English (Taught)

Explore and advance your knowledge of English language and literature with our comprehensive MA English programme at Aston University. Offering specialised tracks in language, literature or an integrated approach, our programme provides a dynamic platform for academic growth.

Our curriculum emphasises the development of practical research skills and theoretical frameworks. Through the exploration of diverse texts using genre studies, corpus linguistics, cognitive literary studies and digital humanities, you will refine your analytical abilities.

Core modules introduce critical theories and frameworks, equipping you with versatile skills applicable in both academic and professional settings. With a range of optional modules available, you can tailor your learning experience to align with your individual interests and career aspirations.

How you will learn
You will take part in interactive seminars, presentations and group work, as well as attending lectures and tutorials. There are also opportunities for individual research. All our lecturers are research-active and leading scholars in their fields, so you will benefit from their expertise and experience.

The Department of English, Languages and Applied Linguistics offers a wide and varied programme of events, and you will benefit from being part of an inclusive and exciting academic community. We are home to two research centres, the Aston Centre for Applied Linguistics (ACAL) and the Research Centre for the Humanities (REACH), which host academic events throughout the year that you can attend.

At the start of your course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who can offer individual study advice and guidance. You will also benefit from access to the University Library's extensive collection of over 25,000 books and electronic journals. Aston University's virtual learning environment supports your journey, providing resources like lecture slides, e-books and online journals.

What you will learn
In our MA English programme, you will explore advanced critical theories and concepts relevant to literary and linguistic studies, refining sophisticated analytical and communication skills crucial for scholarly discourse. Through comprehensive research methodologies, you will critically evaluate and apply diverse approaches to text analysis.

In the taught phase, you will deepen your understanding of advanced linguistic and literary theories, honing analytical skills for interpreting texts within varied contexts. This stage fosters active participation within the academic community, preparing you for further research or professional endeavours.

In the dissertation phase, you will complete a research project on an English language or literature topic of your choice, showcasing your ability to conduct independent research with a clear consideration of ethics, theory and methods.