English Language and Literature MA

Program Overview

English Language and Literature MA

Overview

The English Language and Literature MA explores the interconnections between language and literature. Our course will provide you with a thorough understanding of the linguistic features of English from a wide range of perspectives (theoretical and applied, synchronic and diachronic), as well as leading you to explore a wide array of texts in connection with the social, historical and political circumstances from which they emerge. It will also equip you with the intellectual perspectives and scholarly skills to conduct independent research.

Course Structure

• Duration: 1 year
• Attendance: Full-time - September 2026
• UK Fees: £9,900 *
• International Fees: £18,000 *
• Alumni Discount: See details
• Campus: Regent, Central London

Course Summary

The MA is for you if you've taken English language and/or literature modules at undergraduate level, or studied allied disciplines such as TESOL. It's of particular interest if you're wishing to pursue further study, or if you're teaching English and wish to gain a further qualification and investigate current developments in the field.

Core Modules

• Dissertation: Development, execution, and writing-up of an independent research project on a topic chosen by you. All students will attend regular research seminars. Individual supervision will provide topic-specific guidance. (60 credits)
• English Worldwide: This module examines in detail English in its multiple varieties and multiple uses in the world: native, nativised and non-native varieties, regional variation within larger speech communities, use by monolinguals and multilinguals, and register differences according to use and user. (20 credits)
• Multilingualism: Concepts and Applications: This module introduces you to the major theoretical frameworks for studying language contact by exploring the different processes, causes, types, effects, and outcomes that emerge from contact contexts: e.g. bilingualism, pidginization, creolisation, diglossia, borrowing, code-switching, linguistic change. (20 credits)
• Themes and Problems in Modern and Contemporary Literature: This module introduces you to current major themes in contemporary literature, with a particular focus on how global crises post-2001 have been mediated in literary texts. (20 credits)
• Writing the Self: This module introduces you to different perspectives on how selfhood is constructed in literature. (20 credits)

Option Modules

• Analysing Spoken and Written Discourse: This module offers a range of different linguistic tools for exploring texts. (20 credits)
• Language and Gender: This module critically considers different approaches to the sociolinguistic study of language and gender. (20 credits)
• Language in Society: This module explores concepts and issues in sociolinguistics; research methods; languages and factors such as age, class, gender, ethnicity; language variation, choice, planning, change; language in face-to- face interaction. (20 credits)
• Languages for Specific Purposes: The module introduces Languages for Specific Purposes (LSP) and English for Specific Purposes (ESP). (20 credits)
• Reading the Nation: This module explores how different literary and cultural forms have been used to construct and contest expressions of nationhood, nationality, and nationalism in diverse cultural and historical contexts from the Global North and South. (20 credits)
• Victorian Explorations: This module examines ways in which the world and 'other worlds' were formed through literary and cultural representation during the later nineteenth century. (20 credits)

Entry Requirements

• UK: A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant subject (eg English language, English literature or TESOL). Applicants may be required to attend an interview (either face to face or via Skype). If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.
• International: A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in a relevant subject (eg English language, English literature or TESOL). Applicants may be required to attend an interview (either face to face or via Skype). If your first language is not English you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application.
• Assessment: Practical, coursework, written exams.

Research Groups

• HOMELandS (Hub on Migration, Exile, Languages and Spaces)
• Westminster Forum for Languages and Linguistics

Supporting You

• Study support: Workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills.
• Personal tutors: Support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential.
• Student advice team: Provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas.
• Extra-curricular activities: Volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more.

Course Location

• Regent Campus: Our Humanities subjects are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.

Related Courses

• **English Language and Linguistics MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) MA English Literature: Modern and Contemporary Fictions MA