English Literature (MA by Research)

About the Course

The Masters by Research is a new and exciting programme offered by the School of Humanities at Liverpool Hope University

The programme offers its students the opportunity to research in depth a topic that particularly interests them in the field of English Literature. Research will be supervised and supported by a member of staff within the English Literature team, and will culminate in the production of a 30,000-35,000-word dissertation. This is a great opportunity to develop your identity as an independent literary critic and produce an in-depth, wide ranging piece of academic writing, all with the support of a dedicated and friendly research-active English Literature team behind you.

Students will be asked to think carefully about the historical and cultural contexts of a literary text’s production. They will also be encouraged to examine the effectiveness of theoretical and critical approaches as aids to study and self-development, as resources for the advancement of knowledge and understanding generally, and as a means for generating and investigating creative and independent research questions related to the close reading of literary texts. A taught Advanced Research Skills module will guide you through the stages for exploring and refining your research plan before you embark upon the dissertation itself.

The MA by Research in English Literature will develop students’ capacity for advanced and sustained project management skills. These include outlining, defining and planning a research project, establishing and meeting deadlines, recording and reflecting on outcomes and generating sophisticated and robust arguments. Students will be challenged to find their own academically critical voice that will enable them to discuss their chosen topic against the background of contemporary academic debates.

Why choose Liverpool Hope?

The MA by Research adds value to first degrees by further developing the intellectual, personal and professional capabilities of students. Through their assessed work, successful graduates will have demonstrated complex skills in independent thinking, synthesizing of information, creative problem solving and clear communication both verbally and in written form. The research expertise of English Literature staff at Liverpool Hope is internationally renowned, and we welcome MA by Research students to become part of, and contribute to, our research community.

Curriculum Overview

The Masters by Research consists of two compulsory modules: Advanced Research Skills and the MA by Research Dissertation Module, which together add up to 180 credits. You will be assessed for each component.

Modules

During the programme you will study:

Advanced Research Skills (30 credits – compulsory)

This module provides you with a practical ‘toolkit’ to enable you to evaluate research critically and to design and conduct independent research of your own. You will consider the relationship between research problems, questions and design, including questions of ethics, and develop your skills in evaluating different methodological and critical approaches. The module culminates in the development of a coherent research schedule, comprehensive bibliography and dissertation plan.

MA by Research Dissertation (150 credits – compulsory)

During the second phase of the MA you will use the skills and knowledge you have developed in order to carry out a substantial piece of research and writing. Your literary and critical analysis will be directed by the research questions you have developed, and each stage of the dissertation work will be guided and supported by a supervisor from the English Literature team.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. English Literature, Media or Drama) awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

Possess a degree from an overseas institution that is judged by the Registrar or Nominee to be equivalent to an upper second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 minimum of all components. In addition to this, we also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

Teaching and Research

The MA by Research in English Literature is underpinned by the internationally renowned research expertise of the English Literature staff, within the School of Humanities. The results of the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) showed that the English subject team is a leading one for research, with 32.3% of our publications achieving the top grade and being recognised as ‘worldleading’. English proved to be the strongest subject at Liverpool Hope, and we are one of the leading English departments in the region. Postgraduate students are an important and valued part of this vibrant research community.

Those undertaking the MA (Res) will have the benefit of belonging to an international community of postgraduate students within the School of Humanities, at both masters and doctoral levels. They will also have access to the university’s excellent library holdings, which includes our centre for Special Collections which holds over 75,000 rare manuscripts and printed items.

Teaching in the School is in line with the wider University Learning and Teaching strategy and encourages learning in small groups to foster the development of academic potential and improve the working dynamic between students and members of staff. Students will benefit from the expertise of staff within the English Literature team but will also have opportunities to be taught by staff within the wider School of Humanities, something which encourages and enables interdisciplinary thinking and enquiry.

All taught classes are held at Liverpool Hope University’s main campus, Hope Park. The campus is situated just four miles from the city centre and offers superb academic and support facilities, including on-campus library with extended opening hours, free computer and Wi-Fi access, access to the on campus gym and sports centre and a careers service for advice on part-time work opportunities and post-study careers.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2024/25 

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,500

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,750

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2024/25 

Tuition fees for EU students are £7,500

Tuition fees for Non-EU International Students are £13,000

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

English at Liverpool Hope University is number 1 in the UK for graduate prospects in the 2020 Complete University Guide. The MA (Res) opens up a rich variety of career opportunities, as it requires students to develop a varied skills base that can be applied to a broad range of organizational settings. Graduates of the MA by Research will have the scope to venture into a number of exciting career paths, for example in education, publishing, media and communication, the Arts, public administration, and community work.

The MA by Research may also be considered by applicants who would like to develop their independent research skills and who may wish to progress onto PhD study.