Program Overview

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Explore 19th century English literature in-depth with a master’s degree at the University of Southampton.

Our course gives you the opportunity to specialise in the culture and history of the 19th century, covering topics such as:

key debates in 19th century studies

the literary marketplace and its cultures

changes to aesthetics and taste during the 19th century

issues of gender, race, class, science and capitalism

material culture and print culture

On completion of the course, you’ll be ready for a career in teaching, publishing, librarianship or cultural heritage.

You’ll get the chance to carry out advanced-level research and independent critical thinking, and to make effective use of archives, manuscripts, and research libraries.

This pathway is linked to the

Southampton Centre for Nineteenth-Century Research

, where an interdisciplinary group of over 70 staff, student and external researchers debate key issues in 19th century studies. The centre also hosts events including guest speakers, seminars and conferences.

We offer a flexible module structure which is designed to give you an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation and theoretical method.

You’ll explore the interrelations of text, theory and culture across the field of English literary and cultural studies. We’ll work with you to:

develop your knowledge of critical and research methods

raise your awareness of the historical and critical reception of literature in various periods

explore the role of literature in a contested cultural framework

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

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Course lead

Your course leader is Stephen Bending, Professor of Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture. Stephen has published widely on gender, identity and emotion in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century.

Visit Professor Bending’s staff profile

to learn more about his work.

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Related pathways

We offer 3 other specialist pathways on our

MA English Literary Studies

degree:

Eighteenth Century

Twentieth Century and Contemporary

Postcolonial and World Literature

If you'd prefer a more general approach you can choose individual modules from each pathway.