English Literature: Renaissance and Eighteenth-Century Literature MA

Program Overview

The Renaissance and 18th-Century Literature MA pathway at the University of Liverpool explores the literary landscapes of two transformative eras, focusing on the works of iconic authors such as Shakespeare, Pope, and Swift. The program emphasizes the interplay between literature and major social and political developments, providing students with a deep understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these literary masterpieces. The MA prepares graduates for diverse careers in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors, including journalism, copywriting, arts management, and teaching.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Renaissance and 18th-Century Literature MA Pathway draws together two of the richest and most fascinating periods in English literary history, encouraging you to think of them as being both in continuity and in contest with one another.

Introduction:

The Renaissance and Eighteenth-Century Literature MA pathway covers writers such as Shakespeare, Marlowe, Cavendish, Pope, Swift, Behn and Equiano, and offers modules that consider: how literature responded and contributed to major social and political developments such as the rise of international travel, slavery and empire (including the role of Liverpool in that process); the transition from Renaissance alchemy to modern science; the literary contests fought over form and style across both periods; the theory and practice of scholarly editing; and Shakespeare’s dialogue with both contemporaries and later eighteenth-century adapters. Drawing upon the Department’s significant research and teaching strengths in these periods in Renaissance and Eighteenth-Century Literature, the pathway also offers the opportunity to visit local cultural institutions such as the Walker Art Gallery and International Slavery Museum. Conversation with other students and researchers through departmental talks, seminars, conferences, and associated research centres such as the Liverpool Medieval and Renaissance Research Centre and the Eighteenth-Century Worlds Centre will help you situate that reading within a thriving academic context. The MA is particularly suitable for graduates looking to pursue careers in the arts, culture, creative and heritage sectors, including journalism, copywriting, management in arts and culture organisations and teaching.

What you'll learn:

The MA in English Literature provides students with rigorous academic training in the broad interdisciplinary field of literary history, theory and culture. The professional skills that students will develop upon completion of the programme will prepare them well for a wide range of potential employment areas.

Departmental support includes:

• Dedicated to small group teaching
• Diverse and international student community
• Connections with local and national arts and literature institutions
• Access to the largest Science Fiction archive in Europe
• Vibrant and active research environment linked to the Centre for New and International Writing and the Literature and Science Hub Life, as well as other department-based research centres
• Interdisciplinary teaching and research environment.

Outline:

Semester One:

Compulsory Modules:

• Editing the Early Modern (ENGL752): This module explores the process of scholarly editing, examining the complexities and challenges of producing editions of early modern texts.
Students will learn about textual theory, editorial practices, and the history of printing.
• Research Skills and Practice (ENGL700): This module introduces students to the practices, contexts, and real-world applications of academic research.
Students will develop skills in advanced literary study, independent research, and para-academic activities.

Optional Modules:

• Shakespeare & Co (ENGL751): This module examines Shakespeare's works in relation to the works of his contemporaries and later adapters.
Students will explore the influence of Shakespeare on later writers and the evolution of his work over time.

Semester Two:

Compulsory Modules:

• Literature, Slavery and Empire (ENGL750): This module explores the relationship between literature and the rise of the British Empire, focusing on the role of slavery and the impact of colonialism on literary production.

Optional Modules:

• Literature and Science (ENGL754): This module examines the intersection of literature and science during the Renaissance and the long eighteenth century.
Students will explore how scientific ideas and practices influenced literary works and how writers responded to the changing landscape of knowledge.

Final Project:

Compulsory Modules:

• Dissertation (ENGL702): This module involves the completion of a 14,000-15,000-word dissertation on a topic of the student's choice.
Students will draw upon the skills and knowledge they have developed throughout the MA program to conduct independent research and produce a scholarly work.

Teaching:

Teaching on the MA in English Literature is delivered through a combination of seminars and tutorials held on campus. Depending on which module options are taken, there may be lectures and separate seminar sessions scheduled, but all classes will take place on campus in person. Class sizes for Masters programmes in the Department of English tend to be small, and a typical class in English will include between 8-10 students.

Assessment:

Students on the English MA will for the most part be assessed by a combination of formative and summative coursework. This will take a number of different forms, including essays, essay plans, research proposals, and a dissertation. In addition, students will be assessed by presentations in certain modules. Other assessment formats may apply also depending on the options modules taken.

Careers:

The MA in English Literature will provide you with rigorous academic training in the broad interdisciplinary field of literary history, theory and culture. The professional skills that you will develop upon completion of the programme will prepare you well for a wide range of potential employment areas. The MA is particularly suitable for graduates looking to pursue careers in the arts, culture, creative and heritage sectors, including journalism, copywriting, management in arts and culture organisations and teaching.

Other:

The Department of English is in the top 100 English Language and Literature departments in the world according to QS Top Universities rankings. We are internationally renowned for advancing the study of language, literature, and creative writing and have a strong research ethos. In total, five members our academic staff have been selected since the scheme was established in 2010. We are committed to small group teaching. This encourages a more rewarding learning experience, where ideas are shared and explored with peers and tutors. Ranked 10th in sector for research impact classified as outstanding (4 ) (REF 2021). We are host to Europe’s largest collection of science fiction materials which includes the John Wyndham Archive and home to the annual Liverpool Literary Festival.

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland): £10,800 per year (full-time); £5,400 per year (part-time); International fees: £22,400 per year (full-time)£11,200 per year (part-time) Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. You can pay your tuition fees in installments. All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship. International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.