Course Details
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Brief Description
The MA in English provides opportunities and skills for the advanced study of literatures in English, literary and cultural theory, and textual practices. Students will develop expertise in self-directed learning and the pursuit of independent research as they also become familiar with current critical conversations in such areas as Irish studies, migration studies, modernism, postcolonialism, gender and sexuality studies, and early modern studies.
Please see further information regarding a fee waiver for this programme here: https://www.ul.ie/gps/about/funding-your-course#scholarships
The deadline for submission of a fee waiver application is 30th June. Please contact ahsspg@ul.ie for further details on how to apply. Successful applicants will be notified after the June deadline
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.
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Part Time:
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| Year 2 - Autumn Semester | Year 2 - Spring Semester | Year 2 – Summer Semester |
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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
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
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".
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."
Lauren Cassidy, Class of 2018-19 "The Master of Arts in English programme at the University of Limerick has helped me to refine my skills as a researcher, writer, editor, and academic. My ability to organise research, construct ideas, deploy theory, synthesise information, and express thoughts creatively have all improved dramatically. I would recommend this programme for any student with a passion for English literature, intellectual exploration, and participation in the development of modern academia."
Clodagh Guerin, "After completing my undergraduate degree in English and History at the University of Limerick, I met with Dr Yianna Liatsos to discuss my options for further study. After researching the programme on UL's website, I knew that the taught MA in English was the right fit for me.
My favourite part of the programme was how passionate each of my lecturers were about making the content relevant to every student's specific research interests; they encouraged flexibility, creativity and critical thinking so that we could all apply our learnings beyond the classroom.
The MA in English at UL benefitted me greatly. When writing my thesis, I discovered how passionate I am about research, and I made the decision to undertake further study by starting a PhD in UL after my masters had finished. The research and writing skills that the MA taught me have been invaluable in my personal, professional, and academic life. I have presented my work at academic conferences using these skills, and so much of my current research is based off my learnings from my past lecturers. I truly recommend the MA in English at UL for any student interested in pursuing postgraduate studies."