Modern English Literature

Programme Overview

Run by the Department of English language and Literature in Mary Immaculate College since 2002, this highly-successful and popular one-year taught Master of Arts programme in Modern English Literature has graduated over 160 students and 97% of these students have graduated with an honours MA degree. The programme is delivered through a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous modes, with content provided via a range of interactive online options. These include discussion forums, reflection journals, wikis, blogs, vlogs and audio recordings and online seminars. Content will be delivered live, with asynchronous options available so you can engage around your own work/home schedule, on campus or online.



Key Features

This 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 aim of the programme is to:

• Widen and deepen students' knowledge and appreciation of English literature and contemporary critical theory

• Familiarise students with traditional and modern technological sources for research in English literature

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills required for doctoral studies

• Familiarise students with the latest online technology as it pertains to the study of English

• Enhance students' career opportunities



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



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 the VLE. Assessments are by research essay, portfolio design, discussion forum, critical reading assignments and thesis.



The essays range from 2,000-3,000 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

EH5741: Modernism: Texts and Contexts

EH5771: Migration and Biopolitics in 21st Century Literature

EH5761: Research Methodology 1 Pass/Fail



Semester 2

EH5742: Modern American Literature

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.



For English language requirements go to: https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/international/essential-information/english-language-requirements

How to Apply

Applications for September 2026 intake are now open.



EU Applicants

To apply please see "Application Weblink" above.



Closing date for applications is 4pm, Friday 29 May 2026.



EU Applicants:

061 205160 / 204348

TaughtProgrammes@mic.ul.ie



Non-EU Applicants

You are advised to contact the MIC International Office before applying.

E: International@mic.ul.ie

T: +353 61 204988 /+353 61 774790



Non-EU Applicants:

+353 61 204988 / +353 61 774787

International@mic.ul.ie

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



Modules will be delivered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the academic year from 4 - 6.30pm, with additional presentations and discussions recorded so that students can access them at their own time before the blended live classes. On campus events, such as research days, writing workshops, and postgraduate research colloquia will be available in hybrid formats for those unable to attend. Library and study spaces are available to all students.

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.



Graduates also have the option to complete further study to PhD level; see MA / PhD in Arts by Research.