MA English by Research

The MA English by Research is your opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of your choice from the field of modern literary studies, relative to an area of staff expertise. This piece of original research will usually be based on close study of the primary texts as well as engagement with critical, contextual and theoretical material as appropriate. You will conduct your research under the close supervision of a member of staff.

What you will study

Your research topic will be decided in consultation with a member of the English team. An individual supervisor will be assigned during the application and interview process and you will then work closely with them.

Dissertation supervision for the MA English by Research is available in the following broad areas:

• 19th Century Literature
• 20th Century and Contemporary Literature
• Women’s Writing
• Feminist Theory
• Welsh Writing in English
• Welsh Women’s Writing
• Gothic Studies
• Religious Poetry
• Postcolonial literatures
• Historical fictions

For more details of staff expertise see the English Research pages.

Teaching

Once a research area has been identified and a research programme agreed, you can begin researching and writing your dissertation. You will determine its content, development and structure in regular consultation with your dissertation supervisor. You will produce a dissertation 25,000 words in length.

Assessment

The MA English by Research is assessed by a dissertation and a viva voce (oral examination). The dissertation should be 25,000 words in length.

Careers

The MA by research is an excellent qualification for further postgraduate study at MPhil or PhD level. Alternatively graduates will have developed the research skills needed for a range of careers in the arts, media, industry and public or private sectors, including teaching, public administration and publishing.

As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.

Visit the MA English by Research page on the University of South Wales website for more details!