MA in Writing in the Modern Age at the Department of English, Queen Mary, University of London

MA in Writing in the Modern Age

Writing in the Modern Age examines how modernism and modern writing have encountered a range of intellectual debates in areas such as politics, art history, philosophy, psychoanalysis, theology, post-colonialism, and critical theory. Through reflecting on the dynamic relationships between these different discourses, the programme will provide you with a series of tools for thinking about the nature, status, and role of literature in the modern world.

All students take 'Modernism and After' (see link below), a core module which addresses the concepts of modernity and post-modernity, and provides a critical introduction to modernist theory and writing. You will also be given the chance to choose from a range of modules. These research-led modules have been specially designed to reflect the current scholarly interests of academics within the Department. Such an arrangement is mutually beneficial: it provides staff with the opportunity to discuss and debate their latest work, and students with the chance to come into contact with cutting-edge research by leading specialists.

Students take this MA programme for different reasons. Many graduates of Writing in the Modern Age have gone on to win funding for doctoral study, and some are now established academics in their own right.

Course of study

You will take the core module Modernism and After in semester one, and two research methods modules, Resources for Research  (semester one) and Researching Modern Culture (semester two). You will also take three modules (one in semester one and two in semester two). Details of modules on offer during the current academic year can be found in the online MA Module Directory.

The programme is assessed by means of written work. You will be required to submit a 4,000 word essay for Modernism and After and each of the three modules you take (together worth 67% of the final mark), and over the summer you will write a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words (worth 33% of the final mark). There is no written assessment for Introduction to Research Resources or Researching Modern Culture.

At the beginning of the academic year you will be assigned a personal advisor who will help you with your choice of courses and dissertation proposal, as well as any issues which may arise relating to the programme. At the end of the spring semester you will be assigned a supervisor who will provide one-to-one guidance in planning and structuring your dissertation, and will read and comment upon drafts in a series of meetings, alongside group dissertation workshops held in May and June. The deadline for submission of the dissertation is normally at the end of August.

Entry requirements
Most applicants will have an undergraduate degree with First or Upper Second Class Honours (or the equivalent) in English or such related fields as History, Cultural Studies and Media Studies. Where a North American marking scheme is used, applicants should have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.3. Promising applicants who do not meet the formal academic criteria but who possess relevant credentials and who can demonstrate their ability to produce written work at Master’s level will also be considered. Applicants may be invited to interview or asked to submit examples of written work. We welcome applications from mature and non-traditional students.

For international students, please refer to our International Students section.

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