Fakta
Informasjon er oppdatert av UiT Norges arktiske universitet
8. januar 2024.
Om studiet
The Master's Programme in English Literature provides a comprehensive study of literature from across the English-speaking world. Courses highlight how literature shapes and is shaped by history; its relevance for contemporary issues such as climate change, migration and social justice; and its ability to challenge and refine a reader's ways of thinking. Building on a diverse range of critical approaches, the programme helps students refine their abilities to think analytically and creatively.
The master's programme in English literature gives students the
opportunity to study a broad range of literary and cultural texts
in English, while specializing in an area of their choice under
the leadership of a researcher in that field. The English section
can offer supervision in English, Irish, American and
post-colonial literatures, and is particularly strong in the
areas of romanticism, modernism, and contemporary literature.
Each year, students are offered courses organized around
socially-relevant themes, key literary periods and genres, and/or
prominent authors. All master's level courses include training in
secondary research and literary theory, practice in close
analysis, and feedback on students' written work.
In moving from coursework to the master's thesis, students move
toward a more specialized focus and more independent research.
This research is supported by each student's supervisor and by a
series of organized work-in-progress seminars targeting the
skills needed for master's-level research.
The programme consists of:
60 credits coursework in English literature (ENG-3000-level)
60 credits Master's thesis (ENG-3992)
The mandatory coursework includes:
ENG-3192 Literary and Cultural Theory; and
One course from each of these categories:
3000-level Literature and Society Courses (such as Literature and
Justice; or Literature and the Environment)
3000-level Period-Based Studies (such as Modernism, Major Authors
or Contemporary Poetry)
3000-level Studies in Genre (such as Short Fiction or Development
of the Novel)
Literary and Cultural Theory (ENG-3192) and Literature and
Society courses are offered in the fall. Studies in Genre and
Period Studies courses are offered in the spring. The remaining
20 credits of coursework may be fulfilled by choosing from any
ENG-3000 courses offered in literature/culture. Specific courses
being offered vary, and will be stated in the course catalogue
for the current semester.
Students wishing to substitute courses from other relevant fields
(typically selected to support research for the master's thesis
or during an exchange) may apply to have this substitution
approved on an individual basis (up to 20 credits).
The master's thesis is theoretically-informed work of independent
research on a limited topic within English literature. Theses are
70-100 pages in length (1.5 spacing, Times New Roman 12).
Students are assigned a supervisor appropriate for their topic.
The topic of research will be decided upon in collaboration with
a member of the English literature section.
Undervisningsopplegg
In order to reach the learning goals, students should expect to
work 40 hours a week attending and lectures, seminars and
studying independently.
The master's thesis requires independent research and writing on
a specialized topic chosen by the student in collaboration with a
supervisor. Students are expected to anticipate and organize
their research and writing tasks and to produce work to be
discussed at regular meetings with their supervisor.
Most courses include written assignments or oral presentations
that must be approved in order to take the exam.
The most common forms of examination are home exams written on
assigned topics over a one-two week period or term papers on
topics that students choose in cooperation with course
instructor. Grades range from A-F, where A is the highest grade
and F is fail.
For further information about work requirements, exam formats and
evaluative criteria, see the individual course descriptions.
Opptakskrav
Bachelor in English
Opptaksinformasjon
Admission to the master's programme in English literature requires a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or equivalent qualification, in English literature, or a degree combining English literature and a closely-related discipline (minimum 80 ECTS in English).
Applicants need an average minimum grade of C or better from the bachelor's degree to be admitted to the master's program.
Applicants with education from non-Nordic countries must document English language proficiency. You will find more information about English language requirements here.
Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees, more information here
Please note that all questions related to the admission process should be directed to the Admission Office at the university.
Læringsutbytte
After completing the master's degree in English literature, candidates will have the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge
The candidate:
- has gained advanced knowledge about English literature from a diversity of national contexts and periods, with specialized knowledge in the area chosen for the thesis
- understands and can engage with diverse theoretical approaches to literary and cultural texts
- can apply knowledge from one literary sub-field within a new sub-field
- can analyse and interpret literary texts in relation to history, genre, and socio-cultural debates
Skills
The candidate can:
- evaluate and engage with literary criticism expressing diverse perspectives and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
- analyse existing literary theories and interpretations and work independently on theoretical or interpretive problems
- use relevant methods of historical and literary research and creative thinking to develop ideas in an independent manner
- formulate research questions and carry out an independent research project about English literature in the form of a master's thesis and related presentation with the support of supervision and in accordance with the norms of research ethics
General Competence
The candidate is able to:
- communicate sophisticated content to specialists and the general public using appropriate literary critical terminology
- apply his or her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
- contribute to new thinking in the field of English literature
Karrieremuligheter
English master's candidates possess sought-after analytical and
creative thinking skills and are respected for their skills in
oral and written communication. A master's degree in English
literature prepares students for work in the literary and
cultural industries through positions in publishing, journalism,
museums, libraries, and bookstores. It also prepares graduates
for a wide range of jobs that require culturally-sensitive
international communication. The independent work of the master's
thesis provides experience relevant for higher positions in the
government and in business.
Finally, the programme qualifies students for admission to
doctoral programmes in literature, thereby providing
possibilities for further research career.
Utveksling
Exchange studies abroad will make you more attractive on the job market. Studies abroad will increase your learning outcomes, improve your language skills, give you unique adventures and international experience. Students taking the Master's in English Literature are encouraged to make use of one of our exchange agreements in the second semester.
For an updated overview of exchange universities, please take a look at UiT's webpage on student exchange.
The application deadlines are:
1 February (autumn semester)
1 September (spring semester)