This Masters programme investigates the key texts and concepts that shape our understanding of literature and culture from 1900 to the present. The texts you will study are related to developments in critical theory and other cultural practices; such as film, theatre and the visual arts.

Programme overview

• MLitt: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

You will take a core course which runs over two semesters and is taught by a range of tutors. In each semester you will also take a special topic course. The final part of the programme involves supervised research on a specialist topic of your own choice leading to a 15,000-word dissertation.

Coursework is structured around weekly seminars with your tutor and fellow students.

You are expected to engage fully with the primary sources, to develop, express and take responsibility for your own opinions and to work towards independent argument and expression.

Core course

This establishes the foundational modernist movements and manifestos, and examines the 'fallout' of these movements over the last half century or so.

Optional courses may include

• African Modernities
• The American counterculture, 1945-75
• Ireland’s Modernities
• The Modern everyday
• Modernist sexualities
• The novel now
• OULIPO
• Proust in theory
• 'Queer' fictions; Virginia Woolf writes Modernity.

Dissertation

You can choose to research and write on any area of 20th century and contemporary literature, critical and cultural theory, as well as on interdisciplinary topics.

Career prospects

The critical and analytic skills you develop and the ability to conduct rigorous independent study make this programme an ideal step towards an academic career.

Other graduates go into writing, editing, teaching and the media.

Academic entry requirements

We normally expect applicants to have obtained a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in English Literature or a relevant subject.

We also require a sample of written work and a short statement outlining your interest in the programme.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 7.0
• no sub-test less than 7.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 100; no sub-test less than 24
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): A minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): B minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 68; minimum 60 in writing

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MLitt