Modern and Contemporary Literature | University of Manchester

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Course summary

Our MA Modern and Contemporary Literature master's course offers an opportunity to become part of a dynamic group of researchers working in 20th and 21st century literature, culture and theory.

You will undertake an intensive and challenging investigation of the broad field of modern and contemporary writing. Units provide opportunities to study modernisms, postcolonial writing, cultural theory, radical subcultures, American culture, contemporary fiction and much more.

We focus on the relationships between texts and the various political and historical contexts in which they are produced and in which they circulate. Via detailed engagements with aesthetic form, we consider the connections between cultural and political practice, with particular focus on representations and constructions of sexuality, class, gender and race.

Open days

University of Manchester - virtual open day (online only)
20 Apr 2026, 15:00
Manchester
University of Manchester - open day (in person/on campus)
27 Jun 2026, 08:15
Manchester
University of Manchester - open day (in person/on campus)
4 Jul 2026, 08:15
Manchester
University of Manchester - virtual open day (online only)
6 Jul 2026, 15:00
Manchester
University of Manchester - open day (in person/on campus)
3 Oct 2026, 08:15
Manchester
University of Manchester - open day (in person/on campus)
10 Oct 2026, 08:15
Manchester
University of Manchester - virtual open day (online only)
16 Nov 2026, 16:00
Manchester

Fees and funding

Choose a specific option to see funding information.

Course options

Sponsorship information

Each year the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures offer a number of School awards and Subject-specific bursaries (the values of which are usually set at Home/EU fees level), open to both Home/EU and international students. The deadline for these is early February each year. Details of all funding opportunities, including deadlines, eligibility and how to apply, can be found on the School's funding page where you can also find details of the Government Postgraduate Loan Scheme.

See also the University's postgraduate funding database to see if you are eligible for any other funding opportunities.

For University of Manchester graduates, the Manchester Alumni Bursary offers a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a First within the last three years and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.

The Manchester Master's Bursary is a University-wide scheme that offers 100 bursaries worth £3,000 in funding for students from underrepresented groups.