Modern and Contemporary Literature

Our MA Modern and Contemporary Literature master's course offers an opportunity to become part of a dynamic group of researchers working in 20th and 21st century literature, culture and theory. You will undertake an intensive and challenging investigation of the broad field of modern and contemporary writing. Units provide opportunities to study modernisms, postcolonial writing, cultural theory, radical subcultures, American culture, contemporary fiction and much more.

Program Highlights

• Study post-1900 literature in all its geographical, formal and thematic complexity and diversity.
• Explore a variety of critical and theoretical approaches to modern and contemporary writing.
• Study at a Top 15 UK University for English (Complete University Guide 2024).
• Become part of a community of active researchers working in the fields of contemporary writing, creative writing, modernism studies and postcolonial studies.
• Discover the literary heritage and cultural assets of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature.

On completion of this course, many of our postgraduates continue their research to develop careers in academia.

The high standard of arts research training, both formal and practical, opens doors to many kinds of public and private sector graduate careers requiring research skills and the formulation of projects and policy documents.

The University of Manchester is a centre of teaching excellence, world-class research, outstanding student experience, and social responsibility. Part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, it’s institutions like ours that have the greatest responsibility to act as the world faces big challenges. Together, we face this head on.

Founded in 1824 for the advancement of education, we’ve since been home to 25 Nobel Prize winners and worked across disciplinary and geographic boundaries to give the world new ideas, discoveries and innovations. Inspired by and connected with our city – the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, home to an iconic arts, music and culture scene, and now the driving force of the Northern Powerhouse scheme – Manchester remains at the heart of everything we do. We've been making an impact since day one; from creating the world’s first nuclear reaction, to building the modern computer, isolating graphene, pioneering development economics, and transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment across the world. And it doesn’t stop there – our teaching and learning approach creates life-changing student experiences, inspires lifelong learning and shapes exceptional graduate outcomes for global citizens of the future. As we enter our third century, we’re not letting anything stand in our way as we continue to tackle the world’s biggest problems with unbreakable resolve.