SCHOOL OF ENGLISH

MA in English Literary Studies

Modern Literary Studies
Pathway
Modern Literary Studies is offered as an
optional pathway within the MA in
English Literary Studies at Queens. It
enables students to engage with an
exciting and diverse range of literature
from the eighteenth to the twenty first
centuries. The programme invites
students to engage in critical enquiry
embracing different cultural, generic,
historical and theoretical approaches to
literature as well as to investigate
modern literary culture's relationship
with the concepts of 'the novel' and of
'modernity' -- especially in relation to the
legacies of the Enlightenment,
abolition, women's rights, social
enfranchisement, scientific exploration,
empire and the cultural politics of
modern nation states.
Entry Requirements:
A good 2.1 Honours degree or
equivalent recognised qualification in an
appropriate subject. All applicants are
required to submit a piece of written
work to assess their suitability for this
programme.
Contact:
Linda Drain
School of English
Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5103
Email: pgenglish@qub.ac.uk
http://www.qub.ac.uk/english

Indicative Module List:

Core Module
The Novel and Modernity
Elective Modules:
Slavery, Empire and Abolition, 16601840
Joyce: Social Joyce, Cultural Politics &
Literary Pragmatics
Questioning the Orient in the Long
Eighteenth Century
Dickens in Context
Private / Public Women in the
Eighteenth Century
Literary Culture at the Fin de Sicle
Each student will write a 15,000 word
dissertation based on a topic which they
select, in consultation with their
supervisor.
In addition to the substantive modules
offered by the School of English,
students will take part in a programme
of research training offered by the
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social
Sciences. This provides training in core
research skills, as well as a range of
options for developing additional skills in
an interdisciplinary forum.

Staff on the Modern Literary Studies

pathway of the MA in English Literary
Studies
Professor Brian Caraher, Modern
Literature and Theory
Professor Moyra Haslett, Eighteenth
Century Literature
Dr Leon Litvack, Literature and
Imperialism
Dr Shaun Regan, Eighteenth Century
Literature
Dr Daniel Roberts, Romanticism and
Indian Literature in English
Professor Estelle Sheehan,
Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century
Literature
Dr Caroline Sumpter, Victorian
Literature
For detailed information on publications,
research interests and areas of
postgraduate research supervision,
please look at the School of English staff
pages.

Raphaela Holinski who completed

the MA in English, Modern Literary
Studies:
I had been a visiting student from
Germany as an undergraduate, and
was delighted to return and undertake
studies for the MA at Queens. I had a
very rewarding year, with interesting
courses, reading and research. There
was a great deal more private study
than in my BA degree, and I grew to
appreciate the freedom of working
independently, while still receiving
excellent guidance and advice from my
supervisors. There was an excellent
student-teacher ratio in seminars; this
enabled lecturers to provide more
intensive guidance . The atmosphere in
my courses was relaxed, friendly and
motivating. I very much appreciated the
time the staff spent with us, and the interest they took in our research. My year
at Queens was a very special one. I am
determined to keep in touch with my
lecturers and the friends I made on the
course. I would highly recommend the
institution to future students.

Past Graduates of Modern Literary Studies in Academic Posts:

Dr Richard Barlow (English, Singapore Nanyang University) 2011
Dr Karen Brown (History of Art, St Andrews University) 2006
Professor Mary Burke (English, University of Connecticutt, Storrs) 2003
Dr Nic Dunlop (English, University of South Wales) 2003
Dr Frank Ferguson (English, University of Ulster) 2002
Dr Peter Ferry (English, University of Cordoba) 2013
Dr Miriam Gamble (Literatures, University of Edinburgh) 2008
Dr Clare Gill (English, University of Southampton) 2010
Dr Beth Rodgers (English, University of Aberyswyth) 2010
Dr Elizabeth Switaj (College of the Marshall Islands, South Pacific) 2012
Dr Eoghan Walls (English, University of Lancaster) 2008
Professor William Watkin (English & Philosophy, Brunel University) 1999