This programme offers students the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of supervised independent research in their chosen field, within this subject. Postgraduates will be guided by and contributing to the theory and knowledge in their specific area, and will present the insights obtained from their work in a manner consistent with academic standards and conventions. Alongside the original research they will study two advanced taught courses relevant to their field of study.

Students who follow this programme will:

* develop a knowledge and understanding of the roles played by various forms of writing in reflecting and influencing key elements in 19th century culture;
* 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;
* become familiar with the variety of materials that can be used to explore the cultural life of the period along with a critical understanding of some of the ways in which it has been conceptualised and understood by scholars, past and present;
* grasp the methodological issues and problems of literary and cultural analysis, enabling the student to create original academic work to underpin (where appropriate) further interdisciplinary research at PhD level.