Program Overview

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Introduction to the MA in English Program

The MA in English offers a focused yet adaptable degree path in advanced literary studies. Students will have options to explore areas as diverse as literary classics, historic magazines, contemporary bestsellers, digital works, Irish films, young adult fiction, and service learning. The program also includes researching and writing an original dissertation on a topic reflecting the student's own interests.

Program Details

• Title of Award: Master of Arts
• Course Code: MA-ENG
• Average Intake: 15
• Delivery: On Campus
• NFQ: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Next Intake: September 2026
• Duration: 1 year, full-time | 2 years, part-time
• ECTS Weighting: 90

Why Choose This Course?

• Unique Course: With its unique range of optional modules, the program deepens students' knowledge of literature in English beyond the undergraduate experience.
• Practical Training: The program's dissertation component gives students experience in conducting advanced research, analysis, and evidence-based argument.
• Employability: Graduates have transferable skills relevant to any employment involving effective communications, information analysis, and critical thinking.

Course Information

What Will I Study?

The MA in English is designed for individuals who wish to deepen their knowledge of literature and bring their research and writing skills to an advanced level. This includes recent graduates who wish to extend their study of literature beyond their undergraduate studies, or those returning to learning based on a long-standing interest in literature and creativity.

Curriculum

• Required Modules:
  • EN529: Dissertation
  • EN6116: Writing and Research
• Optional Modules:
  • EN601: Writing Workshop: Poetry
  • FR6101: Language, Gender, and Power
  • EN527: Literature Of North America
  • FM6101: Ireland on Screen
  • EN672: Environmental Literature: Nature and Narration
  • EN6125: WB Yeats and the Cultural Revolution
  • EN6143: Media for Social Change
  • FM6119: Film, Politics, and Colonialism
  • EN547: Literature And Colonialism
  • EN6141: SERVICE LEARNING: LITERARY STUDIES IN THE COMMUNITY
  • EN671: Literature for Children and Young Adults in the 21st Century
  • EN573: Travel Literature

Unique Features

• Wide Range of Options: Allows students to choose seminars on a wide variety of topics that reflect staff expertise.
• Service Learning: Offers an innovative option course in service learning in local schools.
• Research Dissertation: Supports students in gaining advanced skills in research and extended analysis by completing an original dissertation based on their own interests.
• Writing and Communication Skills: Learn to effectively articulate arguments in writing and presentations.
• Community: Part of a lively postgraduate community in the School of English, Media and Creative Arts.

Careers

Some graduates of the MA in English have gone on to further research at PhD level. The advanced research, critical thinking, and communication skills fostered by the program are highly relevant to employment in a wide range of fields, including teaching, arts administration, public service, creative writing, corporate communications, public relations, marketing, publishing, broadcasting, and journalism.

Work Placement

Service Learning: There is a service learning module normally available as an option course in Semester 2. Students work within the local community through a one-hour per week, semester-long placement in a local primary school to develop practical skills and experience in the field of literary studies and reading for pleasure.

Who Teaches This Course?

The course is taught by a team of experienced academics, including:

• Dr. Henry Obi Ajumeze
• Dr. Fiona Bateman
• Dr. Dermot Burns
• Prof. Daniel Carey
• Dr. Seán Crosson
• Dr. Coralline Dupuy
• Ms. Elaine Feeney
• Dr. Andrew Ó Baoill
• Dr. Muireann O'Cinneide
• Dr. Adrian Paterson
• Dr. Ornaith Rogers
• Prof. Sean Ryder

Learning and Assessment

• How Will I Learn?: Most learning will take place in weekly small-group seminars and workshops.
• How Will I Be Assessed?: Progress throughout the program is assessed through various kinds of coursework, including essays, presentations, reflective journals, and group work. Students will also be assessed on their 15,000-word dissertation.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Entry Requirements: A Level 8 degree in an Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences discipline with a minimum result of H2.2 overall and a H2.1 in English, or an equivalent international qualification.
• English Language Entry Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. An overall IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum score of 6.5 in any one component.

Fees, Costs, and Funding

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• Masters Full Time: EU Tuition: 7,900, Student Contribution: 0, Non-EU Tuition: 19,300, Levy: 140, Total Fee: 8,040 (EU), 19,440 (Non-EU)
• Masters Part Time: EU Tuition: 4,000, Student Contribution: 0, Non-EU Tuition: Not specified, Levy: 70, Total Fee: 4,070 (EU)

Scholarships

• Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships: Valued at 1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses.
• Global Scholarships: University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU.

International (Non EU) Application Information

• Application Process: Students applying for full-time postgraduate programs from outside of the European Union (EU) can apply online.
• Further Information: Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees, and the application process.

Related Courses

• Master of Arts (Literature and Publishing)
• Master of Arts (Writing)
• Master of Arts (Global Media and Communication)
• Master of Arts (Journalism)
• Master of Arts (International Contemporary Literatures and Media)

Why University of Galway?

• World-renowned research-led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
• Ranked in the top 2% of universities globally.
• Ranked 1st in Ireland for Sustainable Development.
• 5th in the EU for commitment to sustainability.