English Literature – (M.A.)

Buckingham’s Master’s Degree by Research in English Literature, which is designed for full or part-time study, appeals to a number of different groups.

School teachers, often numbed by the repetitive demands of ‘set books’, can seize the opportunity to revitalise their love of English literature by researching into an author or area of their own choosing. Those who have some leisure time to devote to study may be attracted by a programme in which they can explore in depth their own literary interests. Students who have graduated successfully from an undergraduate programme at Buckingham or elsewhere may find this an ideal way to hone their research and analytical skills. Graduates from overseas can study English literature in its homeland, benefiting from being part of a supportive and close-knit academic community.

Those who wish to continue their research may study for a further year (MPhil) or two years (DPhil), or for the part-time equivalent.

The University has a four-term year. The MA programme normally runs from September to August, though other start times may be possible. In the first term there are core seminars on research methodology; there are then two seminars in each of the subsequent three terms on a range of literary topics, led by Buckingham academics and eminent guest lecturers. These seminars, held in the early evening, are not only of interest and value in themselves, but also allow students to meet together and benefit from each other’s experiences.