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Students must apply via one of the following online application forms:-
If you are for the 2023 full time course, click apply now.
Course starts: 16 October 2023Apply now
To apply for the part-time course click apply now
Course starts: 16 October 2023Apply now
Current undergraduate students of the University of Sunderland, please use this apply linkApply now
Immerse yourself in literature. Indulge your curiosity of language. Broaden your creative abilities and your career prospects.
MA English Studies combines the study of literatures, linguistics, critical theory and creative writing. Studying English at postgraduate level will allow you to immerse yourself in literature from 1660 to the present day, while also studying linguistic theory and developing your own writing abilities.
You'll develop your skills in analysis, reasoning and communication, creating an excellent foundation for either a communication-based career or further academic study. This course is particularly useful as CPD for English teachers.
We will make all reasonable efforts to provide the courses and student experience outlined. It may be necessary to make changes in response to COVID-19 whilst we continue to follow government guidance. View our FAQs for more information or contact us.
A typical week for you will include seminars and discussion groups, as well as independent study. Compared to an undergraduate course, you'll find that this Masters course requires a higher level of independent working.
Your progress will be assessed with essays, and some options may also require oral presentations. Throughout the course you'll have one-to-one support from staff.
If you choose to study the course part-time, you'll attend half of the sessions required for full-time students. For this reason, your course will take two years to complete instead of one year.
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| a Canadian bachelor's degree | GPA 2.40 |
| a USA bachelor's degree | GPA 2.5 |
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
We usually require applicants to hold at least a second-class honours degree (usually a 2:1) or equivalent.
If English is not your first language, you must achieve an academic IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements.
Full-time fees are:
Part-time fees are £417 per 10 credits. Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK.
*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
A Masters degree in English is a qualification that employers understand and respect. It is powerful testimony to your intellectual competence.
Your highly developed skills in communication, research and analysis will make you a perfect fit for a wide range of organisations. Many of our graduates progress to careers in teaching, journalism, PR, business and publishing.
With this qualification you also have the option to continue in academia, and study for a PhD.
Spectral Visions Press is a publishing house located at the University of Sunderland, which specialises in creative writing inspired by Gothic literature.
In its first month, Spectral Visions Press received close to 100 submissions from around the globe for its creative writing collection 'Spectral Visions: Grim Fairy Tales', and for its Gothic studies-centred academic journal ‘Monstrum’.
As well as offering opportunities to publish your creative writing, Spectral Visions Press can also provide you with valuable experience of the publishing industry. More than 70 student volunteers help run the publishing house, with support from the University's academic team. You'll gain a work reference in addition to your academic reference – a huge advantage when applying for popular publishing jobs.
My experience at the University of Sunderland has been inspirational and life-changing.
The unlimited support and guidance are what make this course better than any other.
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