MA Early Modern English Literature: Books That Matter

The MA Early Modern English Literature: Books That Matter at King’s College London is an advanced postgraduate program designed for students passionate about the literature of the early modern period (1500-1700). This unique program allows students to explore key literary works from the Renaissance to the Restoration, focusing on influential texts that shaped early modern thought, society, and culture. By examining these texts within their historical and cultural contexts, students gain a deep understanding of how literature both reflected and influenced the evolving intellectual landscape of the period. The program provides an engaging learning experience for those who wish to pursue careers in academia, publishing, or other sectors related to literary studies.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Early Modern English Literature: Books That Matter emphasizes both the depth and breadth of early modern literature. It includes core modules on major works of literature, historical context, and literary theory. Students engage with key texts by authors such as William Shakespeare, John Milton, Christopher Marlowe, and Aphra Behn. In addition to the study of these canonical works, the program explores various literary genres, including drama, poetry, and prose, and provides students with the tools to critically analyze literature from diverse perspectives. Elective modules allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, and the program culminates in a dissertation where students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.

Research Focus: King’s College London’s research focus for the MA Early Modern English Literature program is grounded in exploring the texts and cultural practices of the early modern period. The program's research agenda encourages students to critically engage with a wide range of literary, historical, and theoretical texts. Faculty members are experts in early modern literature and contribute significantly to the development of new critical perspectives on the period. Research areas include the intersection of literature and politics, gender studies, material culture, performance studies, and the relationship between literature and emerging scientific thought. The research conducted at King’s College is highly interdisciplinary, drawing from history, philosophy, and cultural studies to offer a comprehensive understanding of early modern literature.

Industry Engagement: The industry engagement in the MA Early Modern English Literature: Books That Matter program at King’s College London provides students with valuable connections to the literary world. The program offers opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and networking events with professionals in publishing, academia, and cultural institutions. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills in practical settings, from literary events to teaching roles. The university's strong relationships with literary journals, publishing houses, and other cultural organizations offer students unique opportunities to gain insights into the literary industry and explore potential career paths.

Global Perspective: King’s College London takes a global perspective in the MA Early Modern English Literature program, examining early modern literature within a broader international and comparative framework. While the program centers on English literature, students also explore how English texts interacted with literary traditions across Europe and beyond. Global approaches to early modern texts help students understand the cultural exchanges and intellectual movements that defined the period, such as the rise of colonialism, the spread of the printing press, and the international nature of the Renaissance. This global perspective equips students with the skills and knowledge to engage with early modern literature in a globalized world, preparing them for careers in academia, research, publishing, and other international cultural fields.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

King’s College London is providing financial support to international students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. The university offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to assist international students in covering tuition fees and living costs while studying in the United Kingdom. These scholarships help make higher education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and regions.

King’s College London International Postgraduate Scholarships: King’s College London offers a range of scholarships for international postgraduate students. These scholarships are available for students applying to specific master’s programs and are designed to recognize academic achievement and potential. The scholarships vary in value, with some covering partial tuition fees and others offering full financial support. International students who have a strong academic record and potential for research excellence are eligible for consideration.

Commonwealth Scholarships: King’s College London is part of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, which offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses for international students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. They are awarded based on academic excellence and the potential to contribute to the development of the student's home country after completing their studies.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government-funded initiative that provides full financial support for postgraduate students from eligible countries. King’s College London is a participating university for Chevening Scholars, who are selected based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to their communities. Chevening Scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living stipend.

Dean’s Scholarships for International Students: Many departments at King’s College London offer Dean’s Scholarships for international students applying to specific programs. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and the student’s potential contribution to their field of study. They may provide partial or full funding for tuition fees and are typically available for high-achieving students who have an excellent academic record.

Country-Specific Scholarships: King’s College London offers country-specific scholarships for international students from specific regions or countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and who are making a positive impact in their home country. Each scholarship may have its own eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, nationality, and financial need.

The MA in Early Modern English Literature: Books That Matter from King’s College London provides graduates with a diverse range of career opportunities in literature, academia, publishing, and cultural industries. The program equips students with advanced analytical, research, and critical thinking skills that are highly valued across multiple sectors. 

Academic and Research Roles: Graduates can pursue further studies through a PhD in English Literature, specializing in early modern texts, leading to careers in university teaching and academic research.

Publishing and Editing: The program prepares students for roles in publishing houses, literary magazines, and digital media platforms where they can work as editors, literary critics, or content creators.

Librarianship and Archival Work: Many graduates find opportunities in libraries, museums, and archives, specializing in historical texts, rare book collections, and literary preservation.

Cultural and Heritage Sectors: Careers in museums, cultural institutions, and heritage organizations involve curating exhibitions, managing literary collections, or conducting public engagement projects.

Media and Journalism: The analytical and writing skills gained in the program make graduates strong candidates for roles in journalism, broadcasting, and media production, particularly in cultural reporting and literary criticism.

Education and Teaching: Graduates can pursue teaching careers in secondary and higher education, specializing in English literature, history, and humanities.

Creative Writing and Content Creation: Some students use their knowledge to become authors, playwrights, or content creators, applying their expertise in storytelling and literary history to creative industries.

Policy and Government Roles: Those interested in policy development can work in cultural policy, arts administration, or governmental roles that focus on literature, education, and heritage preservation.