Program Overview

MA Dickens Studies by Research

Course Overview

The MA Dickens Studies by Research is a unique program that offers students the opportunity to explore the rich world of Dickens Studies with access to the Charles Dickens Museum collections. The course is directed by Professor John Drew and Dr Pete Orford, Dickens experts of international reputation.

Entry Requirements

• A first or second-class honours degree from a recognised university or a recognised professional qualification with relevant work experience.
• Mature students are welcome, and age is no barrier to learning.
• International students are also welcome, and the University is a UKVI Student Sponsor.
• English language requirements apply, and students may need to take a Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programme.

Teaching Methods

The MA does not offer systematic instruction; instead, the emphasis is on independent research and one-to-one supervision. The course will begin with three practical seminars about how to choose, research, and write an academic dissertation, and how to handle archival materials.

Research Areas

The course enables students to undertake research on a specific topic, agreed with the supervisor, in any area of Dickens Studies. This can include:

• Dickens's novels, short fiction, journalism, plays, and public readings
• Adaptations of Dickens's work (cinematic, theatrical)
• Comparative work on translations, writing by precursors, contemporaries, rivals, imitators, and inheritors

Seminars and Dinners

The course features a series of ten evening seminars with distinguished speakers, held at the University's Gower Street premises and the Charles Dickens Museum. These seminars are followed by dinners and discussions, providing an opportunity for students to engage with the speakers and their peers.

Assessment

The course is assessed through three 'Project Preliminaries':

• An extended research proposal
• An annotated bibliography
• A short research-based case study

On successful completion of these preliminary projects, students will then progress to their dissertation, written under the guidance of the supervisor, of not less than 20,000 words.

Course Fees

The fees for this course are:

• UK students: £8,267 (full-time), £4,134 (part-time)
• International students: £14,500 (full-time), £7,250 (part-time)

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers various scholarships and bursaries, including the Postgraduate First-Class Scholarship and the Royal Charter 40th Anniversary Scholarship.

Accommodation

Due to the mode of study on this course, students will not normally need a room in University accommodation during their degree.