Program Overview

Overview

The English Literature MLitt is an individually tailored research Master's degree. It contains some taught modules, some independently conducted research assignments, and a larger research dissertation at the end. The topics are chosen by the student, in consultation with their supervisor.

What You'll Learn

Taught modules aim to extend the student's knowledge and skills beyond undergraduate level and help to develop their research skills. The course gives the student the flexibility to design a programme of study according to their own research interests.

Modules

• English MLitt Research Assignments (80 credits)
• English MLitt Dissertation (80 credits)
• Research Methods (Literature) (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

This English Literature MLitt course is primarily taught on the city-centre campus. The student's contact and study times vary across modules, although teaching typically includes seminars, tutorials, presentations, and independent learning. The course is made up of 180 credits:

• 20 credits for research training modules
• 80 credits for research assignments with a combined length of 16,000-20,000 words
• 80 credits for a 16,000-20,000-word dissertation, which is written in the spring/summer for full-time students or in the second year for part-time students

Your Future

The Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and the university has strong links with employers. The service provides a broad range of workshops covering research and professional skills, careers support, wellbeing, health and safety, public engagement, and academic development.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of the university's research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
• Top 85 for English Language and Literature – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Facilities

The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics is a lively and diverse community with over 700 undergraduates and 150 postgraduates. The school is based in the Percy Building, which includes:

• Several dedicated computer clusters
• Meeting rooms
• A kitchen
• Lounge area
• Award-winning Philip Robinson Library with excellent resources for archival research in the Special Collections
• Collections at Newcastle City Library and the Newcastle Literary and Philosophical Society

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

• Qualification: MLitt Full-time: £24,400 (International students)
• Qualification: MLitt Part-time: £Not set (Home students), £12,200 (International students)

Scholarships

The university supports EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honours degree or above, or international equivalent, in English Literature or a related field.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)
• Pearson: 62 overall (with a minimum of 51 in all sub-skills)
• Duolingo English Test: 105 overall (with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills)
• TOEFL: 90 overall (with a minimum of 19 in all sub-skills)

Admissions Policy

The university's admissions policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. It is intended to provide information about admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the university.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow students to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification.

How to Apply

Before You Start

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.

Programme Codes

• Qualification: MLitt Full-time: 7807F
• Qualification: MLitt Part-time: 7807P

Using the Application Portal

The application portal has instructions to guide students through their application. It will tell them what documents they need and how to upload them.

Specialised Application Information

Students should include a research proposal or sample composition with their application. The university provides guidance on producing the research proposal.