Modern and Contemporary Literature (and optional Creative Writing) MA
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Course information
UK fee £10,950
International fee £19,700
Taught by English
Course director
Dr Emma Parker
ep27@le.ac.uk
Course enquiries
+44 (0)116 252 2620
ArtsPGT@le.ac.uk
Course description
Course description
This course combines an intensive introduction to twentieth century and contemporary literature with detailed examination of individual writers and texts. You will develop a detailed knowledge of themes and issues in modern and contemporary literature as well as valuable research skills. Through seminars and group work you will critically explore literary and cultural theory, while also developing a broad knowledge of modern and contemporary literature and critical theory. You will also gain a strong command of methodologies for understanding and analysing texts and ideas, giving you a solid base from which to begin your dissertation.
You will complete a dissertation with one-to-one support from your supervisor. This will act as an excellent grounding in research if you're thinking of continuing to doctoral level, while also providing evidence of a wide range of transferable skills for those wishing to pursue careers in other areas.
Creative Writing
You will be able to choose whether you graduate with an MA in Modern and Contemporary Literature or an MA in Modern and Contemporary Literature and Creative Writing. The Creative Writing pathway is designed for students who do not necessarily have experience in Creative Writing but are keen to try it. If you choose this route, you will do the Creative Dissertation instead of the usual critical academic dissertation.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
2:1 degree in English literature or its equivalent.
Where appropriate, you may be asked to submit an essay as part of our admissions process. We will contact you if this is the case.
English Language Requirements
IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.
International Qualifications
Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.
Countries listFees and funding
Fees and funding
UK Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £10,950
If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Did you know you can apply for a Government Postgraduate Loan? Find out if you're eligible.
Waddington Scholarship
The Waddington Scholarship is an award of £1,000, awarded on the basis of academic merit. It is open to full-time and part-time students from anywhere in the world.
International Students
Starting in September 2025
- MA: £19,700
You will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.
Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Waddington Scholarship
The Waddington Scholarship is an award of £1,000, awarded on the basis of academic merit. It is open to full-time and part-time students from anywhere in the world.
Careers and employability
Careers and employability
A Masters degree in Modern Literature and Creative Writing is an excellent preparation for a wide range of careers. As well as deepening your knowledge in your chosen areas in the linguistics field, you will also develop transferable skills, such as research, analysis and presentation skills.
Completing an MA can be the first step in an academic career in Higher or Further Education, whilst also enhancing your career options outside the field of academia.
One popular career choice is teaching English, either in the UK, having completed a PGCE, or abroad, with a TEFL or TESOL qualification. Many of our students go on to careers as journalists on local, national and specialist newspapers and magazines. The fields of publishing, advertising, arts administration, PR, television, the film industry and other media-related jobs are also ideal destinations for English Studies graduates.
Previous graduates have gone on to careers as
- archivists
- civil servants
- librarians
- parliamentary researchers
- social workers
- IT consultants
- accountants
- solicitors or barristers after completing a Law conversion course
Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.
Related courses
Course structure
Modules
Modules
Core modules
- Research Methods and Writing Skills
- Modern and Contemporary Literature and Theory 1
- Modern and Contemporary Literature and Theory 2
Option modules
Choose three option modules from:
- Poetry Writing and Contemporary Poetry
- North American Indigenous Literatures
- Writing Fiction
- Twenty-First Century Fiction
- Abolition and Adventure: Narratives of the Atlantic World
- The Stream of Consciousness Novel
For the MA in Modern Literature, you will take a Critical Dissertation
For the MA in Modern Literature with Creative Writing you will take a Creative Dissertation.
Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.
Why Leicester?
Notable authors who have given public talks at the University include Sue Townsend, Carol Anne Duffy, Will Self, Amitav Ghosh, Jacqueline Wilson and Sarah Waters.
Our extensive network of contacts will let you meet professional writers and gain insight into a large array of possible career routes.
The course offers a stimulating and supportive environment in which you can develop your writing skills – with personal support from our teaching staff.
You will learn key literary and academic skills as well as relevant vocational and real-world applications.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught by diverse methods in seminars or tutorial groups. Your dissertation will be individually supervised and separately assessed.
Over the course of the degree, you will complete the following:
- A dissertation
- Two core modules
- Two option modules
If you study part-time you will submit the three core module essays in your first year, then the two option module essays and dissertation in your second year.
Key dates
September 2025 start
- Application deadline: 8 September 2025 (Please note if you require a visa to study you will be required to submit your course application by 25 July 2025)
- Deposit payment deadline: 8 August 2025
- CAS request deadline: 5 September 2025
- 70% tuition payment deadline: 5 September 2025
Apply now
| Course | Qualification | Duration | Start Dates | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Modern and Contemporary Literature (and optional Creative Writing) | Qualification MA | Duration 1 year full-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
| Course Modern and Contemporary Literature (and optional Creative Writing) | Qualification MA | Duration 2 years part-time | Start Dates September each year | Availability Apply Now |
As well as encouraging me to embrace my ideas and have confidence in my writing, the course has improved and strengthened my academic voice. The tutors in the English department are passionate about the subjects that they teach, which always makes our seminars engaging, entertaining and enjoyable.