MA in English (All pathways)
Programme dates for 2011-2012: 3 Oct 2011-17 Sept 2012
Introduction - Why do an MA?
An MA in English is increasingly regarded as a valuable extension from undergraduate study in that it goes beyond a "baseline" BA qualification by:
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offering students an anticipated edge in the professional job market;
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enhancing applications for teacher training where advanced specialist knowledge can be an asset. The PGCE English team in the Education department at Canterbury Christ Church University strongly encourage students to gain an MA before applying for the PGCE;
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providing essential postgraduate experience for students who intend to continue their study of literature at MPhil/PhD level;
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providing a period of literary study for those who wish to take a career break.
Our MA English Programme
A well-established programme, taught by active and award-winning researchers, our MA concentrates seminars on Mondays and Tuesdays only to offer flexibility with students' other commitments.
Designed to meet the needs of students who wish to engage in fast-track further study leading to a Master's qualification, our MA is offered full-time (one calendar year).
Allowing students to personalize their programme in either generalist or specialized ways according to individual interests, the MA offers an attractive and flexible academic menu, including four programme pathways
MA in English Literature
The MA in English Literature pathway enables students to select from a range of modules and work in a variety of areas either not covered in their undergraduate choices, or which they desire more deeply to examine. Module tutors are acknowledged experts in their specialisms.
MA in English (Children's Literature)
The MA in English (Children's Literature) focuses on key areas within children's literature and draws on the department's long-established reputation in this field. Our 1981 introduction of an undergraduate module in Children's Literature made us one of the earliest English departments, nationally or internationally, to offer modules in this rapidly expanding and much sought after field of study.
MA in English (Literatures Victorian and Modern)
The MA in English (Literatures Victorian and Modern) attends to specific genres, types, and sub-periods of literature within the consistently popular Victorian and Modern periods. It differs from period-based MAs in other institutions by offering modules in specific literary types rather than generalist or panoramic treatments of period.
MA in English (Literatures Medieval and Early Modern)
The MA in English (Literatures Medieval and Early Modern) enables students to study modules devoted to aspects of Medieval Literature. It differs from period-based MAs in other institutions by offering modules in specific literary topics and themes rather than encompassing treatments of period.
Entrance Requirements
A good honours degree, which is defined as a first class or second class honours degree, in English or a relevant subject discipline. Holders of other qualifications will be considered individually. Proven ability in essay writing is important for the programme.
Entry requirements for International students whose first language is not English include an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in reading and writing.
Programme Structure
All students complete the "Research and Scholarship" module in term 1 (20 credits) and produce a 15,000-word dissertation which is submitted in September (60 credits). Students also choose five option modules (each worth 20 credits): two in Term 1 and three in Term 2.
Students following the MA in English Literature pathway may choose any five option modules and may write their dissertation on any topic in English literature for which a supervisor is available.
Students following the MA in English (Children's Literature) pathway must include the two option modules marked * and write their dissertation on a topic in children's literature.
Students following the MA in English (Literatures Victorian and Modern) pathway must take at least two of the modules marked # over the course of the year and must write their dissertation on a topic in Victorian and/or Modern literature.
Students following the MA in English (Literatures Medieval and Early Modern) pathway must take the two the modules marked ^ and must write their dissertation on a topic in Medieval and/or Early Modern literature.
We expect all modules to run each year, but where a module recruits low numbers of students it may not run in a given year.
MA Seminar Timetable
The timetable has been designed to enable concentration of seminar slots within two days (Monday and Tuesday) to offer flexibility with students' other commitments. View the current timetable|.
Fees
For information on Fees, please visit our Finance pages|. Students generally finance their MA programme through part-time employment and/or career development loans from their bank.
How to Apply
Information on how to apply and application and referee forms are available from The Postgraduate Admissions Office| on the University website or from admissions@canterbury.ac.uk|.
International students should apply through the university's International Office|
Please note that application forms are not available from the Department of English and Language Studies.
Please be sure to submit (or, in the case of the reference, arrange for your referee to submit) the following documents so that we can consider your application.
1. a completed application form. NB If you are currently a third-year student who has not yet completed your undergraduate degree please ensure that on your application form you list your Year 2 module grades and those of any assessed Year 3 work to date.
2. a completed Supplementary Form for MA in English (available by scrolling down the The Postgraduate Admissions Office| page);
3. a reference form completed by an academic referee. NB your academic referee needs to be a tutor/lecturer who has assessed your work, so if you are currently in your final year of undergraduate study and have not yet submitted any coursework this year your referee will need to be one of your Year 2 tutors/lecturers.
Applicants may be called for interview and/or asked to submit a writing sample and will normally be selected by a member or members of the programme team.
Programme Convenor
The Programme Convenor is Prof Adrienne Gavin|.