MA by Research English Literature at Swansea University

Programme overview

A one-year research master's in English Literature at Swansea University, based at Singleton Park Campus. You undertake a substantial independent research project of publishable standard and may use it as a stepping stone towards a PhD.

Department: School of Culture and Communication | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time | Intake: October, January, April or July | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

A thesis of up to 40,000 words demonstrating original research, followed by a viva. Supervision covers most areas of literature from the Middle Ages to the present, including Welsh writing in English, American literature, gender, modernism and postmodernism, Irish poetry, contemporary literature, critical and cultural theory, science fiction and ecology, and human-animal studies. You are supervised by two academics and attend skills and training courses.

Career pathways

Can lead to a career in academia or to employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in a related subject, or relevant work experience. English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no component below 6.5 (or recognised equivalent, including the Swansea University English Test). One reference is required; admission may also consider the research proposal, interview performance and competition for places.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,006 a year (2025/26). UK student full-time annual rate (2025/26 entry point); part-time is half. Charged over the minimum candidature period. Bench fees may apply. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,250 a year (2026/27). Full-time (1 year) Source

Intake: October, January, April or July

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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