English Literature, MA
Study different ways of looking at and writing about London with this exciting MA programme. Explore literary London and how writers have responded to the city while studying in London itself.
This English MA offers the opportunity to engage with the rich and complicated literary imaginings of London through the years - from Shakespeare to the Victorians and onwards, to cinematic, postcolonial and documentary constructions of the city.
The structure is designed to be flexible, with courses taught in weekly seminars focusing on literary, theoretical and cultural texts. Broaden your knowledge of literature and your understanding of London's role in the world while exploring alternative approaches and perspectives, all within an interdisciplinary, comparative and international context.
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Location
Duration
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September
2027/28 fees
To be confirmedWhat you should know about this course
What you will study
This course is being refreshed for 2027/8 building-in employability, real-world problem solving skills, and wellbeing initiatives for a future-focused learning experience. Modules shown are indicative topics and will be updated in Spring 2027.
Modules are subject to change as we are currently reviewing our course portfolio.
About the course team
Welcome to our MA English Literature, which is taught from within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Your teaching comes from an experienced team of lecturers. These include academics with specialisms in every period of literature from the Renaissance to the present.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
- An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2, or above, in English, Creative Writing, History, Philosophy, Sociology, Law, Politics, Education or another related Humanities or Social Science subject.
Applicants with a degree in another subject area may also be considered where they can demonstrate relevant knowledge, skills or experience related to literature, literary analysis, critical thinking, cultural studies or written communication.
We welcome applications from experienced professionals who may not hold a degree. Applicants with relevant professional qualifications, significant work experience or evidence of the ability to succeed at postgraduate level will be considered on an individual basis.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
If you are from outside the UK
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
In a typical week, learning takes place place through seminars in which tutors and students discuss and develop ideas prompted by set texts and guided reading. This may be supplemented by one-to-one consultations and visits to relevant museums, archives, or historical sites. Teaching takes place on the Greenwich campus.
Class sizes
Lectures, seminars or tutorials are normally attended by smaller groups. Numbers can vary more widely for modules that are shared between degrees.Students also take part in shared/collaborative modules with students on other creative arts courses, providing a perfect opportunity to develop skills in group and teamwork.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you are also expected to dedicate time to independent study (around 8-10 hours per module per week). Every module will involve further reading and research.
You will also be expected to spend time preparing for classwork such as presentations and group discussions, and for assessed coursework and examinations. You can use our Stockwell Street library and online resources to support you in these activities.
You will also be encouraged to take advantage of the wealth of materials at the British Library and other specialists libraries and archives in London. During the week you can also: Attend guest lectures from industry experts. Take part in employability and enterprise workshops. We encourage you to join societies such as: English Society Performing Arts Society of Dramatic Arts (SODA).
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours, independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of modules you are studying.
Assessment
On this course, students are assessed by coursework, presentations, and a dissertation, which signifies the culmination of your studies in a longer piece of independent research developed with a supervisor.
Feedback summary
We aim to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
2027/28 fees
To be confirmed.Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
International Scholarship Award
International students can apply for the International Scholarship Award, which is a single year tuition fee discount up to £3,000 if they hold an offer to study at the University of Greenwich for September 2026.
International Scholarship Award
Greenwich Progression Bursary
£3,000 bursary for home fee paying University of Greenwich final year undergraduate students and Alumni.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
There are no extensive further costs associated with this course. Most students choose to buy primary texts for study but these are also available to borrow for free from our library.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
A postgraduate degree in English Literature from Greenwich will allow you to enter a wide variety of fields of work and opens the door to embarking on a research degree. A number of our graduates have gone on to complete PhDs.
Others have gone on to successful careers in teaching, journalism, marketing and PR, arts administration, local and central government, charity work, and many other areas.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The University's Employability and Careers Service (ECS) provides support when you are preparing to apply for jobs. Support includes CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the sector and who may be able to provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
Accommodation
Greenwich
Living in halls of residence is a great way to make new friends and get into the social side of university life. With four great locations, all minutes away from the campus and the centre of historic Greenwich , you will be at the heart of one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK.
Rooms start at £146.30/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-campus gym and 24-hour security - and just a 10-minute train journey to central London. Students based at our Greenwich campus can also choose to live the Student Village at Avery Hill, which is only a short ride on our free shuttle bus.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Support from the department
As a student in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, you will be part of a vibrant community with a wide range of interests.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
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