Our most flexible MA programme. Choose to focus your studies on a particular specialism or to create your own pathway by choosing from our extensive range of optional modules.
This is our most flexible course. It’s designed to let you explore modules from across our degree programmes to create your own pathway.
You can choose to focus your studies in a particular specialism through our pathways in American Literature, Film, Gothic Studies and Literary Linguistics among others, or choose from any of the modules to create the degree that best suits your interests.
Modules
You may choose modules from any of the School of English MAs or pathways:
- American Literature pathway
- Medieval and Early Modern pathway
- Modern and Contemporary pathway
- Film pathway
- Literary-Linguistics pathway
- Gothic Studies pathway
A selection of modules are available each year – some examples are below. There may be changes before you start your course.
American Literature pathway
Develop your knowledge across a range of fields including narrative, poetry, cinema and race studies. You’ll cover contemporary and recent American fiction and the way ‘real history’ appears in the texts. You may be able to take selected modules in history offered by the History Department.
In addition to those who have a general fascination with America, this pathway may be of particular interest to students considering a PhD in American literature or culture. A previous background in American literature is not required.
Optional modules may include:
- Memory and Trauma in Contemporary Literature
- Making a Scene: Radical American Poetries of the 20th Century
- Contemporary Cinemas
- American Nightmares: Socio-political Discourses in American Gothic Literature
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it’s up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we’ll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption. We are no longer offering unrestricted module choice. If your course included unrestricted modules, your department will provide a list of modules from their own and other subject areas that you can choose from.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed on your essays, coursework and a 12,000-word dissertation.
Entry requirements
At least a 2:1 honours degree in English literature, language, linguistics, or a related discipline (e.g. history, philosophy, modern languages) is usually required.
Overall IELTS score of 7.5 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component, or equivalent.
Pathway programme for international students
If you’re an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for a pre-masters programme in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.
Fees and funding
- Home (2022 annual fee) : £9,800
- Overseas (2022 annual fee) : £20,950
The fee listed is for the advertised mode of study. If you’re studying for an alternative qualification or via a different mode of study (eg full-time, part-time) then the fee could be different. Due to inflation, the fee for Home students could also increase after your first year of study.
