Victorian Studies - MA

Rapid industrialisation. Class struggles. The Bronte sisters. However you look at it, the Victorian period was truly something. Through the lens of modern cultural and literary theories, you’ll explore a range of perspectives on life, art and literature during this time.

Course description

The MA in Victorian Studies provides an inter-disciplinary approach to the study of the Victorian period. The Victorian Studies Centre draws on a number of research areas, including History of Art and Film, History, English Local History, Urban History and English. They are able to offer a broad and fascinating range of perspectives on Victorian literature, art and society in the light of modern cultural and literary theories. These perspectives, which may take into account feminist or postmodernist reading of texts, will offer a fresh outlook on familiar (or not so familiar) works.

This course offers you an ideal platform to delve into the areas of Victorian life that interest you the most, offering you greater depth and insight than previous studies. You will also be exposed both to canonical works and hidden gems of the time, giving you an excellent grounding in this fascinating period of history.

Because you study the Victorian Society module in your first semester, you will be fully equipped with a knowledge of the Victorian era, while becoming familiar with both the major developments and the nuances of the period. This knowledge will be invaluable throughout the rest of your MA in all core and option modules.

The option modules available to you reflect the huge range of our academics' research interests - from 19th-century literature to social history and the history of science. You are bound to uncover unique and fascinating aspects of Victorian life whilst doing this MA.

Particular research strengths are in life writing, microhistory (year studies), urban and rural history, and Victorian science and medicine.

Careers and employability

A Masters degree in Victorian Studies is an excellent preparation for a wide range of careers. As well as deepening your knowledge in your chosen areas, you will also develop transferable skills, such as research, analysis, and presentation skills.

Completing an MA can be the first step in an academic career in Higher or Further Education, whilst also enhancing your career options outside the field of academia.

One popular career choice is teaching English, either in the UK (having completed a PGCE) or abroad (with a TEFL or TESOL qualification). Many of our students go on to careers as journalists on local, national and specialist newspapers and magazines. The fields of publishing, advertising, arts administration, PR, television, the film industry and other media-related jobs are also ideal destinations for English Studies graduates.

Previous graduates have gone on to careers as:

• archivists
• civil servants
• librarians
• parliamentary researchers
• social workers
• IT consultants
• accountants
• solicitors or barristers after completing a Law conversion course

Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.

Visit the Victorian Studies - MA page on the University of Leicester website for more details!