English Literatures - MA
Keele has a long, distinguished history of teaching and research excellence in English and American Literatures. Our broad, comprehensive expertise in fiction, poetry, drama, life writing, literary theory, creative writing, film and media, gives you the freedom to tailor your study through tuition and one-to-one supervision from leading specialists. In a structured learning environment, you’ll gain an extensive grounding in literary theory and research, extending your knowledge of literary works and the conceptual frameworks used to approach them. Developing as a researcher and communicator, you'll enjoy lively debates within a passionate community which shares your love of literature.
Month of entry
- September
Mode of study
- Full time, Part time
Fees for 2026/27 academic year
- UK - Full time £9,400 per year. Part time £5,200 per year.
International - £17,100 per year.
Fees
Duration of study
- Full time: 1 year | Part time: 2 years | Modular: Up to 5 years
This course is no longer accepting applications from international students for the 2026/27 academic year.
Why study English Literatures at Keele University?
About the course
Whatever your motivation – the chance to pursue your passion for literature or to develop analytical, writing and research skills – our MA can help you achieve this and more, with opportunities to enjoy readings from an exciting range of published poets, novelists and peers within an intellectually stimulating, collegiate environment.
You’ll be supported throughout by our leading academics in the field of literary studies, whose research across a broad spectrum of literary periods and genres feeds directly into teaching and research supervision, giving you significant scope when choosing your dissertation topic.
Core modules are designed to deepen your understanding of methodologies appropriate to the study of literature from the Renaissance to the present. You will approach texts from different theoretical perspectives, enhancing your understanding of a wide range of cultures, values, experiences and intellectual traditions.
The wide choice of optional modules from across the disciplines of English or American Literature, Creative Writing or Film, enables you to tailor your studies to your interests. You can deep dive into classic texts from Lord Byron, Austen or Shakespeare, for example, or explore the weird and wonderful cinematography of directors like Lilly and Lana Wachowski and David Lynch.
Alternatively, using our contacts or through your own networks, you can opt for a work placement, applying your knowledge in a work setting, gaining valuable experience and enhancing your CV. Recent English Literatures students, for example, have worked at the Samuel Johnson Museum, Staffordshire Archives and Heritage, and the New Vic Theatre.
You’ll graduate with knowledge of research design, methods and processes, together with the creative, critical, reflexive, and analytical mindset that employers desire, and the ability to think critically about complex topics from different perspectives.
You’ll also be studying at a University where you can immerse yourself in a wide range of creative and cultural events and societies, courtesy of ArtsKeele, giving you access to valuable networks of professional contacts. The fortnightly Keele Hall Readings, for instance, recently featured acclaimed writer Okechukwu Nzelu, whose first book won a Betty Trask Award, and Caleb Parkin, self-proclaimed 'day-glo queero techno eco poet and facilitator'.
"There were plenty of opportunities to get involved in organising and attending conferences and research events, which helped to give a well-rounded experience of academia. The best thing about English at Keele though, undoubtedly, is the staff. Every member of the English department was welcoming, enthusiastic, and, most importantly, supportive. Thanks to the staff, I have learnt so much in my whirlwind year at Keele, not only in terms of developing my knowledge about English literature but also in terms of justifying the importance of my own research, and the Humanities in general."
Course structure
Studying English literature, language and creative writing can be both inspiring and rewarding, offering new insight into the ways in which stories, poems, novels, plays and their authors creatively interpret the world in which we live.
This course is taught through a combination of five core modules and optional modules you will select from a choice which reflects the variety in cross-period and thematic spread of English as a subject.
To graduate with a Master’s qualification, you must complete 180 credits, including the production of a 15,000-word dissertation (60 credits) on a topic of your choice, negotiated with and supervised by one of our experienced researchers. You will begin your dissertation early in the course and continue working on it throughout the duration of your studies.
In preparation, you will undertake a full research training programme, which includes sessions on academic writing, ethics, archives and databases, writing a research proposal, and an introduction to a range of methodological approaches from across the Humanities. These sessions are also designed to develop the necessary skills for doctoral research. You’ll be given advice on how to construct, develop and write an extended dissertation, based on independent research.
The MA English Literatures can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September start date. It is also possible to study more flexibly part-time on a modular basis, accumulating degree credits by taking individual modules over a maximum period of five years.
