Overview

• To broaden and deepen the students' knowledge of literatures in English, literary and cultural theory, and textual practices;
• To provide students with a knowledge of the cultural, political, and historical contexts of literary movements and genres;
• To ensure that students can engage with current critical debates in the areas of, for example, modernism, post-colonialism, utopianism, gender and literature, and migration studies;
• To enable students to develop their writing and editing skills in the production of a literary magazine;
• To enhance students' analytical and critical thinking skills, to instruct them in the use of both traditional and technological research resources, and to provide them the opportunity of completing substantial original research;
• To provide students with the opportunity and skills for independent research and self-directed learning;
• To enhance students' career opportunities, including the provision of the knowledge and skills required to advance to doctoral degree studies.

Contact

Dr Tina O’Toole
School of Culture and Communication
Tel: 353-61-234269
Email:  tina.otoole@ul.ie
Web: http://ulsites.ul.ie/cc/

Graduate Profile

The MA Programme in English attracts individuals interested in gaining such a qualification in preparation for careers that build on strong skills in textual analysis and written and oral communication, such as journalism, broadcast media, publishing, culture and arts administration, politics, or social services.

Programme Content

Content of modules can be found by using the search option on the book of modules

Entry Requirements

Candidates will be required to meet a minimum entry requirement of 2.2 (Level 8 Honours Degree, National Qualifications Authority of Ireland) in an English-related degree or an approved equivalent qualification.  For non-native speakers of English an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score in the range of 6.5 is required.

What to Upload with your Application:

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification(s) if English is not your first language
• Certified English translation of your transcripts/certificates where the original transcripts are in a language other than English
• A personal satement
• Two (2) academic letters of reference
• A 500-700 word writing sample, providing a literary-critical response to a text that really engaged or provoked you during your undergraduate studies (this can be an extract from a longer essay submitted in fulfilment of your final year assessment).
• A copy of your Birth Certificate (long document)

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

• Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.