MA English Literature by Research

The course is for students who want to engage with a substantial, independent research project based on a strong interest in their chosen topic.

Preferably working with your potential supervisor during the application process, you will devise an in­ depth study of a writer, topic or archival resource that is driven by your interests. The project may develop from a recent undergraduate encounter with a particular text or topic or you may be returning to education looking for a structured environment in which to formally study an established passion.

With the recent acquisition of the Mary Braddon Archive now held by the International Centre for Victorian Women Writers (ICVWW) here at Canterbury Christ Church University and with strong connections to local repositories such as Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library and the Kent History Centre at Maidstone, we can offer unique opportunities for original and innovative literary research projects.

This programme is a significant qualification in its own right but could also fast­track you, if you're successful, to MPhil and ultimately to PhD qualifications.

The research and writing skills you'll gain, together with the specialist disciplinary knowledge developed during the course, will enhance your employability and can provide an invaluable grounding for careers in teaching, media and journalism, publishing and marketing.

The MA by Research is designed to be delivered flexibly, according to your individual needs. You will meet regularly with your first supervisor, and also with your second supervisor, throughout the year to develop your ideas and receive feedback on your progress.

Fees

2019/20 tuition fees for this course

Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.

There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the 2019/20 Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.

Students may self-fund their course or a sponsor may fund or part-fund. Bursaries, scholarships and fee discounts may also be available.

Further information

• See information about financial support available for postgraduate studies
• If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact finance@canterbury.ac.uk
• For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk

Additional course costs

Although we aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet.

Costs applicable to all students

General principle policy

The University’s general principles policy for additional course fees are set out here

The English Literature team covers a wide range of specialist interests, from medieval to contemporary literature, and our REF submission 2014 included 3* and 4* research. We also offer co-supervision across the School of Humanities for interdisciplinary projects. Students are encouraged to participate in the postgraduate life of the School through the PG critical reading group and ongoing seminar series.

Supervised by a panel of experienced researchers you will meet regularly with your first supervisor and present your work-in-progress to the full panel halfway through your registration period. Following advice from this Review meeting you will complete the writing up of your 25-­30,000 ­word dissertation. There are no exams.

Claire Bartram is interested in supervising new doctoral projects on early modern book history and provincial culture in particular.

Stefania Ciocia’s supervision interests include minority and migrant literatures (especially in the American context), and the representation of childhood and adolescence in contemporary culture.

Susan Civale would be happy to supervise MA and MPhil/PhD projects in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century women writers, life writing, genre fiction, literary afterlives (including neo-Victorian and neo-Gothic narratives), and Romantic celebrity and print cultures.

Peter Merchant's past work includes definitive treatments of several otherwise relatively unsung eighteenth- and nineteenth-century authors (ranging from Sarah Fyge Egerton to Anna Kingsford) and he is interested in supervising in related areas.

Carolyn Oulton is interested in supervising research in nineteenth-century literature, including: Dickens, Mary Cholmondeley, New Woman fiction, Jerome K. Jerome and the New Humour.

Sonia Overall's interests include the relationship between walking and creativity, labyrinths, intertextual writing, crossover forms and formal experimentation, and the use of constraints, game-playing, randomness and chance to generate text.

Andrew Palmer’s research and teaching are focused on modernism, working class literature and music, and the literature of war from 1914 onwards. He welcomes enquiries from prospective students in these areas.

Astrid Stilma’s specialism is in early modern literature in a European context. Her teaching and research interests include: Elizabethan and Jacobean drama; the literature of the courts of King James VI and I; drama in performance (stage and screen); early modern translation and the book trade.

Applications for this course can be completed online .

For further information, please read our guidance on how to apply online .

Further information about the application process and what you will need to do to prepare.

The International Centre for Victorian Women Writers, based in the School of Humanities, is the only research centre in the UK devoted to the study and promotion of nineteenth century women’s writing. The ICVWW hosts regular conferences and events.

Students are supported with regular tutorials from a specialist supervisor and advice from a supervisory panel of three staff. They will also benefit from peer support from our thriving community of postgraduate students. Further support, training and facilities are provided by The Graduate School.