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MA English Literature: Syllabus, Subjects, 1st Year, 2nd Year, Colleges, Books

OverviewSyllabusJobsQ&AMA English Literature Colleges

MA English Literature is a two-year postgraduate degree program that imparts education concerned with Literary Theory and Criticism, Linguistics, Semiotics, and different British literature genres. Candidates who have done a BA in English or equivalent with 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university are eligible for applying to the course. 

MA English Literature Admission is done on both merit and entrance exams. The top entrance exams for MA English Literature are NPAT, BHU UET, TISS BAT, IPU CET, JNUEE. Some colleges/Institutes also offer direct admission on the basis of merit.

Major subjects of MA English Literature are English novels, English poetry, English drama, English prose and essays, Indian writings in English. major sectors after ma English where students can get the job are the banking sector, teaching sector, Administrative sector, Police Jobs etc.

MA English Literature Course Details

Course Name Master of Arts in English
Course Level Postgraduate
Duration 2 Years
Admission Process Merit based and Entrance Exams
Top Entrance Exam NPAT, BHU UET, TISS BAT, IPU CET, JNUEE
Eligibility BA in English with 50% aggregate from a recognised university
Top Colleges IGNOU Delhi, SRM University Chennai, JMI Delhi, MSU Baroda, Christ University Bangalore, BHU Varanasi, LPU Jalandhar
Fees INR 40,000 - 50,000

MA English Literature Syllabus

Semester I Semester II
English Novel Irish Literature
English Drama Canadian Literature
English Poetry Native-American Literature
English Prose and Essays South African Literature
Literature in the 17th century American Literature
Literature in the 18th century African Literature
Literature in the 19th century Modernism and Post- Modernism
Romanticism, Neoclassicism Australian Literature
Semester III Semester IV
English in India: Sociological and Historical. Syntax and Structure
Literature in Indian English Linguistic Approach to Literature
Indian Writings in English Stylistic and Discourse Structure
Indian Writings Translated into English -
History of English Language -
Phonology and Morphology of the English Language -

MA English Literature Subjects

MA English Literature Syllabus is spread across 3 years and 6 semesters. The description of each of the subjects are mentioned below

MA English First Year Subjects 

  • English Novel: A novel is a prose narrative of significant length and complexity that deals with human experience.
  • Irish Literature: Irish literature is comprised of writings in Irish, Latin, English and Scots languages on the island of Ireland. The earliest recorded Irish writing was produced by monks.
  • South African Literature: It is the literature of South Africa and includes different languages such as Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, Venda, Swazi, Tsonga and Ndebele and more.
  • Literature in the 17th century: It was a period of unceasing disturbance and violent storms which is no less in literature than in politics and society. 
  • Romanticism, Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism focuses on objectivity, reason, and Intellect and romanticism focus on human creativity, nature, and feelings. 
  • Australian Literature: Australian literature is the written work produced in the area by the people of the Commonwealth of Australia and its preceding colonies.

See Also: Spoken English Course

MA English Second Year Subjects 

  • English in India: Sociological and Historical: The English language was introduced to India in the 17th century. English businessmen came to India as traders. After British rule, English remained in use in India.
  • Syntax and Structure: Syntax is known as the grammatical structure of sentences. The format in which words and phrases are arranged is called syntax. 
  • Indian Writing in English: Indian English literature is the body of work by writers in India who write in the English language and whose native language could be one of the numerous languages spoken and written in India.
  • History of English Language: English is a West Germanic language, originated from Ingvaeonic languages brought to Britain by Anglo-Saxon migrants
  • Phonology and Morphology of the English Language: Phonology is the study of sounds and sound systems in languages and Morphology deals with the words in a language. 

See Also: English Courses

IGNOU MA English literature syllabus

1st Year
British Poetry
British Drama
British Novel
Aspects of Language
2nd Year
Literary Criticism and Theory
Optional Courses(Student need to choose any three) -
  • American Literature
  • New Literature in English
  • Australian Literature
  • English Studies in India
  • American Novel
  • A survey course in 20th Century Canadian Literature
  • Writing from the margins
  • Contemporary Indian Literature in English translation
  • Comparative Literature: Theory and Practice
  • Indian Folk Literature

MA English Literature Syllabus Vikram University

Semester I Semester II
Poetry Poetry
Drama Drama
Fiction Fiction
Prose Prose
Indian Writings In English- Poetry Indian Writings In English- Novel
African Literature Caribbean Literature
Semester III Semester IV
Critical Theory Critical Theory
English Language English Language
Amrican Literature Amrican Literature
Indian Writing In English Indian Writing In English
Commonwealth Liteature In English Commonwealth Liteature In English
Special Studies (Shakespeare) Commonwealth Liteature In English

