Modern English Studies

MA

The MA in Modern English Studies covers predominantly post-1900 literature and visual media in English from a range of cultural sources including the UK, Ireland, USA, the Indian subcontinent, Australia and New Zealand. Students have the chance to study a range of contemporary texts including novels, films, poetry and short stories in the context of contemporary literary and critical theories.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Part time, Full time

Attendance

Staff inputs to modules are typically from 6.00pm- 9.00pm on specified days during the week.

Location

Avenue Campus

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally have an honours degree with a first or upper second classification in an appropriate subject. Exceptionally other candidates will be considered. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.

UKPASS code

07443 - view details at UKPASS

Length of study

One year full-time or minimum two years part-time. Under the part-time route it is possible to extend the course up to a maximum of four years to suit individual situations.

Start date

September

School

School of The Arts

Course content

The course covers contemporary critical theories and methodologies, research methods including advanced study skills and constructing a research project, contemporary British writing; post-colonial literature, gender and writing, literary and cinematic pulp fictions and utopian and dystopian literature (from the early modern period to the present day).

Special course features

All Masters level students undertake a generic module entitled Research Methods (20 credits). This underpins the three phases of the Masters study and provides the important environment of debate and engagement on cross-disciplinarity in the arts. The courses have an element of choice of modules up to a value of 20 credits.

Typical modules

Postgraduate Certificate:

ARTM002 Research Methods in The Arts (20 credits)
LITM004 Critical Theory (20 credits)
LITM016 Contemporary British Writing (20 credits) or
LITM020 Brave New Worlds (20 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma - all of the above plus:

ARTM027 Independent Study in The Arts (20 credits)
LITM007 Post-Colonial Literature (20 credits) or
ARTM006 Arts and Health: Exploring the Myths (20 credits)

Masters degree - all of the above plus:

ARTM003 Research project (60 credits)

Assessment

The course is assessed by assignment, seminar presentation, essay, report and dissertation.

Facilities available

The course is taught by academic staff who are highly active in research at national and international levels. Our extensive and contemporary resources are all located in the Avenue Campus and include:

High quality studios and workshop spaces including photography, digital technology, video, printmaking and sculpture
Research centres including the Avenue Research Centre, the Centre for Contemporary Criticism and Narrative and the Centre for Practice-Led Research in The Arts
Staff with significant employment experience in their fields
Links with regional, cultural and creative industries
Specialised library and poster archive
Art gallery (Avenue Gallery)
Choreographic Lab
Portfolio Innovation Centre - a dedicated provider of office space and support for small creative businesses

Career opportunities

The course prepares students for the professional cultural environment and higher research study. Graduates have gone on to work in publishing, journalism, higher education teaching and freelance writing. PhDs at The University of Northampton can be pursued through traditional written or practice-led methodologies and this course provides a comprehensive and relevant foundation.

Application notes

For some awards, applicants will be required to attend an interview with a portfolio or documentation of a body of work or evidence of creative ability and theoretical engagement.

For general application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.