Program Overview

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English and American Literature MA

The English and American Literature MA is a postgraduate degree that explores the richness and diversity of English Literature from a wide range of periods, cultures, and genres. This program strengthens students' skills, develops their specialism, and expands their critical and theoretical knowledge.

Overview

The MA in English and American Literature is designed to give students advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve their ambitions. The program is available for full-time or part-time study and can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time.

Key Information

• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time
• Start date: September
• Location: Canterbury

Entry Requirements

• A first or second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• All applicants are considered on an individual basis, and additional qualifications, professional qualifications, and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
• International students: Please see the International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information.

Course Structure

The program consists of two modules in the autumn term and two in the spring term. Students are also expected to attend the Faculty and School Research Methods Programmes. The dissertation is written between the start of the Summer Term and the end of August.

Modules

• Advanced Research and Theory: Prepares students to undertake and communicate advanced literary research, exploring current theoretical debates and methodological approaches.
• The Verbal and the Visual: Dialogues between Theory, Literature, Art and Film: Explores the interrelations and negotiations between verbal and visual culture, covering a wide range of theorists, novelists, artists, and filmmakers.
• Optional modules may include:
  • Empire and After: The Text and the World
  • Global Modernisms
  • Activism and Adaptation
  • Post45: American Literature and Culture in the Cold War Era
  • The Novel from Defoe to the Contemporary

How You'll Study

• Teaching is by expert staff who use innovative teaching methods.
• Assessment is by a 5000-word essay for each module and a 15,000-word dissertation.
• The program aims to provide students with advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve their ambitions.

Your Future

Many career paths can benefit from the writing and analytical skills developed as a postgraduate student in the School of Humanities. Graduates have gone on to work in academia, journalism, broadcasting and media, publishing, writing, and teaching, as well as more general areas such as banking, marketing analysis, and project management.

Fees and Funding

• The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
  • Full-time: £10,000 (UK), £19,300 (EU and International)
  • Part-time: £5,000 (UK), £9,650 (EU and International)
• For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see the Student Finance Guide.
• Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of the course.
• Search the scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities.

Next Steps

To apply, learn more about the application process or begin your application by clicking on the relevant link. You will be able to choose your preferred year of entry once you have started your application. You can also save and return to your application at any time.

University of Kent

The University of Kent is a leading research university that makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurate and to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services, and other matters may be subject to change. For more information, see the terms and conditions.

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• English and American Literature MA

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