JNVU MA English Literature Syllabus

Semester I Semester II
Literary Criticism I Literary Criticism II
American Literature I American Literature II
Elementary Linguistics English Grammar & Composition
English Poetry : Chaucer to Donne Marvell to Collins
Semester III Semester IV
Drama: Shakespeare to Restoration Modern Drama
English Poetry: The Romantics & Victorians English Poetry: Victorians & Moderns
Fiction I Fiction II
Indian English Literature I Indian English Literature II
Post-colonial Literature in English I Post-colonial Literature in English II

MA English Literature Books

Name of the Book Author
Doctor Faustus Christopher Marlowe
A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning John Donne
An Introduction to the Pronunciation of English. A.C.Gimson
A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry Geoffrey Leech
Spoken English for India. R.K.Bansal and J.B.Harrison
Indian Writings in English. K.R.S.Iyengar
History of Indian English Literature M.K.Naik

MA English Literature: FAQs

Ques. What is MA English Literature?

Ans. MA English Literature is a two-year postgraduate degree program which imparts education concerned with Literary Theory and Criticism, Linguistics, Semiotics, and different British literature genres.

Ques. Who can do MA English Literature?

Ans. Students who have done BA in English or equivalent with 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university.

Ques. What are the Job options after MA English?

Ans. Job options after MA English:

  • Lecturer.
  • Anchor.
  • Magazine or newspaper editor.
  • Writer.
  • PR.
  • Copywriter.
  • Social service.
  • Librarian.

Ques. What is the average salary of a MA in English graduate?

Ans. MA English Graduate can get a minimum salary of INR 3 to 4 LPA, it will change with experience, skills, and capabilities to work.

Ques. What are the subjects in MA English Literature?

Ans. Some of the MA English Literature subjects are:

  • English Novel
  • English Poetry
  • English Drama
  • English Prose and Essays
  • Indian writings in English.

Ques. What are the project topics of MA English Literature?

Ans. Project topics of MA English Literature:

  • Dream, Fantasy & Realism In Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children
  • Thesis & Anti-thesis In George Bernard Shaw
  • Biographies of Gandhi In English
  • How To Do A Critique of Midnight’s Children?

Ques. What are the top colleges for MA English Literature?

Ans. The top colleges/universities for MA English Literature are IGNOU Delhi, SRM University Chennai, JMI Delhi, MSU Baroda, Christ University Bangalore, BHU Varanasi, and LPU Jalandhar.

Ques. Is it worth doing MA English Literature?

Ans. Yes, because this program allows the students to explore about literature from different countries like America, Canada, Australia, France, etc. It is very valuable as it can generate a variety of skills.

Ques. What are the top entrance exams for MA English Literature?

Ans. NPAT, BHU UET, TISS BAT, IPU CET, JNUEE are the top entrance exams for MA English Literature.

Ques. What can be done after MA english?

Ans. Students can either choose to pursue job or continue their studies after MA English. Major sectors after MA English are Banking Sector, Teaching sector, Administrative sector, Police Jobs etc. 

Ask your question

Answered Questions

AN

Is EFLU, Hyderabad good for pursuing an M.A. in English, if one has gotten a degree in English from DU? What is its ranking among the top universities for humanities?

By Aaditya Hari Nairon 15 Jul 21
VG

Vinit Ghose

15 Jul 21M.A. English Literature from English and Foreign Languages University (2020)

EFLU is an exclusive university for English. There are 29 departments, out of which 20 are in English. With so many micro-specialties, pursuing an MA in English from EFLU is a great option.

The university gives a lot of freedom in choosing subjects in post-graduation.

  • Post-graduation applicants get a pool of subjects to choose from in their degree at EFLU.
  • EFLU conducts only one entrance test for admission in all streams. If you clear the entrance test you will get the chance to choose whichever subject you want to pursue.
  • You can either choose all subjects from one department only or select subjects from several departments if you want to have a mixed degree. Even, you are allowed to change subjects till two weeks of the course.
  • The linguistic department of EFLU is very famous all over India, because of its quality of education. It has a world-class set of faculties in the department, along with an extensive library for helping students in their coursework.
  • The literature department of EFLU is not as good as other central universities in India. Although there are excellent professors here too, the scope for students in literature is limited.

Considering the quality of the linguistics department in EFLU, it is a great option for English graduates. Because of the cafeteria system of choosing subjects, there is a lot of diversity in the department.

RD

How do I prepare for MA in English from Ambedkar University, Delhi?

