Postgraduate English 2026-2027

This module explores how the evolution of the novel form has allowed, and required, authors to find new ways of depicting spaces, places and interactions (between characters in particular environments, but also between characters and their environment). This chronologically wide-ranging course moves from the early days of the novel form through to contemporary fiction, allowing for an opportunity to study the many literary tactics that authors have employed to create the settings for their works – from vast historical backdrops, to natural spaces, to urban environments, to smaller domestic and private places. It also us to consider how different cultural moments have prompted authors to rethink how they represent characters’ encounters with the world around them, and with the other cultures, races, species and genders that inhabit that world. As well as narrative theories, students will have the chance to study canonical and less well-known texts from angles informed by current critical approaches such as ecocriticism, animal studies, postcolonial and queer theory.

This core course is aimed at providing an introduction for students who have chosen the MLitt in Medieval and Early Modern Studies and want to study the Renaissance and early modern period from around 1450 to 1750 through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches.

Of all ‘Barbarian’ languages, English is one of the longest recorded. This is both a blessing and a curse: there are texts from all periods of the language’s history which are available for study; linguistic and social changes have meant that these texts are often difficult to read. This course will give you the opportunity to learn how best to read these texts the best way this can be done: by reading the texts in an informed manner.

The Dissertation project is a key part of the MLitt programme. Students complete a significant piece of independent research under the supervision of a specialist in English Language or Literature.

Each candidate will be required to research and write a 15,000 dissertation on a subject related to the themes of the Literatures, Environments and Places programme.