English - MA

The MA English trains students in first-class research skills; core courses include Research Methods and Literary Theory, specifically designed with the needs of MA English graduates in mind. For those keen to pursue careers in publishing, literary journalism, or communications, our hands-on Advanced Editing modules introduce students to the practical and theoretical skills necessary to produce a literary journal in print and digital form. These modules offer a collaborative opportunity for vital team-working experience; our students create, produce, and market the literary magazine The Ogham Stone, now recognized as a serious publishing option for both well-known and emerging authors wishing to reach new audiences.

Our award-winning teachers in English research and publish powerful writing of their own, encouraging scholarly enquiry across a range of perspectives and traditions. Electives offered by our faculty include:

• Literary Modernism 
• Issues in Modern and Contemporary Poetry
• Politics and American Literature
• Literatures of Migration
• Feminist Literary Theory
• Gender and Sexuality in Irish Writing
• Postcolonial Theory and Literature
• Irish Americas in Literature & Culture
• Literature, Film, and Human Rights 
• Situating Irish Gothic

The MA English programme broadens and deepens learner knowledge of literatures in English, literary and cultural theory, and textual practices. We provide our students with the opportunity and skills for independent research and self-directed learning, while enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills and instructing learners in the use of traditional and technological research resources. Importantly, the programme offers the opportunity for advanced studies in English literature and the chance to complete a substantial original research thesis. Ultimately, students of this programme graduate with enhanced career opportunities in a variety of fields, including the knowledge and skills required to advance to doctoral degree studies.

Full Time:

Part Time:

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules

Candidates will be required to meet a minimum entry requirement of 2.2 (Level 8 Honours Degree, National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in an English-related degree or an approved equivalent qualification.  For non-native speakers of English an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score in the range of 7.0 is required.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION:

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• A copy of your birth certificate or passport
• A copy of your CV
• A personal statement
• Two (2) academic letters of reference
• A 500-700 word writing sample, providing a literary-critical response to a text that really engaged or provoked you during your undergraduate studies (this can be an extract from a longer essay submitted in fulfilment of your final year assessment).
• If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice. 
•  If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
• English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
• English language competency certificate
• Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application

• To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
• Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

International students can find more information on eligibility requirements here. 

EU - Full Time  €7,600 - Part Time €3,900*

Non EU - Full Time €18,000 - Part Time €9,700*

*Please note year 2 fees are subject to change

Once registered, students can apply to pay their fees in instalments. A request for a payment plan should be emailed to student.fees.office@ul.ie.

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Career Prospects

Our graduates are passionate about the written and spoken word. They go on to become teachers, researchers, editors, consultants, entrepreneurs, public servants, and community activists, and to work in media, public relations, academic institutions, and as professional writers.

A Master’s degree in English Literature provides vital skills including the ability to see connections between a multiplicity of ideas and disciplines, to understand the nuances of literary texts, to interpret written and cultural material of all kinds, to write effectively and persuasively, and to move between print and digital worlds.

Student testimonials

Ashley Bentley, Class of 2017/18 "The most satisfying aspect of the MA English so far has been the programme's liberating nature. I've felt as if my own literary interests have been facilitated because the programme's content permits a student to apply their own interests in a broader context, especially in the mandatory Literary Theory module".

Tan Zhu, International Student, Graduate MA English "For me, taking the MA in English at UL was a decision I’ll never regret; I was exposed to various literary texts, theories, and research methods that will benefit me throughout my life. What impressed me the most was the open and deep discussion in classes like the Irish Gothic one, which enabled students to dig out various meanings behind a Gothic novel". 

Maria do Rosário Casas Coelho, Class of 2014/15 "Attending the Literatures of Migration course at UL in the autumn of 2014 was an invaluable experience for me and my research. The group was mixed regarding nationalities and objects of study what made the sessions even more enlightening. As a Brazilian student, having access to the UL library was vital to the conclusion of my MA. It was a great experience in all senses". 

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Sandrine Ndahiro, Class of 2018-19 "The MA in English enabled me to explore a variation of modules.  Through this exploration, I was able to be more creative when it came to my writing style.By the end of the MA I had better confidence in my writing abilities."