M.A. in English

MA in English

Master of Arts in English is a 2-year postgraduate course that deals with the study of English Literature and Language all over the world. MA in English deals with various novels, stories, poetry, and epics written by prominent writers. MA in English helps the student to have a better grasp of the English language and develop analytical skills, and critical thinking ability. MA in English Full Form is Master of Arts in English.

MA in English Admission is ongoing and the most common ways of getting admission are through entrance exams or merit-based. Top colleges like JNU, Calcutta University, St Xaviers College Kolkata, Delhi University, and Presidency College all take entrance exams for MA in English Admission 2024.

MA in English is also available in distance mode. MA in English IGNOU is the most popular destination for MA in English Distance Education. The course fees for an MA in English IGNOU are INR 13,200. The duration is 2 years and the course fee is INR 13,600.

MA in English syllabus consists of subjects like English Poetry from Chaucer to Milton, Eighteenth-Century English Literature, Language and Linguistics, and works of Shakespeare and Indian Literature.

MA English Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for pursuing an MA in English differ from college to college. People from different backgrounds can choose to take up MA English as a career path. To pursue the course, the aspirant must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum aggregate of 45 percent- five percent marks from a recognized university.

The students might also have to sit for the entrance examinations such as DUET, IPU CET, JNUEE, BHU PET, and CUCET. One must note that admission to a PG course in English takes place through both entrance exams and merit basis.

Why MA English?

One of the most popular degrees in India is a master’s degree in the arts. One of the oldest courses still taught in India, according to some. A candidate can choose from a wide range of Master of Arts courses, including MA Economics, MA Hindi, MA Geography, MA History, MA Political Science, etc. Among all of these Master of Arts courses, MA English is one of the most popular. A candidate should enroll in an MA English course for the reasons listed below:

• Candidates who pursue an MA in English will get in-depth knowledge of subjects related to literature and other subjects
• Candidates will get new skills and learn new abilities related to English subjects
• After pursuing an MA English candidates can get jobs in MNCs which prefer candidates with good English skills
• Candidates can also pursue higher studies after completing an MA in English such as MPhil English or PhD English
• Candidates who pursue an MA in English will get good research skills
• While doing an MA English course, candidates will get to expand their professional circle. It will help in increasing professional skills and increasing practical knowledge about the world

MA in English Admission Process

The admission process to MA in English is done either through entrance examinations in Indraprastha University, BHU, or based on the merit score of the bachelor’s degree in colleges like ASBM University. Given below is the step-by-step admission process for the MA English course:

Step 1: The candidate needs to appear for entrance exams as per the college requirement and clear the required cut-off.

Step 2: Students can further fill out the application form which can be downloaded online from the college website or directly from the college.

Step 3: As per the college admission criteria, students will be called for a personal interview for admission confirmation.

Step 4: Upon confirmation, students can proceed with fee payment and document submission.

Semester Wise MA English Syllabus

MA English Syllabus 1st Semester

• 14th-20th Century British Poetry
• Appreciating Shakespeare
• Literature and Film
• Digital Content Writing
• Scholarly Writing

MA English Syllabus 2nd Semester

• 20th Century British Novels
• 20th Century British Drama
• American Literature
• Indian Writing in English
• Classical Literary Criticism

MA English Syllabus 3rd Semester

• 16th-19th Century Literary Criticism
• 20th-Century Literature Theory and Criticism
• Gender Studies
• Post Colonial Literature
• Culture Studies
• Literature Review
• Foreign Language

MA English Syllabus 4th Semester

• Dissertation
• Foreign Languages
• Fiction
• Literary Criticism
• Fiction from 1900 Onwards
• Postcolonial Novel
• Project Work/Viva

MA English Required Skills

MA English course is a two-year program in which students learn about English literature in detail. Candidates who wish to pursue an MA English course must be dedicated and hard-working because an MA English course requires deep research and analytical skills. Following are some of the required skills that must be there in every candidate who wishes to pursue an MA English course or even go for higher studies after completing an MA English course:

1. Good communication skills
2. Management skills
3. Goal-oriented
4. Intellectually curious
5. Organizational skills
6. Problem-solving skills
7. Analytical thinking
8. Ability to work under pressure
9. Inquisitive
10. Interpersonal skills

MA English Career Options and Job Prospects

After completing the program of MA in English Literature, students have several career options to choose from. If they wish to pursue higher education, they can enroll in a program for an MPhil or Ph.D. To get selected for these courses of the doctorate level, they will have to appear for the exam of UGC NET. Students can also start working right after finishing their postgraduate degree in English literature. Postgraduates with an MA in English Literature are hired in the sectors of publishing, teaching, communication, public relations, journalism, advertising, etc. Here are some of the topmost job roles that are offered to students after an MA in English.

1. Content Writer
2. Copywriter
3. Teacher
4. Translator
5. Proofreader
6. Stenographer
7. Editor
8. PR Specialist
9. Digital Media Specialist
10. Advertising Executive
11. Civil Servant
12. Content Developer
13. Blogger

What after MA English?

There are various things that a candidate can do after completing the MA English course. Candidates can apply for higher studies after PG in English such as MPhil in English or PhD in English. Candidates can also study English linguistics or Comparative English literature. There are endless courses that a candidate can choose after completing the MA English course.

Courses After MA English

After completing the MA English course, candidates can go for higher studies in the English field. Candidates can do PhD in English or an MPhil in English. Candidates with NET/JRF scores have better chances of getting admission to higher studies in the English department. Given are the general criteria for applying for admission in different courses after the MA English course:

• Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject or some other subject from some recognized university.
• Candidates must have a minimum aggregate score of 50% in their postgraduate studies.
• Candidates who have SC/ST quota have a relaxation of 5% in aggregate score.
• Candidates must know English subjects to clear the entrance exam for PhD in English or MPhil admission in some reputed universities.
• Candidates who have JRF or NET scores have better chances of getting admission to some good universities and colleges in India.