Critical Theory (MSc By Research) – (M.Sc.)

Learning Outcomes Students who follow this programme will:

* develop a knowledge and understanding of contemporary approaches to critical theory, taken to include both theoretical and methodological reflection on the object, nature and forms of literary study, and broader questions about the relationship between aesthetic and social enquiry;
* deepen their knowledge and understanding of selected themes and topics in a way that enables them to select and execute an independent piece of research;
* develop a familiarity with a range of approaches to the theory of criticism, along with an informed understanding of some of the ways in which such approaches have been conceptualised and practiced by scholars, past and present;
* comprehend the methodological issues and problems of literary and cultural research and analysis, equipping them with experience of creating original academic work to underpin (where appropriate) further interdisciplinary research at PhD level.

How You Will Be Taught Students will undertake a seminar based programme of research methods training in core research skills and subject-specific methodologies. They will also take two option courses covering areas of critical theory related to their chosen fields and will write two extended essays in relation to these courses. The course includes a 15,000-word dissertation, completed under the supervision of one or more of the programme tutors.