By Rishabh Duttaon 18 Jan 22
DR

Dabojyoti Roy

18 Jan 22M.A English from Ambedkar University Delhi (2020)

In the entrance test for MA in English at Ambedkar University, there will be questions that will test your analytic skills. You will have to analyze an unseen poem or passage. Also, there will be short questions. Some of these questions will be opinion based while others will test your subject knowledge. 

For preparation, you can read ‘A glossary of literary terms’ by M.H Abrams, Contemporary Literary and Cultura; Theory: From Structuralism To Ecocriticism by Pramod K Nayar. Also, read a little bit about Indian English Literature, Postcolonial literature, partition literature, etc. 

SG

Is Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata good for MA English?

By Sachin Guptaon 30 Nov 21
HC

Himangshu Chakraborty

30 Nov 21M.A Classical Music & Performing Arts, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata (2017)

The admission in Rabindra Bharati University is merit based. They demand a higher percentage in your 12th exam, to get qualified for admission. It usually becomes very competitive as there are a limited number of seats. 

It is one of the most reputed educational institutions in Kolkata. It has been graded A by NAAC in 2016 for its overall development, campus life and studies.

It is definitely good for an MA in English and other subjects as well. It is definitely worth it as it will provide the best college life.

AT

Which one is better to do an MA in English, Chandigarh University or Amity University, Noida?

By Anil Tiggaon 15 Apr 21
YG

Yamini Gupta

15 Apr 21BS Biotechnology & Chemistry, Amity University (2017)

My friend is currently pursuing her Master’s in English at Chandigarh University. It is better because it provides more choices and has an education system that is well-equipped for students who want to do major in English.

  • The English Department has excelled in a wide variety of activities. There are various seminars arranged here every week.
  • With media being so popular among students nowadays, literary quizzes are held once a month to keep students informed about current events based on literature.
  • The teaching approach is very up-to-date and pays attention to each and every student in order to assist them in choosing the required specialization.
  • Term papers, research papers, and dissertations are all part of this area, which helps students to gain interest in their future programs and presentations. It is particularly beneficial to students who are pursuing a Ph.D.
  • The environment is very student-centric. You can easily share your views with faculty and students very conveniently.
  • You will be provided with specialized courses to enhance your skills as per your interests.

Considering all the above, MA in English is best offered by Chandigarh University.

MB

Can we complete our MA in English in IIT Delhi or any other IITs? If yes, what is the admission procedure?

By Mansi Bhatnagaron 10 Apr 23
AB

Akriti Banerjee

10 Apr 23lives in New Delhi

No, IIT Delhi does not provide MA in English. Some other IITs do provide humanities programs, for instance, IIT Madras offers 5-year integrated MA courses in English as well as in Development Studies. Admission to these courses is done through an entrance test called HSEE.

Other IITs have their own net above tests for the specific humanities programs offered and details can be sought from the official website of respective colleges. Additionally, some IITs also offer Ph.D. programs in different humanities disciplines including English literature.

AM

How do I write a good answer in the exam of a Master of Arts English MEG at IGNOU and other universities?

By Aniket Atul Mahulikaron 03 Nov 22
AM

Anu Mehta

03 Nov 22MA in English Literature & English Literature, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

Here are two of the major points that are helpful in writing a good answer in the exam for an MA in English:

  • The answer must start with an excellent introduction to the writer and the text. Then, there should be good content, sticking to the point. The answer must end with an eminent conclusion. 

  • The answer must not be written in a storytelling way. Students are supposed to answer what the question is asking them to explain, the theme, the character, and the point of view attached to the question.

Whatever answer students write, it must be revolving around giving proper reasons, perspectives, and possible central ideas that a question is trying to ask. The answer must not be diverting and stretching, without providing any appropriate conclusion.

A

What are passing marks in the IGNOU MEG?

By Abantion 02 Nov 22
S

Sunil

02 Nov 22PG Diploma in International Business, Indira Gandhi National Open university (IGNOU) Graduated 2018

Some basic information on IGNOU MEG is as follows:

Minimum Duration 

2 year

Maximum Duration 

5 years

Course fees

INR 9000

Minimum Age

No limit

Maximum Age

No limit

For marks the weightage is as follows- Assignments: 30% and Theory: 70%

The minimum pass percentage required for passing both these components separately is 40% (‘D’ grade). Anything below this is considered a failure and you will see the “Incomplete” status on the grade card.

The grade card is as follows:

  • 60% and above First Division

  • 50% and above but below 60% Second Division

  • 40% and above but below 50% Pass

  • Less than 40% Unsuccessful

The exam board of IGNOU will be issuing passing marks out of 100, 70 and 50 for all subjects in the official site.

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