Modern & Contemporary Literary Studies

Course Overview

The study of literature is never just one thing. Modern literary culture is diverse, exciting, complex and rich. The M.Phil. in Modern and Contemporary Literary Studies grows out of and embraces this multiplicity. Here at Trinity, our School of English has internationally recognised strengths in national and international Anglophone literature, in canonical and popular literary forms, and in material literary culture and book history.



The course offers graduates in English and related disciplines (such as History, Art History, and Modern Languages) the opportunity to explore more than two centuries of Anglophone writing and literary history. You will be introduced to key texts, authors and ideas from the nineteenth century through to the contemporary moment.



At Trinity, you will join a supportive and dynamic community of students, scholars, and writers in a world-leading English department right at the heart of one of the world’s great literary cities. You will also have access to the outstanding library and archival collections of our world-famous copyright library, which could form the basis for your own fundamental research.



Is This Course For Me?

This course is aimed at students interested in exploring the unique and diverse literary culture of the modern and contemporary world. It can help you gain invaluable insights into the changing dynamics of literature, culture, and society, as well as the impact of literature on our lives. You will gain a greater understanding of the various literary movements, genres, and authors of this period, and develop analytical skills to interpret and evaluate texts. This knowledge can be applied to other areas of study, such as Film Studies/Screen Studies, Media, and Popular Culture, as well as to develop your own creative writing and research projects.



Course Structure

Teaching for the course is primarily delivered through small-group seminar teaching. Students taking the course part-time complete the three core modules in their first year of study. In their second year, they complete two option modules and their dissertation.

The centrepiece of the course is the core module Perspectives in Modern and Contemporary Literature, which runs across two terms (Michaelmas and Hilary). This module covers a wide range of texts and genres from 1800 to the present, from poetry and prose fiction, to life-writing and the graphic novel. It also covers key contextual, conceptual, and critical perspectives on modern and contemporary literature, centred around issues such as identity, race, gender, sexuality, popularity, and adaptation.



Students also take four specialist option modules, reflecting our commitment to cutting-edge research-led teaching. Options may include: Shedunnit: Women’s Crime Writing; Caribbean Literature; Deleuze and Literature; Experiments with Time; So Many Selves: Representing the Self is US Poetry. A range of options from other M.Phil. programmes, including in Children’s Literature, Irish Writing, Screen Studies, and Gender Studies, will also be available to choose from, although students must choose one option module from their own programme in both terms.



In the final phase of the course, students will complete a dissertation of 15,000-16,000 words, allowing them to pursue in-depth research on a subject of their choice under the supervision of an appropriate member of the faculty.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have an Honours Bachelor degree (at least of upper-second class standard or GPA of 3.3) or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject (such as English, History, Art History, Irish Studies, or Modern Languages).

Closing Date: 31st March 2025

1 year full-time / 2 years part-time.

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Our postgraduates have gone into careers in education, the arts and culture sector, librarianship, publishing, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, social work, the civil service and management consultancy. Many alumni have also gone on to become successful writers. This M.Phil. provides an excellent platform for moving on to doctoral research.