Modern English Literature

Key Features
This online MA in English looks at 20th and 21st century texts in contemporary ways, and offers students a chance to engage with a research-active and highly published faculty. We limit numbers to make sure that students receive one-to-one attention, and we have two research methodology modules which offer a step-by-step approach to the 15,000 to 20,000 word research dissertation.

The aims of the programme are:
- To widen and deepen students' knowledge and appreciation of English literature and contemporary critical theory

- To familiarise students with traditional and modern technological sources for research in English literature

- To equip students with the knowledge and skills required for doctoral studies

- To familiarise students with the latest online technology as it pertains to the study of English

- To enhance students' career opportunities

All students are required to take six modules and submit a thesis.

Modules will be delivered on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the academic year from 3-6 pm, with presentations and discussions recorded so that students can access them at their own time.

Programme Content
Seminars, presentations, round-table discussions and individual question and answer sessions form the core of the instructional paradigm in the course. Blogs, vlogs, wikis and recorded presentations are also central. Seminars and discussions are undertaken through Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Assessments are by research essay, portfolio design, discussion forum, critical reading assignments and thesis.

The essays range from 2,000-2,500 words and each module is assessed by a single essay. The titles and topics of these essays are negotiated between the student and the course lecturer, with the parameters of choice being set by the lecturer. The other element of assessment is a 15,000-20,000-word research thesis. Students are free to choose their own topic and their supervisor without restriction.

The two research methodology modules are designed to steer the student through all stages of the thesis-writing process from the initial conceptualization, to the design of a research question, to working with a supervisor and setting up a coherent intellectual structure to the thesis, to working out a coherent critical and theoretical bibliography to the design and implementation of a timetable, to the submission and editing of drafts.

All modules are taught by faculty who have published in the area, and all faculty are research active in a number of areas across the MA so that research perspectives are contemporary and current.

Please note that thesis selection is mandatory in Semester 1, and work on the thesis begins at that stage.

Semester 1
EH5712 Poetics and Politics of Irish Identity
EH5742 Modern American Fiction
EH5771 Migration and Biopolitics in 21st Century Literature
EH5761 Research Methodology 1 Pass/Fail

Semester 2
EH5741 Modernism Texts and Contexts
EH5792 World Literature
EH5732 Contemporary Postcolonial Literature and Theory
EH5782 Research Methodology 2 Pass/Fail

2.2; 2:1 or 1st honours degree

Applicants with work experience, or other suitable qualifications, may also be able to enter the course. Applicants may be required to attend for interview, in person or by Zoom/Teams.

English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must provide evidence of their proficiency level English in the form of an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score of 6.5 – 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any one component, or IELTS equivalent accepted by UL. Such applicants will also be required to undergo an interview through English.

How to Apply
EU Applicants:
Applications for September 2023 entry are now open.

Closing date for receipt of completed applications for September 2023 intake: 30th June 2023.

Complete all the steps below:
1. Download and complete the application form.

2. You will be required to send your university transcripts (and applicants may be required to name one or more referees on request).

3. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS (or equivalent) is required.

4. Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe here, and return the completed application and transcripts by email to TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie.

Non-EU Applicants
You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying:

E: International@mic.ul.ie or T: +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790.

- Entry requirements and the application process vary according to country of origin. For information that is specific to your home country, please see our website.

- Please complete your application through PAC, https://v2.pac.ie/institute/16.

- You will be required to upload your university transcripts.
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS is also required.

The application fee is €50 and is non-refundable.

Transferring from another 3rd Level Institution
The transfer route into MIC depends on the content overlap of your new and old course and the number of places on the new course in the year you apply. Before submitting an application you should contact international@mic.ul.ie where we will consider your case with the relevant Head of Department of the course you wish to transfer to.

EU/Non-EU Status Assessments
The designation of a student as being from the EU or a Non-EU country determines the fees they will pay at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) i.e. there may be cases where a non-EU national acquires EEA citizenship during the course of their third level studies and would qualify for EU fees, for example.

For more information on EU/Non-EU assessments which will be conducted by MIC International office to determine status, please vist our website.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time. Delivery Mode: Online.

How To Apply
Download and complete the application form from "Application Weblink" below.

•The application form must also include your university transcripts.
•In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS is also required, or equivalent.

Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Realex here, and return the application form by email to: Admissions@mic.ul.ie or by post to: Admissions Office, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick, Ireland, V94 VN26.

Non-EU Applicants
You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying on +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790.

Download and complete the application form online (view course webpage link below).
•The application form must also include your university transcripts.
•In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IELTS is also required, or equivalent.

Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Realex here, and return the application form by email to: International@mic.ul.ie or by post to: International Office, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick, Ireland, V94 VN26.

Career Opportunities
Potential career options include but are not limited to:

Teaching at primary and/or post-primary level; entry to PhD programmes; technical writing; journalism; media work; copyediting; civil service; web editing; academic administration, magazine publishing (hard copies and online editions); advertising and marketing; arts administration; library administration; teaching English language and literature in other countries; Human Resources; digital copywriter; lexicographer; online editor; webmaster; social media administrator/editor/manager; research administrator; researcher; information officer; instructional design; Irish heritage studies; genealogical studies; tourism; public relations; commerce journalist; digital education coordinator; online and blended learning administrator/manager/content provider; digital teacher; digital marketing; corporate blogger; market researcher; policy analyst; search engine optimiser and data analysis.