The master's programme in English literature gives students the opportunity to study a broad range of literary and cultural texts in English, while specializing in an area of their choice under the leadership of a researcher in that field. The English section can offer supervision in English, Irish, American and post-colonial literatures, and is particularly strong in the areas of romanticism, modernism, and contemporary literature.

Each year, students are offered courses organized around socially-relevant themes, key literary periods and genres, and/or prominent authors. All master's level courses include training in secondary research and literary theory, practice in close analysis, and feedback on students' written work.

In moving from coursework to the master's thesis, students move toward a more specialized focus and more independent research. This research is supported by each student's supervisor and by a series of organized work-in-progress seminars targeting the skills needed for master's-level research.

The programme consists of: 60 credits coursework in English literature (ENG-3000-level) 60 credits Master's thesis (ENG-3992)

The mandatory coursework includes: ENG-3192 Literary and Cultural Theory; and

One course from each of these categories: 3000-level Period-Based Studies (such as Modernism, Major Authors or Contemporary Poetry) 3000-level Studies in Genre (such as Short Fiction or Development of the Novel) 3000-level Literature and Society Courses (such as Literature and Justice; or Literature and the Environment)

Literary and Cultural Theory and Period Studies courses are offered in the fall. Studies in Genre and Literature and Society courses are offered in the spring. The remaining 20 credits of coursework may be fulfilled by choosing from any ENG-3000 courses offered in literature/culture. Specific courses being offered vary, and will be stated in the course catalogue for the current semester.

Students wishing to substitute courses from other relevant fields (typically selected to support research for the master's thesis or during an exchange) may apply to have this substitution approved on an individual basis (up to 20 credits).

The master's thesis is theoretically-informed work of independent research on a limited topic within English literature. Theses are 70-100 pages in length (1.5 spacing, Times New Roman 12).

Students are assigned a supervisor appropriate for their topic. The topic of research will be decided upon in collaboration with a member of the English section.