M.A. in English

English Literature is one of the leading specialisations in the Master of Arts programme. It is the choice of many graduates to pursue the course of MA in English Literature. The programme is of the postgraduate level and is completed in a duration of two years. MA in English is an amalgamation of ancient and modern English Literature which mainly comprises four primary areas of focus, Poetry, Prose, Drama, and Linguistics. At the master’s level, the study of English Literature is not limited only to the works of English writers but it incorporates the pieces of creation of writers from all over the world. MA in English gives the students a chance to delve into the vast ocean of literature from around the world, including literature from America, Canadia, Australia, Scotland, India, Poland, France, etc.

As the field of literature is enormous, students have to select electives and opt for the area in which they wish to specialise. The students get to learn and understand the historical, political, and cultural contexts of English and linguistics on an advanced level. MA in English explores the entire timeline of the development of literature over the years. It also involves all the movements and revolutions that happened at a particular time.

After completing the course of MA in English Literature, students can opt to go in various fields as per their interests. They can pursue higher studies or start working as well. MA in English is a two-year-long course which is usually covered in four semesters. As many students apply for this course every year, admission to MA in English Literature entails tough competition in almost all the universities.

MA in English - Course Highlights

Check out the MA in English course highlights from the table provided below:

Level of Course

Postgraduate

Duration of Course

2 Years

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who have pursued a BA in English or equivalent degree with a minimum overall aggregate of 50% are eligible.

Admission Process

Entrance based admission process and direct admission process

Top Entrance Exams

Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEE)

Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)

Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test (BHU PET)

University of Hyderabad Entrance Examination (UoH Entrance Exam)

English and Foreign Language University Entrance Examination (EFLU Entrance Exam)

Average Course Fee

INR 40,000/- to INR 50,000/-

Average Starting Salary

INR 3 LPA to INR 8 LPA

Job Options

·         Content Writer

·         Copywriter

·         Teacher

·         Translator

·         Stenographer

·         Editor

M.A. in English Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MA in English programmeis similar to other MA programmes. The basic eligibility criteria which the candidates must fulfil are:

  • Candidates must have pursued a BA in English or equivalent degree from a recognised institute.

The candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% or above at the qualifying level

MA in English Admission Process

Admission into the 2-years MA in English programme is done both on the basis of merit and entrance exam scores. In the entrance exam process, the candidates can appear in any national-level, state-level or institute-level entrance examination and secure valid marks or a valid rank. Based on the rank or entrance exam score, a counselling process is conducted (institute-level or national-level) and thereafter final allocation of seats is done. 

Some institutes also offer direct admission into the MA in English programme where the qualifying exam scores, i.e the graduation level scores are taken into consideration and a merit list is prepared. Based on the merit list, the suitable candidates are offered admissions.

M.A. in English Syllabus

Choice of Electives:

  • American Literature
  • Canadian Literature
  • Indian English Literature
  • Women Literature
  • New Literatures in English
  • Americal Novel
  • English Studies in India
  • Contemporary Indian Literature in English Translation
  • European Literature in Translation
  • Dalit Studies
  • Disability Studies
  • Postcolonial Literature and Theory
  • Indian Folk Literature
  • Comparative Literature
  • Politics, Philosophy, and Literature

Note: The syllabus and choice of electives vary from college to college. This is a basic outline of the syllabus of MA in English Literature that is followed by all universities.

M.A. in English Career Options and Job Prospects

After completing the programme of MA in English Literature, students have several career options to choose from. If they wish to pursue higher education, they can enrol in a programme of M.Phil or Ph.D. In order to get selected for these courses of the doctorate level, they will have to appear for the exam of UGC NET. Students can also start working right after finishing their postgraduate degree in English literature. Postgraduates with an MA in English Literature are hired in the sectors of publishing, teaching, communication, public relations, journalism, advertising, etc. Here are some of the topmost job roles that are offered to students after an MA in English.

  • Content Writer
  • Copywriter
  • Teacher
  • Translator
  • Proofreader
  • Stenographer
  • Editor
  • PR Specialist
  • Digital Media Specialist
  • Advertising Executive
  • Civil Servant
  • Content Developer
  • Blogger