Master of Arts [MA] (English Literature) From MLSU, Udaipur

Master of Arts degree in English Literature or M.A. in English Literature is a Post Graduate program in English Literature offered by Universities across the country. It is a 2 year program for students who have successfully completed their Bachelor’s degree program. A Master’s degree in English Literature is a notch higher than the Bachelor’s Program in English Literature and focuses on an in-depth study of different genres and the factor shaping literature from a particular era. On completion of the course a student is expected to be able to expertly analyze a work of literature in its historical, cultural, political and philosophical context.

History of Post Graduate Studies in English in India

The historical landmarks in English education in India began with McCauley’s Policy in 1835 and Wood’s Dispatch in 1854 which recognized the need for mass education in India. Higher Studies began with the establishment of Universities at Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1857. These universities still hold the premier position in terms of university education. University level education also got a boost with the establishment of the University of Delhi in 1922.

English Language and Literature have been an integral part of English Studies in India. A sizeable portion of the syllabus both at graduate and post-graduate level constitutes of British Literature. At present there are over 100 institutes which offer MA in English program.

What do you learn?

A Master program is designed to provide an in-depth knowledge of Literature written in English language across the globe. But it is not just literature which is the focus of the program. There are certain skills which one acquires while pursuing Master of Arts degree in English Literature. Some of these skills are:

• Verbal and Communication Skills
• Writing Skills
• Research Aptitude
• Understanding of human behavior and psychology
• Reading and articulating skills

Duration of M.A. in English Literature Program

Master of Arts in English Literature program is of a duration of 2 years. In some universities the program has annual structure while some follow the semester system in which case there are 4 years in 2 years.

Schemes and Scholarships by UGC for MA English Students

University Grants Commission has announced certain scholarships for meritorious students enrolled in MA English programs in UGC approved universities.

Top Universities to Pursue MA English in India

Most universities in India offer Post Graduate program in English Literature. Some of the top universities are:

• Jadavpur University
• University of Delhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Jamia Millia Islamia University
• University of Hyderabad
• English and Foreign Language University
• Presidency University
• Banaras Hindu University

Correspondence Mode of Study

Several universities in India also allow students to pursue Master degree in English Literature in the distance or correspondence mode. The correspondence mode of study is ideal for such candidates who for some reason are not able to continue their education in the regular mode or have failed to get admission in any regular program. Some of the universities which offer MA in English Literature through the correspondence mode are:

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
• Annamalai University
• Jamia Millia Islamia University
• Mumbai University
• Bangalore University
• Karnataka State Open University
• Manipal University etc. 

Course Structure for MA English

Ideally an M.A. program in English Literature requires a student to study 16 courses over the span of two years. Some Universities also allow a student to select a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 courses from other departments of Humanities and Social Sciences. Some of the courses available at Universities are:

• British Literature
• American Literature
• Indian Literature in English
• Translation Literature
• Literary Theory
• Literary History
• English Studies
• Postcolonial Literature
• Women Writings
• Linguistics

Scheme of Assessment

Almost all universities assess students on the basis of their performance in Internal Assessment and a Theory Examination at the end of an academic year or semester. The basic assessment structure is as follows:

Internal Assessment

Internal Assessment in MA English program consists of the following criteria:

• Class Participation
• Tutorials
• Assignments
• Individual and Group Presentations

Some Universities also require students enrolled in MA English Literature program to write and submit a Dissertation at the end of the second year or last semester. The Dissertation carries a weightage of 100 marks. The dissertation topics can be selected from the various genres and authors from across all branches of literature. 

Academic Options after MA in English Literature

After MA in English Literature, a student desirous of pursuing further studies has many options to choose from. After MA in English Literature, a student can opt for an M.Phil. Course in any of the branches of literature studies. M.Phil. is a Master of Philosophy Program and is partly theoretical and partly research based. It is the perfect option for students who wish to pursue a career in academics and go for research in Literature. Alternatively students can also appear for UGC-NET exam in English Literature and directly get admission in PhD programs across the country upon qualification. Some of the courses which can be done after an MA in English Literature are:

• M.Phil. in English Literature
• M.Phil. in Creative Writing
• M.Phil. in Language and Literature
• M.Phil. in Linguistics
• M.Phil. in Comparative Literature
• M.Phil. in Comparative Religion
• M.Phil. in Translation Literature

There are also several courses which you can do to target a particular career. Some such courses are:

Aspirants seeking admission to 2 year Full-time MA Program should have passed Graduation in a relevant stream from a recognized board of university.