MA Modern Literature and Culture (1900-present)

The MA Modern Literature and Culture (1900-present) at Birkbeck University of London is a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural landscape of the modern era. This course examines the literary, cultural, and intellectual developments that have shaped our understanding of modernity, from the fin de siecle to the present day. You will engage with a diverse range of texts, including fiction, poetry, drama, and non-fiction works, as well as visual and musical artifacts, to uncover the complex interplay between artistic expression and social, political, and cultural change. By studying the works of influential authors and artists, such as James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, and Frida Kahlo, you will gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which literature and culture reflect and shape our contemporary world. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in fields such as publishing, teaching, criticism, or curating, as well as those seeking to enhance their knowledge of modern literature and culture.

Additional Information

This course is part of the Birkbeck Centre for Cultures of Empire, which provides a unique interdisciplinary framework for studying the cultures of empire and their legacies in the present day. Students will have access to a range of resources, including the Birkbeck Library's extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts, as well as the university's numerous research centers and institutes. The course is taught by leading scholars in the field, who bring their expertise and passion for modern literature and culture to the classroom.

Unlocking the Secrets of Modern Literature and Culture: A World-Class Education at Birkbeck University of London.

Birkbeck University of London is a world-renowned institution with a long tradition of excellence in the humanities. Our faculty is composed of award-winning scholars and researchers who are committed to providing students with an exceptional learning experience. The university's location in central London provides easy access to a wealth of cultural institutions, including museums, galleries, and libraries, which offer valuable resources for students pursuing this course. By studying at Birkbeck, you will be part of a vibrant intellectual community that values diversity, inclusivity, and innovative thinking.

Our MA in Modern Literature and Culture (1900-present) has been designed to offer you a set of sophisticated cultural and critical frameworks to read literature and culture, across a range of different themes, from 1900 to the present day. It gives you the opportunity to build the skills and knowledge you need to produce your own original and informed cultural critique.

This modern literature and culture degree explores literature from an exciting variety of perspectives. You will begin by focusing on literature and culture from c.1900 to 1945, examining key concepts of modernism and modernity, ranging through literary texts and a variety of different cultural forms and theories.

You will then gain knowledge and insights into literature and culture from 1945 to the present day so that you are exposed to a full background of cultural study in this period. Teachers in this course have a wide range of specialisms and they will explore with you the many critical angles through which we read, interpret and interrogate our concept of what it means to be modern and contemporary.

Our graduates are trained to be effective researchers with good communication skills and an ability to critically assess a wide range of textual and other cultural materials.

You will find graduates of this MA following career paths in:

• journalism

• professional writing

• arts administration or research

• civil service

• law and business professions

• publishing roles

• teaching in schools or as lecturers in further and higher education

• museum and cultural heritage work

• curation

A number of our master's students also go on to study at the Ph.D. level and we will provide you with structured support and guidance if you wish to pursue this path.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

A second-class honors degree (2:2) or above in English or a related subject. Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honors degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university or an equivalent international qualification. Your first degree does not have to be in English Literature.

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.