Modern Literature (MA)

The Modern Literature (MA) provides a theoretical framework for literary study before focusing on topic and genre-based modules. Our aim is to explore and understand the cultural developments of the past two hundred years and their impact on writing, first within Britain and then registering the increasing input of other Anglophone literatures.

Students can study for:

Modern Literature (MA)

Modern Literature (PG Dip)

Modern Literature (PG Cert)

The programme draws on the expertise of staff with specialist interests in Utopian and Dystopian Literature, Children’s Literature, Modernist Literature and Art, Gender; Contemporary Literature, and Narrative and Literary theories.

What you will learn

The part-time distance Modern Literature (MA) moves away from a purely historical and period-based model of literary studies organised around a rump of canonical texts.

Underpinned by instruction in advanced research methods and skills and the comparative study of theoretically informed critical approaches, this MA enables students to develop a nuanced grasp of literature in English and associated aspects of culture in the period from 1790 to the present day.

Students on the MA complete four 30 credit modules in Part I of the course: three compulsory modules – Critical Theory and Bibliography; Shifting Times and Worlds: Modernism and After; and The Child in the Time: Representation of the Child in Modern Literature – and one further optional module, before proceeding to the 60 credit Dissertation in Part II.

Modules reflect staff expertise, for example, the utopian urge in the literature of the modern period or the cultural and intellectual history, philosophy and theology of medicine, body and soul, particularly anatomy.

Career Opportunities

Through its links to a host of subjects including Drama, Media, Journalism, Film Studies and Theatre Studies, Creative Writing offers a range of possible writing opportunities. Our location in west Wales enables us to draw on opportunities in a developing area of film and television production here.

Students are introduced to understanding the world of the self-employed writer by being introduced to publishing (from approaching publishers, the steps of publication, the necessity of documents such as AI sheets), self-presentation in readings, collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects, residencies etc.

One of the biggest areas of growth is viral advertising narratives and there are also collaborative opportunities in games design and narrative. Links with Literature or History can lead to other possibilities, for example to careers involving narratives associated with archives and museums.

Applicants may have achieved a 2:1 degree in Creative Writing or a cognate discipline (those with a 2:2 may be considered for entry to a Postgraduate Diploma in the first instance). Other applicants without a first degree but with a level of experience are also encouraged to apply. In all cases a writing sample and interview will form the major part of the application process.