24 monthsProgramme duration
19 Aug, 2026Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
About this course This master's degree is a specialised pathway focusing on English literature from the 20th Century to the present day (Contemporary). It offers the opportunity to explore contemporary culture and history through literary texts, covering crucial topics such as: • Science and climate change • Politics and globalisation • The relationship between literary and visual cultures • Issues of sexuality, gender, race, and disability The curriculum is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation, and theoretical methods relevant to modern and contemporary writing. We're ranked 6th for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
Key Features and Distinctiveness • Specialised Focus: The pathway offers dedicated, in-depth study of the most recent and evolving literary periods, differentiating it from the general MA English Literary Studies degree. • Research Centre Link: It is linked to the Southampton Centre for Modern and Contemporary Writing, which actively brings together academics, writers, and research students with shared interests in the relationship between writing and contemporary culture, hosting events like guest lectures and seminars. • Core Module: You will study the "Approaches to the Long Twentieth Century (1914–Present)" core module, which introduces key critical, theoretical, and conceptual debates specific to this extensive period. • Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an extended piece of independent scholarly research on a literary aspect of the 20th or 21st century that interests you.
Your Future Career The course cultivates high-level analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers that require sophisticated cultural awareness and critical engagement. Potential career paths include: • Teaching and Academic Research (including progression to PhD study). • Publishing and Editorial Roles. • Librarianship • Cultural Heritage and Arts Administration.
Further Information • Course Duration: Available as a full-time (one-year) master's or a part-time option over two or more years. • Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus. • Entry Requirements: A typical offer requires a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject. You are also required to submit a sample of written work (approximately 2,500 words) for assessment.
Key Features and Distinctiveness • Specialised Focus: The pathway offers dedicated, in-depth study of the most recent and evolving literary periods, differentiating it from the general MA English Literary Studies degree. • Research Centre Link: It is linked to the Southampton Centre for Modern and Contemporary Writing, which actively brings together academics, writers, and research students with shared interests in the relationship between writing and contemporary culture, hosting events like guest lectures and seminars. • Core Module: You will study the "Approaches to the Long Twentieth Century (1914–Present)" core module, which introduces key critical, theoretical, and conceptual debates specific to this extensive period. • Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an extended piece of independent scholarly research on a literary aspect of the 20th or 21st century that interests you.
Your Future Career The course cultivates high-level analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers that require sophisticated cultural awareness and critical engagement. Potential career paths include: • Teaching and Academic Research (including progression to PhD study). • Publishing and Editorial Roles. • Librarianship • Cultural Heritage and Arts Administration.
Further Information • Course Duration: Available as a full-time (one-year) master's or a part-time option over two or more years. • Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus. • Entry Requirements: A typical offer requires a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject. You are also required to submit a sample of written work (approximately 2,500 words) for assessment.
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
About this course This master's degree is a specialised pathway focusing on English literature from the 20th Century to the present day (Contemporary). It offers the opportunity to explore contemporary culture and history through literary texts, covering crucial topics such as: • Science and climate change • Politics and globalisation • The relationship between literary and visual cultures • Issues of sexuality, gender, race, and disability The curriculum is designed to provide you with an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation, and theoretical methods relevant to modern and contemporary writing. We're ranked 6th for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
Key Features and Distinctiveness • Specialised Focus: The pathway offers dedicated, in-depth study of the most recent and evolving literary periods, differentiating it from the general MA English Literary Studies degree. • Research Centre Link: It is linked to the Southampton Centre for Modern and Contemporary Writing, which actively brings together academics, writers, and research students with shared interests in the relationship between writing and contemporary culture, hosting events like guest lectures and seminars. • Core Module: You will study the "Approaches to the Long Twentieth Century (1914–Present)" core module, which introduces key critical, theoretical, and conceptual debates specific to this extensive period. • Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an extended piece of independent scholarly research on a literary aspect of the 20th or 21st century that interests you.
Your Future Career The course cultivates high-level analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers that require sophisticated cultural awareness and critical engagement. Potential career paths include: • Teaching and Academic Research (including progression to PhD study). • Publishing and Editorial Roles. • Librarianship • Cultural Heritage and Arts Administration.
Further Information • Course Duration: Available as a full-time (one-year) master's or a part-time option over two or more years. • Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus. • Entry Requirements: A typical offer requires a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject. You are also required to submit a sample of written work (approximately 2,500 words) for assessment.
Key Features and Distinctiveness • Specialised Focus: The pathway offers dedicated, in-depth study of the most recent and evolving literary periods, differentiating it from the general MA English Literary Studies degree. • Research Centre Link: It is linked to the Southampton Centre for Modern and Contemporary Writing, which actively brings together academics, writers, and research students with shared interests in the relationship between writing and contemporary culture, hosting events like guest lectures and seminars. • Core Module: You will study the "Approaches to the Long Twentieth Century (1914–Present)" core module, which introduces key critical, theoretical, and conceptual debates specific to this extensive period. • Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an extended piece of independent scholarly research on a literary aspect of the 20th or 21st century that interests you.
Your Future Career The course cultivates high-level analytical and communication skills, preparing graduates for careers that require sophisticated cultural awareness and critical engagement. Potential career paths include: • Teaching and Academic Research (including progression to PhD study). • Publishing and Editorial Roles. • Librarianship • Cultural Heritage and Arts Administration.
Further Information • Course Duration: Available as a full-time (one-year) master's or a part-time option over two or more years. • Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus. • Entry Requirements: A typical offer requires a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject. You are also required to submit a sample of written work (approximately 2,500 words) for assessment.
Admission Requirements
6.5+
92+
185+
3.2+
67+
120+
You’ll need a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject (translation, business english, english education). You will also need to provide a sample of written work for assessment. The sample should be approximately 2,500 words in length.
19 Aug 2026
2 Years
Sep
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
By Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 27, 2026
1.0M
2247
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
By Staff Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2024
508.4K
790
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
By Laura Tucker
Updated Aug 14, 2021
227.9K
336
More programmes from the university
Postgrad Programmes
567
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme