English Literature MA – 2022 entry

In a world of information overload and 'alternative facts', the ability to read between the lines is more valuable than ever. Studying English literature equips you with the skills to do this.

Our course will further your ability to analyse words and literary forms, deepening your knowledge of important literary periods, movements, authors and texts.

You'll benefit from the expertise of our literary-studies academics who are leaders in their fields. They’ll inspire you to extend your understanding of literary theory, genre and literary history, introducing you to a variety of up-to-date approaches to literary study.

Building on your existing knowledge, this course will advance your understanding of literary theory, sharpen your academic writing and add authority to your critical voice. We’ll equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to start debating about how notions of literary value change over time, how literature responds to and shapes social change, and the new and distinctive forms of writing emerging in the 21st century.

If you aspire to go on to postgraduate research, this course is ideal for you. Our course is also a great choice if you’re looking for a broad overview of Anglophone culture or you want to develop an impressive level of knowledge within a particular field of literary studies.

If you’re a full-time student, you’ll take four modules each semester; then over the summer you’ll complete your dissertation. If you’re a part-time student, you’ll take two modules each semester across two years, then in your final summer you’ll complete your dissertation.

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps. 

Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.

We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice in time for the start of the academic year 2022/23 This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.

The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:

The programme's compulsory modules are structured to be delivered on Tuesdays with most optional classes running on Mondays or Tuesdays (some double-taught modules shared with undergraduate courses may have one group session on other days as long as the other group is on a Monday or a Tuesday).

Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).

Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.