturers, teachers, publishers, journalists, arts administrators, and translators.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject such as creative writing, theatre/drama studies, literature, film, and media studies, modern languages, and art history is required.
• Attendance at an interview or Skype interview is normally required, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

International & EU Entry Requirements

• A wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries are accepted.
• For specific requirements, it is recommended to contact the Graduate Admissions team.

English Language Requirements

• If English is not the first language, an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and 5.5 in all other components is required.

Structure

Course Structure

• A research degree allows for in-depth investigation of a chosen topic, leading to a profound understanding and the generation of new knowledge.
• The course enables the development of new high-level skills, enhances professional development, and builds new networks.

Assessment

• The MA by Dissertation is a one-year program of advanced study and research.
• The thesis should be no longer than 30,000 words.
• Supervisory board meetings are held twice a year to discuss progress and agree on immediate and future plans.

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣5,238 per year.

International Fee

• ｣20,625 per year.
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

Scholarships and Financial Support

• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

Open Days

• The university holds Open Days for applicants throughout the year.
• These events provide an opportunity to tour the campus and accommodation, find answers to questions about courses and student support, and meet with staff and students.

Applying

• Applications can be made online.
• Before applying, it is recommended to check the necessary documents required as part of the application.
• A preliminary enquiry can be made directly to a potential supervisor or the Graduate Administrator within the chosen department or school.

Related Courses

• PhD Literature
• MPhil Literature
• These courses are available in full-time and part-time study modes and are based at the Colchester Campus.