Modern and Contemporary Literature Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

This M.A. in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Birkbeck, University of London provides an in-depth exploration of literature and culture from the nineteenth century to the present day. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, images, and cultural contexts, guided by world-renowned academics who are active researchers in their fields. The course is structured to enhance both writing and research skills, making it ideal for those looking to advance their careers in cultural industries or further their academic pursuits.

Why Modern and Contemporary Literature at Birkbeck?

Birkbeck is highly regarded, having been ranked 2nd in the UK for English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Located in Bloomsbury, the heart of literary London, the university is surrounded by significant research libraries, including the British Library and Senate House Library. These resources provide students with unparalleled access to literary periodicals and archives, enriching their academic experience.

Students benefit from Birkbeck's strong connections to various research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Nineteenth-Century Studies and the Centre for New Writing. The latter hosts events featuring visiting authors and critics, offering students insights into the literary world. Birkbeck also provides a vibrant environment for cultural engagement, with opportunities to participate in seminars and reading groups through the Birkbeck Institute for the Humanities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the M.A. in Modern and Contemporary Literature are as follows:

• International students: £20,340 per year
• Domestic students: £11,070 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to cover a broad spectrum of themes and ideas that have shaped modernity. Students will study significant debates from 1800 to the present, including:

• The impact of the Industrial Revolution
• Changing roles of women
• The rise and fall of colonialism
• Concepts of the Anthropocene
• Trauma theory
• Postmodernism and posthumanism

Students will have the opportunity to select option modules that align with their interests, ensuring a personalised educational journey.

Careers with Modern and Contemporary Literature

Graduates of this programme possess a variety of transferable skills, making them well-suited for diverse career paths. Alumni have found roles in:

• Journalism
• Publishing
• Arts administration
• Civil service
• Teaching
• Curatorial positions in museums
• Policy advising

Notable recent graduates include a classics editor at Penguin Books and a curator at the British Library, highlighting the programme's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in literature and culture.