English Literature

Overview

The English Literature course from Bangor University  consists of taught modules (Part One) mainly assessed by essays, followed by a dissertation (Part Two).

On this MA you can explore your interests across the wide-ranging field of English literary studies in their choice of taught modules, or they may elect to follow a programme of taught modules and one-to-one supervision in more specialised areas of interest. 

• Medieval and Early Modern Literature:  These are well-known and internationally recognised areas of expertise at Bangor. Members of the School of English undertake research in medieval English poetry, prose and drama; the literature of the Tudor period; the drama of Shakespeare and his contemporaries; early modern book history; and seventeenth-century literature in poetry and prose as well as on the stage.

• Material Texts: This subject area introduces the postgraduate student to many of the methodologies associated with the history of the book, the sociology of texts, the history of reading and the theories associated with editing.

• Revolution and Modernity, 1750 to the Present: This area of expertise – unique in the UK – offers students the opportunity to become intimately acquainted with the historical, cultural and literary forces that have shaped our contemporary age. 

• Four Nations Literature: This area of expertise offers the opportunity for pioneering study of the literatures of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Careers

The course offers excellent preparation for participation in doctoral programmes. It adds to the qualifications of those intending to pursue a career in cultural and creative fields such as publishing, arts administration, the media, communications and teaching. The experience of postgraduate literary study can also enhance future employability, through the acquisition of transferrable skills such as: the ability to pursue independent research; to carry out advanced analysis of texts and arguments; and to present ideas fluently in written and oral form. Above all, the MA affords an opportunity for advanced personal and intellectual development.