What you will study
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
Compulsory modules
Research Methods in the Humanities, Media, and Creative Arts (15 credits)
You will receive training in the practical and technical skills necessary for postgraduate research in the humanities, so you will be able to plan, then find and use the necessary resources for your research and writing. This includes: relevant University regulations; procedures for managing a research degree; the differences between popular press dissemination of research and academic forms; how to identify issues of research ethics affecting your work; plus how to use real-world and digital archives and be creative in looking for primary research sources, such as film archives, digitised magazines and pamphlets, and first editions of out-of-print literature. You will also develop essential personal and professional skills in time, stress and project management.
Reflective Practice in the Humanities, Media, and Creative Arts (15 credits)
Reflective practice describes a systematic approach to reflection that involves creating a habit, structure and routine around reflecting on our experiences and engaging in continuous learning. Whether you choose to learn from experience as an individual or with others, there are many benefits to be gained from sharing ideas, experiences and considering how you can change or improve your creative practice. Throughout this module, you will be asked to explore the intellectual connections between your research area and wider fields of study. We look at ‘big ideas’ relevant to contemporary society, such as the concept of ‘post truth’, ‘big data’ and the pulling down of statues, and we work to understand them from the perspective of our disciplines.
Criticism, Analysis, Theory in Literary Studies (30 credits)
You will develop your analytical abilities through the study of a selection of key theoretical and critical issues and approaches in contemporary literary and cultural analysis. You’ll be introduced to the variety of interpretive methods currently used within the discipline of English. Collective weekly discussions about selected text examples build your confidence in selecting and applying such theory to a range of literary texts. In your assessments, you can choose to develop a project focusing on literary and filmic texts studied on the course or of your own choice.
Canon, Anti-Canon, Contexts (30 credits)
You will explore key questions of literary value and function, developing high-level skills in cross-period, comparative reading and the evaluation of literature across a variety of literary periods, national and international contexts, genres and movements. The module asks questions such as: what is a ‘literary’ text, and in what ways is it different from non-literary texts, or from filmic ones? How does a text become ‘canonical’? What prevents other texts from being classified as ‘canonical’? How do canonical and non-canonical texts construct and communicate different constructions of identity? How do these texts and identities come to be recovered, and perhaps evaluated differently in different social and intellectual contexts?
Dissertation (60 credits)
The dissertation module is the culminating point of the MA in English Literature. You will develop a research topic within the field of English literature and plan, research and write a 15,000-word dissertation. You will be supported and supervised throughout the year by a member of the teaching team who has expertise in the particular field or topic. They will advise you on your choice of initial topic and research questions, suggested reading, dissertation structure and design, and will comment on draft chapters.
Optional Modules
Advanced Topics in English 1 (15 credits)
This module gives you the opportunity to develop advanced critical and research skills through engagement with specialised topics in English Literature. In addition to exploring the topic that you choose from the range available, you will reflect on how this topic informs your broader MA research.
Advanced Topics in English 2 (15 credits)
Building on the knowledge, skills, and critical approaches developed during the first semester of the MA, this module enables you to undertake further advanced study through engagement with a specialised topic in English Literature. As you deepen your expertise in your chosen area, you will further refine your critical and research skills, engaging with complex scholarly debates and developing increasingly independent lines of enquiry. Alongside exploring your selected topic, you will reflect on its significance for your wider MA studies and its contribution to your developing research interests.
Work Placement for Humanities Postgraduates (30 credits)
This module is designed to give you an opportunity to contribute to the world beyond the University, in any workplace where the research, analytical, and communication skills developed as part of a postgraduate Humanities degree can be used. The chosen workplace may be, for example, a local museum, theatre, charity, library, school or education provider, marketing company, PR firm, local newspaper, local radio, or another suitable opportunity identified by you and approved by the module leader. While on the placement, you will produce a theoretically informed portfolio critically reflecting on and giving evidence of the activities/outputs completed at your chosen workplace. These may include, for example, researching and producing materials advertising or supporting current or proposed exhibits or performances, researching and producing written or audio pieces, and/or planning small group educational activities on Humanities-related topics. Advice will be given on identifying and contacting placements and composing a CV in Semester 1, and support will be provided throughout the placement, which will usually take place in Semester 2.
"The work placement module gave me the opportunity to work in the education sector whilst conducting my studies. This module helped my confidence to grow, and the support of the lecturers and informative seminars firmly confirmed the decision that teaching is the right career path for me. I have since been accepted onto the Teach First programme. "
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.
Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
UK
2:2 degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Algeria
12/20 or Assez Bien degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bahrain
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.7/4.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Bangladesh
60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a public university
or
CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any humanities or social science subject from a private university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Canada
70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
China
70% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject or 65% in a degree in any humanities or social science subject from a '211' university
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Egypt
Bachelor degree from a Public or Private University with 65%/CGPA = 2.7/Good degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong
Bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 or CGPA of 2.5 OR Bachelor Ordinary degree with a CGPA of 3.4 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
India
55% or CGPA 6/10 in a degree of at least 3 years in any Humanities, or Social Science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Kuwait
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nepal
60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Nigeria
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Oman
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan
We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience.
You will also need an English language qualification (see below)
Qatar
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.75/4.0 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
South Africa
Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any humanities or social science subject
or
Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Sri Lanka
55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Turkey
A CGPA of 2.5/4.0 in a Bachelor degree (Lisans Diplomasi) in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
UAE
Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of 2.5/77%/B- in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Uganda
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
USA
Bachelor's degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.6 in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
Zimbabwe
Second class degree in any humanities or social science subject
or
demonstrated professional or relevant qualifications or experience
You will also need: an English language qualification (see below)
English language requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group C.
References
Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.
Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose
Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.
RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.
Professional qualifications and work experience
The majority of our courses will consider relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications at the appropriate level, as an alternative to an undergraduate degree for entry. The work experience should be for a sustained period and at a suitable level, based within a relevant sector to your chosen course.
Admissions staff will review your work experience and/or professional qualifications during the assessment of your application to ensure suitability in terms of relevancy, level and appropriate learning outcomes.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application. For international students, find out how we work with approved agents as part of our admissions process.
Postgraduate funding and scholarshipsFees, funding and scholarships
Fees
2027/28 academic year
For start dates between September 2027 and July 2028.
| Type of study | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|
| UK - full time | £9,800 |
| UK - part time | £4,900 |
| International - full time | £20,700 |
This is a Band A course. For modular fees please refer to the modular tuition fees.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Funding
Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, our dedicated financial support team is here to help.
Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2026 start date falls in the 2025/26 academic year. Please see the tuition fees archive for the 2025/26 fees.
Planning your funding
It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our financial support team.
For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
Scholarships
We know that understanding what support is available for postgraduate students is an important step in planning your future and we are committed to rewarding excellence and potential.
Visit our scholarships and bursaries webpage to find out more about our scholarships, including:
- Keele Global Scholarship – up to £5000 tuition fee discount for international students (2027/28)
- Keele Graduate Scholarship – up to £3000 tuition fee discount for home students (2027/28)
Terms and conditions apply.
Additional costs
There are no additional costs for this course. However, students may incur general expenses related to university study, such as for printing, textbooks and other materials. Students who undertake a placement may be responsible for additional costs, such as travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs. For further information, please refer to the additional costs information.
Teaching, learning and assessment
How you'll be taught
English is a wide-ranging discipline which allows you to develop skills in critical argument and engage imaginatively with literary texts both past and present.
You will explore the ways in which the formal characteristics of literature have developed over time and across diverse cultures within the Anglophone world, as well as the socio-political, ethnic, and gender contexts that inform and impact them.
Typically, the taught elements of the course includes a combination of taught classes, seminars, large and small group work, guided independent study and one-to-one supervision. With smaller-sized classes, our ethos is very much about learning co-operatively and supportively in a friendly, nurturing environment, sharing your ideas with tutors and peers and vice versa.
The programme benefits from being situated within the broader School of Humanities and Social Sciences which allows us to offer interdisciplinary research training and supervision.
You will be encouraged to attend and participate in our programme of academic research seminars and conferences and become involved in Work in Progress seminars specifically tailored to doctoral and MA students’ presentations. Many of our postgraduates get involved in organising and attending conferences and research events, which gives you a well-rounded experience of academia for those considering this career.
You’ll also be encouraged to take advantage of ArtsKeele, the University’s vibrant arts programme, comprising art, music, live poetry readings, performances, public lectures and other cultural treats. For example, Keele Creative Writing Anthology provides opportunities to hear live readings from published award-winning poets and novelists, previously featuring Helen Mort, Jenna Clarke and Caleb Parkin. While Keele Concerts Society organises a mixed programme of internationally acclaimed music on campus and at the New Vic Theatre. Recent performances included a trio of folk singers and one of the world’s finest classical guitarists.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment on the course is designed to develop the research and communication skills necessary to complete a substantial dissertation. Conducted through coursework and (in some cases) individual presentations, this is achieved through a variety of different methods: short and long essays; annotated bibliographies; project outlines; reflective study diaries; and the dissertation.
You’ll be encouraged to attend dissertation workshops to develop writing skills, write reports of any research seminars you attend, and present your research proposals within your discipline cohort and to the wider Humanities community in our annual research symposia.
