English: Literary London, MA

This programme offers an opportunity to study the rich and varied literary history of London. This exciting programme ranges from the 17th to the 21st centuries and encompasses literary, cinematic, and cultural responses to the city. It appeals to those wishing to extend their knowledge of literature, to explore alternative approaches and perspectives, and to broaden their understanding within an interdisciplinary, comparative and international context.

The programme is designed as a structured, yet flexible programme. Courses are taught in weekly seminars which focus on the close study of literary, theoretical and cultural texts. There are also opportunities for site-specific learning through walks, museum and gallery visits. Students pursue supporting courses in research methods and theory and produce a final dissertation on a subject of their own choice. Assessment may encompass creative as well as critical work.

School

Humanities & Social Sciences

Location

Greenwich Campus

Attendance

1 year full-time 2 years part-time

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

A good first degree in a relevant subject area. Usually we require a 2.1 degree or above - but students with a lower-class degree should contact the programme leader to discuss their application.

Assessment

Students are assessed through an essay portfolio, oral presentations, and a dissertation.

Career options

Graduates from this programme can pursue further academic research, archival or commercial research, or teach journalism or creative writing.

Aims of the programme

To introduce students to the rich diversity of literary responses to London and to develop their analytical and critical thinking through a variety of guided assessments.
To consider the depiction of London's contested and multicultural identity via a range of theoretical and methodological approaches.
To develop students' research and presentation skills to prepare them for further academic research or the job market.
To foster a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment in which students are encouraged to bring their own experience, writing and reading to bear on the subject of London literature.

Content

Imagining the City: Text, Theory, Writing
Foundations for Postgraduate Study: Theory and Research Methods
Dissertation (12-15,000 words)

Short courses may include:

The London Stage
Queer Street: The City as Performance Space
London Crime Fiction
Augustan and Romantic Period London
Gothic London: Ennui, Paranoia and Apocalypse

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:

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English and Creative Writing

Study one of our English or creative writing programmes and explore the written word in all its forms, from drama and visual arts to fiction and poetry.

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