English Literature: Medieval & Early Modern Literature & Culture (MLitt)

The Masters in English Literature: Early Modern Literature and Culture is a flexible, interdisciplinary programme taught by Glasgow’s internationally renowned team of experts. It offers students the practical, historical, and theoretical skills needed for advanced study in this area. The programme’s flexibility means that you can tailor your study according to your own research interests. Students are also able to draw on Glasgow’s exceptional holdings of medieval and early modern manuscript and printed materials.

Why this programme

• This Masters is taught by an internationally renowned team of experts in medieval and early modern studies.
• Students are able to draw on the superb medieval and early modern holdings in the University Library Special Collections and the Hunterian.
• The major research libraries in Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily accessible and you will be part of a vibrant community of academics and students working in the field.
• You will be part of MEMNET (the Medieval and Early Modern Network) at Glasgow and have the opportunity to hear distinguished guest speakers and to participate in events and conferences.
• The programme offers the option of studying languages, which may include medieval Latin, Old English, Old Icelandic, Old Irish and Old French as well as a range of modern languages.
• You can tailor the programme to your own interests and requirements, while gaining an excellent grounding in the technical skills required for advanced study in this field.

Programme structure

In this programme you will undertake three core courses and three optional courses. You will also undertake a 15,000 word dissertation.

Semester one:

• Medieval and Early Modern 1: From Medieval to Early Modern
• Research Methods
• One optional course 

Semester two:

• Medieval and Early Modern 2
• Two optional courses

Optional courses

• Gender and Religion in Medieval English Literature
• Alternative Continuities: Scottish Literature, 1425-1625
• Early Modern Mythmaking
• Seventeenth-Century Women Writers
• Humour, Opposition, and Literature in Early Modern England
• Introduction to English Medieval Manuscripts
• Medieval Palaeography
• Early Modern Palaeography
• Independent study option (in consultation with Course Convener and member of staff) 

With the permission of the course convenor, there is also the opportunity to take one of the optional courses available from the other pathways in English Literature and from across the College of Arts.

Summer

The two semesters of coursework are followed by one term of supervised work towards a dissertation of up to 15,000 words which you will submit at the beginning of September. The topic normally arises out of the work of the previous two semesters, but the choice is very much open to the student’s own initiative. Your supervisor helps you to develop the proposal and plan the most appropriate reading and methodology.

Part-time students

Part-time students take all three core courses plus one optional course in their first year of study, and two optional 20 credit courses and the dissertation in their second year.

Programme alteration or discontinuation

The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

The programme provides an excellent preparation for PhD studies and an academic career. It also provides excellent training for museum, school and other related educational and vocational careers.

Positions held by recent graduates include Instructor, Editor, and Postdoctoral Researcher.

Visit the English Literature: Medieval & Early Modern Literature & Culture (MLitt) page on the University of Glasgow website for more details!