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During this programme, you will: 

• Explore key areas including Irish studies, modernism, postcolonialism, gender and sexuality, and early modern literature. 

• Develop advanced research and critical thinking skills. 

• Learn from award-winning faculty who are active researchers and published authors. 

• Complete a substantial original research thesis. 

• Build the foundation for doctoral study or careers in writing, publishing, and academia. 

Key Information: 

• Complete full-time in one year or part-time over two years 

• Delivered on campus 

• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters 

• Submit a dissertation at the end of the summer semester 

You will learn through a blend of: 

• Lectures, workshops, and experiential learning 

• Reflective practice and supervised research 

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers 

Full-Time  

Autumn Semester 

Core Module: 

• introduces students to theoretical and critical approaches with which they will engage substantively in their elective modules. It will also enable for students earlier and more informed considerations regarding potential dissertation topics and research priorities. 

Electives (Choose three): 

Spring Semester 

Core Module: 

• introduces students to issues in research design, archival method, digital humanities, bibliography, textual criticism and book history with a view to developing their dissertation topics and research priorities. 

Electives (Choose three): 

Summer Semester 

Core Module: 

• write a dissertation of circa 15,000 words in a relevant area which reflects the conceptual, theoretical and methodological skills acquired through the Masters programme in English and which displays the ability to use these convincingly. 

Part-Time 

Year 1  

Autumn Semester 

Core Module: 

Electives (Choose 1): 

Spring Semester 

Electives (Choose 2): 

Summer Semester 

• No modules 

Year 2 

Autumn Semester 

Electives (Choose 2): 

Spring Semester 

Core Module: 

 Electives (Choose 9 credits): 

Summer Semester 

Core Module: 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s  

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in an English-related degree or an approved equivalent qualification. 

• The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview.  

• For non-native English speakers an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score in the range of 7.0 is required. 

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.  

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents: 

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
• Copy of your CV
• Personal statement
• Two (2) academic letters of reference
• A 500-700 word writing sample, providing a literary-critical response to a text that engaged or provoked you during your undergraduate studies (this can be an extract from a longer essay submitted in fulfilment of your final year assessment). 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist.
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - Full-time: €TBC Part-time: €4,500 per annum*

Non EU -  Full-time: €18,600 Part-time: €9,900 per annum*

* Year 2 fees are subject to change 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:  

• Media
• Public Relations
• Academic institutions
• Professional writing 

Ashley Bentley graduated from our MA English in 2018. 

“I've felt as if my own literary interests have been facilitated because the programme's content permits a student to apply their own interests in a broader context, especially in the mandatory Literary Theory module"  

Tan Zhu graduated MA English in 2018. 

“I was exposed to various literary texts, theories, and research methods that will benefit me throughout my life. What impressed me the most was the open and deep discussion in classes like the Irish Gothic one, which enabled students to dig out various meanings behind a Gothic novel".   

Maria do Rosário Casas Coelho graduated MA English in 2015. 

"Attending the Literatures of Migration course ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ in the autumn of 2014 was an invaluable experience for me and my research. The group was mixed regarding nationalities and objects of study what made the sessions even more enlightening. As a Brazilian student, having access to the UL library was vital to the conclusion of my MA. 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions 

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Sandrine Ndahiro graduated MA English in 2019. 

“Through this exploration, I was able to be more creative when it came to my writing style. By the end of the MA I had better confidence in my writing abilities." 

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Clodagh Guerin, "After completing my undergraduate degree in English and History at the ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ, I met with Dr Yianna Liatsos to discuss my options for further study. After researching the programme on UL's website, I knew that the taught MA in English was the right fit for me.

My favourite part of the programme was how passionate each of my lecturers were about making the content relevant to every student's specific research interests; they encouraged flexibility, creativity and critical thinking so that we could all apply our learnings beyond the classroom.

The MA in English ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ benefitted me greatly. When writing my thesis, I discovered how passionate I am about research, and I made the decision to undertake further study by starting a PhD in UL after my masters had finished. The research and writing skills that the MA taught me have been invaluable in my personal, professional, and academic life. I have presented my work at academic conferences using these skills, and so much of my current research is based off my learnings from my past lecturers. I truly recommend the MA in English ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ for any student interested in pursuing postgraduate studies."