Buckingham's Master's Degree by Research in English Literature, which is designed for full or part-time study, appeals to a number of different groups.
School teachers, often numbed by the repetitive demands of 'set books', can seize the opportunity to revitalise their love of English literature by researching into an author or area of their own choosing. Those who have some leisure time to devote to study may be attracted by a programme in which they can explore in depth their own literary interests. Students who have graduated successfully from an undergraduate programme at Buckingham or elsewhere may find this an ideal way to hone their research and analytical skills. Graduates from overseas can study English literature in its homeland, benefiting from being part of a supportive and close-knit academic community.
Those who wish to continue their research may study for a further year (MPhil) or two years (DPhil), or for the part-time equivalent.
Programme structure
The University has a four-term year. The MA programme normally runs from September to August, though other start times may be possible. In the first term there are core seminars on research methodology; there are then two seminars in each of the subsequent three terms on a range of literary topics, led by Buckingham academics and eminent guest lecturers. These seminars, held in the early evening, are not only of interest and value in themselves, but also allow students to meet together and benefit from each other's experiences.
However, the Buckingham MA does not aim to offer systematic instruction in English Literature, nor does it require written examinations on broad areas of the subject; instead, the emphasis is on independent research. During the programme, students complete, under supervision, a 30,000 – 40,000 word research dissertation on a suitable subject in English literature from 1550 to the present day. The English Department has particular expertise in nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature, but proposals for research in other areas will be considered.
At the heart of the MA is the close working relationship between candidate and supervisor. While the final thesis must be the candidate's independent work, it is the supervisor who offers advice on refining the topic (if necessary), on primary sources, on secondary reading, on research techniques and on writing the final thesis. Supervisors and candidates meet frequently throughout the year, and not less than twice a term; and the supervisor is always the candidate’s primary contact for academic advice and support.
The University
The University of Buckingham has distinguished research profiles in a number of areas, including Education (at the Centre for Education and Employment Research), Law with the Denning Law Journal, History and Biography, and face recognition systems (within Applied Computing). The Department of English is host to the Dickens Journals Online Project which aims to make available free a complete scholarly online edition of Charles Dickens's weekly magazines, a rich slice of nineteenth-century literature, opinion and information.
Buckingham is a thriving and challenging academic community, dedicated to excellence. However it remains a university on a human scale: with just under a thousand students on campus it is a place where friendships are quickly made. It has one of the best student to staff ratios in the country and it is not surprising that it has topped the National Student Survey for the past three years. Research students have access to all the University's facilities – libraries, special collections, IT suites, refectory, fitness centre. Students who wish to reside in Buckingham can find accommodation on campus or in town.
Part-time option
Those with limited time may prefer to spread the writing of their dissertation over two years, in which case an individual timetable of lectures and supervisions will be arranged.
Fees, scholarships and exhibitions
The programme fee for home students (2009-2010) is £4,000 (part-time: £2,500 in year 1; £1,500 in year 2), payable in four termly instalments. The programme fee for international students (2009-2010) is £9,200, payable in four termly instalments (part-time fees by arrangement). Visit Fees and scholarships for more information.
Thanks to the generosity of a previous research student in English Literature, a single half-fees scholarship and two exhibitions of £1,000 may be awarded annually to outstanding candidates from the UK and EU. Visit the Paul E H Davis Awards for more information.
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