Course Summary
The MA in English is ideal for students who wish to build on the foundations of their undergraduate degrees by pursuing more advanced studies in English at postgraduate level, yet who also wish to retain the intellectual breadth of addressing a variety of literature, past and present. This MA offers an intensive specialist training in the study of literary texts and theories, and students explore sources as diverse as vellum manuscripts, serialised novels, contemporary bestsellers, digital texts or films.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
BA in an Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences discipline with a minimum result of H2.2 overall, with a H2.1 in English, or an equivalent international qualification (e.g., BA with minimum GPA of 3.0 for North American applicants). IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent if applicable.
Application Details
Closing Date
Please view the offer rounds website at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/postgrad-admissions/key-dates/
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System
How To Apply
Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply The application system will be open from 1 October 2022 to accept applications for entry to the 2023–24 academic year. Applications are submitted via an online form, and a step-by-step guide will assist you through the process.
An application fee will be required, and this is non-refundable. You will require an active email
account to use the system.
Application Fee
An application fee of €35 is payable upon making an application and is non-refundable. Upon completing an application for a course, applicants are provided with a discount code to apply for a second course at no extra charge. Therefore the €35 fee will facilitate up to two course applications.
Supporting Documents
When making an online application, most programmes require additional documentation to supplement your application, such as an essay, samples of work, a CV, etc. To see what supporting documents, if any, may be required for your programme, please visit: www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad-admissions
After submitting an application you must then upload the supporting documents.
Your application will not be put forward for review until all the supporting documents have been uploaded and your application status (on your online account) changes to ‘Marked Complete’.
Other Application Routes
A small number of courses have an alternative application system. These alternate routes will be clearly listed on the relevant programme page in this prospectus and in the online course listing at www.universityofgalway.ie/courses
When Should I Apply?
Applications are open for entry in 2023 on 1 October 2022. Please note that NUI Galway does not set a deadline for receipt of applications (with some exceptions). Course quotas will be reviewed at specified times during the application cycle. As many courses fill up quickly, you are advised to apply early. Programmes which reach their quota before these review dates will not accept new applications. You are advised therefore to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Offers will be issued on a continuous basis, with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. NUI Galway aims to review applications within ten working days of receiving a complete application, however application reviews for some programmes may take longer. Upon review of the application, applicants will receive an update on the decision (normally within three weeks of submitting an application). Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer. Applications will continue to be reviewed in the summer months if there are still programme places available.
Fees
€7,640 p.a. full-time; €3,855 p.a. part-time (including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Tuition
€7,500 p.a. full-time; €3,750 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. full-time; €105 p.a. part-time 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€18,500 p.a. (€18,640 including levy). 2024/25
Student levy €140—payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Linguistic
The Linguistic's interests are usually focused on ideas and information exchange. They tend to like reading a lot, and enjoy discussion about what has been said. Some will want to write about their own ideas and may follow a path towards journalism, story writing or editing. Others will develop skills in other languages, perhaps finding work as a translator or interpreter. Most Linguistic types will enjoy the opportunity to teach or instruct people in a topic they are interested in.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
The taught coursework on this programme will enable students to extend their knowledge of English beyond the boundaries of their undergraduate experience and to develop a range of important and transferable skills that will serve them well in the job market, or in further education, for example on a PhD programme. Students will learn how to achieve a regular habit of research and writing, meet deadlines, give persuasive, well-researched talks and presentations, use libraries and resources effectively, articulate ideas to others, work in a team, write well, and revise, edit and improve drafts of written work. These are valuable skills that will translate easily into a wide range of careers. Graduates of this programme are well placed to succeed in arts administration, teaching, creative writing, PR, research, broadcasting, publishing, journalism, non-fiction writing and marketing.
Duration
2 years, part-time.