English Literary Studies (Twentieth Century and Contemporary) (Taught)

This master's degree is a specialised pathway focusing on English literature from the 20th Century to the present day (Contemporary). It offers the opportunity to explore contemporary culture and history through literary texts, covering crucial topics such as:
• Science and climate change
• Politics and globalisation
• The relationship between literary and visual cultures
• Issues of sexuality, gender, race, and disability
The curriculum is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation, and theoretical methods relevant to modern and contemporary writing. We're ranked 6th for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).

Key Features and Distinctiveness
• Specialised Focus: The pathway offers dedicated, in-depth study of the most recent and evolving literary periods, differentiating it from the general MA English Literary Studies degree.
• Research Centre Link: It is linked to the Southampton Centre for Modern and Contemporary Writing, which actively brings together academics, writers, and research students with shared interests in the relationship between writing and contemporary culture, hosting events like guest lectures and seminars.
• Core Module: You will study the ""Approaches to the Long Twentieth Century (1914–Present)"" core module, which introduces key critical, theoretical, and conceptual debates specific to this extensive period.
• Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an extended piece of independent scholarly research on a literary aspect of the 20th or 21st century that interests you.

Your Future Career
The course cultivates high-level analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers that require sophisticated cultural awareness and critical engagement. Potential career paths include:
• Teaching and Academic Research (including progression to PhD study).
• Publishing and Editorial Roles.
• Librarianship
• Cultural Heritage and Arts Administration.

Further Information
• Course Duration: Available as a full-time (one-year) master's or a part-time option over two or more years.
• Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus.
• Entry Requirements: A typical offer requires a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject. You are also required to submit a sample of written work (approximately 2,500 words) for assessment.

"Compulsory modules include: Adventures in Literary Research; Approaches to the Long 20th Century (1914-Present); English Dissertation. Optional modules include: Approaches to Critical and Creative Concepts; Approaches to Shakespeare, Past and Present; Literary Industries and New Media; Narrative Non-Fiction: From Literary Journalism to Memoir; Nation, Culture, Power.

For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/english-literary-studies-twentieth-century-contemporary-masters-ma#modules"

We'll assess your knowledge through: essays, projects and 15,000 word thesis.