English Literature MA

Discover how great wordsmiths have captivated hearts and minds across the ages.

For over a thousand years, English literature has held a mirror up to the human experience, reflecting the beliefs, values, emotions and struggles of generations of people.

In our English Literature MA, you’ll journey across a rich pantheon of writing across the ages, as you discover how the world has shaped influential writers of their times, and vice versa. You’ll enrich your imagination as you tap into a well of storytelling, poetry, and prose that have captured people’s feelings, hopes and drive for change.

You’ll engage with our School’s extensive research expertise across all literary periods, including medieval, Renaissance, romantic, Victorian, modern and contemporary. You’ll also delve into diverse cultures, including postcolonial and American.

With a diverse range of modules, you’ll be able to specialise your course to your interests. You’ll explore the connections between diverse research areas taught by experts in the field, including Shakespeare's plays, Black British writing, the Victorian media revolution, the Brontës, psychoanalysis and postcolonialism.

By cultivating your critical thinking and understanding of our world and ourselves, you’ll be able to open the door to a diverse array of careers.

*“The seminars were the highlight of my week. Class sizes are deliberately small, and once we all got to know each other, it felt more like a book club than a class.”*

*Victoria Clarke, MA English Literature (Victorian pathway)*

Why study at Leeds?

* Academic expertise: Learn from tutors steeped in English literature throughout history and around the world.

* An engaging research community: You’ll get the chance to attend seminars and workshops with a research community united with a passion for furthering knowledge and innovation.

* A rich archive on your doorstep: Access some of the best archive and library collections in the country, including the Brotherton Library.

* Your cultural hub: Leeds is a fantastic destination for soaking in culture, with museums, theatres, galleries, festivals and indie gems located in the heart of the city.

* Access rare collections and specialist resources: Our Cultural Collections offer a huge range of rare books, manuscripts and art, as well as microfilm collections of American, Indian and South African newspapers, US government and presidential files, and the Black Power Movement archive.

* Real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme. 

Rankings and awards

* 29th in the world for English Language and Literature, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

* 17th in the UK for English, Complete University Guide 2027

Where this degree could take you

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our English Literature graduates have obtained:

* Bid Writer, Alzheimer’s Society

* Content Specialist, Blueclaw

* Campaign Coordinator, Brand Belief

* Analyst, British Engineering Service

* Brand Strategist, Butterfly Cannon

* Private Secretary, Department for Education

* PR Assistant, Emerge Management & Communications

* SEN Recruitment Consultant, Engage Education

* Assistant Director, Explore Learning

* Regional Recruitment & University Partnerships Manager, FDM Group

* Editorial Assistant, Harrods Magazine

Career support

Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.