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University of Southampton: English Literary Studies (Nineteenth Century)
| Institution | University of Southampton View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | English |
| Web | www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
This master's degree is a specialized pathway within the MA English Literary Studies program that allows you to focus in depth on the literature, culture, and history of the 19th Century (approximately 1789-1914). Through the course, you will engage with advanced study of texts and critical debates covering topics such as: • Key debates in 19th-century studies. • The literary marketplace and its cultures. • Changes in aesthetics and taste. • Issues of gender, race, class, science, and capitalism. • Material culture and print culture. The program aims to give you an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation, and theoretical methods as applied to this dynamic period. We're ranked 6th for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
Key Features and Distinctiveness • Period Specialisation: This dedicated pathway ensures deep focus on the 19th Century, allowing for sophisticated engagement with the period's texts and contexts. • Research Centre Link: The course is linked to the Southampton Centre for Nineteenth-Century Research, an active interdisciplinary group that hosts events like guest speakers, seminars, and conferences, allowing you to engage with ongoing scholarly debates. • Core Module: You will study the ""Approaches to the Long Nineteenth Century (1789-1914)"" core module, which introduces key critical, theoretical, and conceptual debates specific to the period. • Final Project: The program culminates in a 15,000-word dissertation, an extended piece of scholarly research on a literary aspect of the 19th century that interests you.
Your Future Career The course develops key intellectual and professional skills, including advanced research, critical thinking, communication, and self-management. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas that value high-level analytical and archival skills, such as: • Teaching and Academia (including progression to PhD research). • Publishing and Editorial Roles. • Librarianship and Information Management. • Cultural Heritage and Arts Administration.
Further Information • Course Duration: Available as a full-time (one-year) master's or a part-time option over two or more years. • Location: The course is based at the Avenue Campus. • Related Pathways: Other specialist pathways within the MA English Literary Studies degree include the Eighteenth Century, Twentieth Century and Contemporary, and Postcolonial and World Literature.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You’ll need a 2:2 degree in English literature or a related subject (translation, business english, english education). You will also need to provide a sample of written work for assessment. The sample should be approximately 2,500 words in length. |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
"Explore 19th century English literature in-depth with a master’s degree at the University of Southampton.
Our course gives you the opportunity to specialise in the culture and history of the 19th century, covering topics such as: key debates in 19th century studies; the literary marketplace and its cultures; changes to aesthetics and taste during the 19th century; issues of gender, race, class, science and capitalism; material culture and print culture
You’ll get the chance to carry out advanced-level research and independent critical thinking, and to make effective use of archives, manuscripts, and research libraries.
This pathway is linked to the Southampton Centre for Nineteenth-Century Research, where an interdisciplinary group of over 70 staff, student and external researchers debate key issues in 19th century studies. The centre also hosts events including guest speakers, seminars and conferences.
We offer a flexible module structure which is designed to give you an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation and theoretical method."
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | "You’ll need a 2:1 degree in English literature or a related subject. You will also need to provide a sample of written work for assessment. The sample should be approximately 2,500 words in length." |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
Choosing the Nineteenth-Century pathway allows you to specialise in the history and culture of the long nineteenth century through interdisciplinary study encompassing literature, history, publishing and print culture, and visual and material culture. You will be introduced to concepts and issues central to current research in the period, and will participate in study visits to national archives and resources. This pathway is linked to the Southampton Centre for Nineteenth-Century Research, where an interdisciplinary group of over 70 staff, student and external researchers debate key issues in 19th century studies. The centre also hosts events including guest speakers, seminars and conferences.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | First or upper second-class degree or an equivalent standard in other qualifications approved by the University in English literature or a cognate discipline. |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
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