Program Overview

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Explore 20th century and contemporary English literature with a master’s degree at the University of Southampton.

Our course gives you the chance to specialise in contemporary culture and history, covering topics such as:

science and climate change

politics and globalisation

the relationship between literary and visual cultures

sexuality, gender, race and disability

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 Modern and Contemporary Writing

. This group brings together academics, writers and research students with interests in the relations between writing and contemporary culture. The centre also hosts events including guest lectures, seminars and research study days.

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

Nineteenth Century

Postcolonial and World Literature

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