Program Overview
The Master of English Studies at the University of Sydney is a 1.5-year program that explores contemporary critical theory, the significance of literature, and Australian literary works. Led by scholarly experts, the program offers opportunities for critical reading, literary history exploration, and creative writing in various genres. Graduates are highly valued for their strong communication, research, and critical thinking skills, leading to diverse career paths in education, journalism, writing, and more.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of English Studies is a program that delves into contemporary critical theory, the enduring significance of literature in the 21st century, and Australian literary works. It offers opportunities for critical reading, explores literary history, and examines English as a global literature.
Outline:
- Duration: 1.5 years full-time (Available part-time)
- Intake: Check semester start dates
- Location: Camperdown/Darlington, University of Sydney
- Study Mode: Face to face
- Credit Points: 72 credit points required to complete the course
- Capstone Project: Students can choose between writing a dissertation or engaging in a shorter research project relevant to particular professional practices or special interests.
Teaching:
- The program is taught by scholarly experts in various fields, including medieval, early modern, 18th and 19th century, modern and contemporary, global literatures, American and Australian literatures, as well as cultural theory.
- Students also have the opportunity to explore creative writing in contemporary poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction.
Careers:
- Employers highly value graduates of this program due to its emphasis on cultivating personal and intellectual independence, research skills, information literacy, and effective communication.
- Potential career avenues include:
- Secondary-level English teacher
- Journalist
- Writer or literary critic
- Various roles in the media, public and community service, and academia
Other:
- The program is highly valuable for English teachers looking to enhance their subject knowledge and deepen their passion for literature.
- In New South Wales, educators can seek recognition of a portion of their coursework hours as professional learning through the Board of Studies, Teaching, and Educational Standards.
- The discipline is ranked first in Australia and 18th globally in the 2023 QS World University rankings for English Language and Literature.
- The department has over 30 dedicated full-time academic staff, making it one of the largest English departments in the country.
- The department’s reputation is firmly established in literary studies, spanning a wide historical and geographical spectrum.
