About this course
Explore 18th century literature in depth with a master’s degree at the University of Southampton. This course gives you the chance to specialise in the culture and history of the 18th century, covering topics such as:
- 18th century fiction
- economics and class
- education
- gender and sexuality
- Jane Austen
On completion of the course, you’ll be ready for a career in teaching, publishing, librarianship or cultural heritage.
You’ll get the chance to carry out advanced-level research and independent critical thinking, and to make effective use of archives, manuscripts, and research libraries. This pathway is linked to Chawton House Library, the ‘Great House’ referred to in Jane Austen’s letters, which is now home to a unique collection of women’s writing.
We offer a flexible module structure which is designed to give you an advanced understanding of cultural analysis, textual interpretation and theoretical method.
You'll explore the interrelations of text, theory and culture across the field of English literary and cultural studies. We’ll work with you to:
- develop your knowledge of critical and research methods
- raise your awareness of the historical and critical reception of literature in various periods
- explore the role of literature in a contested cultural framework
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Stephen Bending, Professor of Eighteenth-Century Literature and Culture. Stephen has published widely on gender, identity and emotion in the eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Visit Professor Bending’s staff profile to learn more about his work.
Related pathways
We offer 3 other specialist pathways on our MA English Literary Studies degree:
If you'd prefer a more general approach you can choose individual modules from each pathway.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in English literature or a related subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
You will also need to provide a sample of written work for assessment. The sample should be approximately 2,500 words in length.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you’ll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. We’ll also begin preparing you for your independent research project and dissertation.
For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Adventures in Literary Research will provide you with the advanced knowledge and skills you need to be a successful researcher and scholar in the field of literary studies. You will learn about the methodologies of theory and criticism, book history, text...
The core course for the MA, convened on a multidisciplinary basis, and taught by all those contributing to the MA in a given year, will introduce students to the key theoretical, historiographical and conceptual debates surrounding the study of the long e...
This module allows you to undertake independent research, with guidance from a supervisor, to produce an in-depth, scholarly study of an aspect or body of literature which particularly interests you. Every student will have a supervisor appointed for t...
You must also choose from the following modules:
This core module for the MA Global Literary Industries Management introduces the critical vocabularies for understanding the literary and cultural industries. It introduces the key conceptual and creative ideas that underpin literary arts management. It e...
Jane Austen’s modern reception and immense popularity have been moulded and influenced by the ways that she has been read in the 200 years since her death. On this core module for the MA Jane Austen, you will explore some of the debates that have been imp...
At the start of the eighteenth century, the novel as we now know it did not exist. Since the 1980s the idea of the 'Rise of the Novel' has been rehearsed and rehearsed again as critics have explored new narratives and new approaches to narrative fiction. ...
Jane Austen is today indisputably the best-known and most widely read author of the long eighteenth-century. She is increasingly admired as an innovator in her style, although she also drew influence from several precursors and contemporaries. This module...
The global industries shaping contemporary literary cultures are diverse, dynamic and rapidly changing. They incorporate children’s literature, graphic novels, plays and poetry, site-specific and experimental writing, popular genre fiction, as well as the...
Writing is inherently an interdisciplinary art. From novelists to poets to narrative non-fiction writers, writers tend to delve into fields that are not their own. Ian McEwan shadows neurologists for several years as he was researching Saturday; Hilary Ma...
This module is an introduction to the basic skills and contexts of script writing. It is not aimed at any one specific medium but will offer introductions to the requirements of theatre and film. You will be expected to engage in some practical drama work...
The Special Project (Text, Context, Intertext) module will allow you to write a written assignment or equivalent on a topic of your choice, undertaking independent research with individual guidance from the convenor. You will normally have three one-to-o...
The Special Project module will allow you to produce a written assignment or equivalent on a topic of your choice, undertaking independent research with individual guidance from the convenor. You will normally have up to four one-to-one supervisions of u...
The Special Project (Text, Culture, Theory) module will allow you to produce a written assignment or equivalent on a topic of your choice, undertaking independent research with individual guidance from the convenor. You will normally have up to four one-...
The Special Project (Text, Culture, Theory) module will allow you to write a 4,000-word essay on a topic of your choice, undertaking independent research with individual guidance from the convenor. You will normally have three one-to-one supervisions of ...
This module offers advanced training in the writing of fiction, and does so in a wider international context than the usual selection of UK and possibly US texts allows. Instead of basing our examples of good practice only in British and American fiction,...
This module will explore the various ways in which the Holocaust has been represented in film and television, with specific focus on American film. Each week will focus on a particular issue and present case studies (for example, the immediate post-World ...
This module covers the essential elements of writing for children and young people. It is a practical module that will look at a range of texts from picture books to novels for teenagers. It will cover the essential elements of writing quality fiction and...
Learning and assessment
Learning
We’re committed to giving you a relevant, modern and above all enjoyable experience that will ensure you graduate with the skills and understanding you need for your chosen career or further research. Our module leaders are experts in their chosen fields and will engage you with their own experiences of research. Their teaching methods will challenge you intellectually and expose you to new ideas, approaches and perspectives.
The learning activities for this course include:
- small seminar groups
- student-led debates
- group work
- oral presentations
- individual consultation
We also offer additional opportunities such as exploring a unique collection of early women's writing at Chawton House Library, visiting a 19th-Century handpress printing workshop, and the chance to hear from visiting speakers from international universities.
A large part of postgraduate study is independent learning. This course will develop your critical awareness, encouraging you to reflect on the methodologies employed in further study and to apply these to your reading and research. Subject to availability, you may choose to take 2 special projects in an area of departmental expertise.
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, we’ll assess you through a combination of:
- essays
- group presentations
- independent research project and dissertation
Dissertation
You’ll complete independent research, with guidance from a supervisor, to produce an in-depth, scholarly study of an aspect or body of literature which interests you. The 15,000-word dissertation is your chance to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout the course.
Academic Support
You’ll have access to:
- sample anonymised dissertations from previous years
- research seminars and visiting lectures
- general guidance and support from your Personal Academic Tutor
- dissertation guidance from your supervisor
Careers
A master's in eighteenth century literature is excellent preparation for a career in teaching, publishing and arts administration. Our graduates go on to careers in:
- writing (from journalism to fiction)
- education
- international PhD programmes
- teaching
- broadcasting
- creative industries
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
- a sample of written work
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
