MA English Studies (online)

About the course

Develop your knowledge of literature and the history of the English language. You'll be supported by our expertise in areas including medieval, Renaissance and contemporary literatures in English.

This course is taught completely online, so you can study while working, wherever you live. Most class texts can be accessed electronically through the University libraries. You'll complete one 30-credit core module, optional modules worth 90 credits and a dissertation worth 60 credits.

Entry requirements

At least a 2:1 or the international equivalent in English, or a combined degree including a substantial element of English.

English language requirements

Overall IELTS grade of 7.5 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students

Core module

• Research Methods in English Studies

Optional modules

A range including:

• Shakespeare and Early Women Dramatists
• The Language of Eighteenth-Century Literature
• The Poetry of Contemporary Ireland
• Psychoanalysis and the Arts

Part-time study

Part-time students usually take one taught module in each semester. In the second year, you'll also take a dissertation module. For most courses, you'll need to come in for one half-day per week.

Your career

An English Literature masters from Sheffield is the mark of an independent thinker, a skilled researcher, someone who can bring complex projects to fruition. Our graduates go into teaching, management and consultancy, advertising, journalism, publishing, and all branches of the arts – especially theatre, film and creative writing.

Cultural life

There is always something going on, and there are plenty of chances to get involved. We have extensive links with arts and heritage organisations including Arts Council England and Sheffield Theatres. Recent poetry readings featured Carol Ann Duffy and Ciaran Carson.

Our Arts/Science Encounters events bring together musicians, writers, architects and academics to explore ideas. The English Society, run by our students, organises theatre trips, guest lectures and seminars. Students also get the chance to take part in drama and readings.

First-rate facilities

We're based in a brand new building at the heart of the campus. There are computer workstations especially for postgraduates and a DVD library with viewing facilities.

Our theatre workshop is a fully equipped teaching/performance area with excellent film-viewing facilities and audio suites.

Specialist resources

The University Library subscribes to the major periodicals and full-text electronic archives, including Early English Books Online and Eighteenth-Century Collections Online.

Special collections include an outstanding collection of Restoration drama, the Hope Collection of eighteenth-century periodicals, the Jack Rosenthal scripts collection, and papers of contemporary writers such as Anita Brookner, Marina Warner, Fay Weldon and Peter Redgrove.

Research training for PhD

If you intend to progress to a PhD, your course can be tailored to include essential research training. The same applies to students on the online course.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form