Contemporary Literature and Culture MA

About the Course

This MA is the first in the country that allows advanced study of contemporary literature in all its diversity.

We examine popular genres, the 21st century novel, contemporary innovations, postcolonial literatures, postmodern poetics and more. Designed to develop advanced understanding of the cultural, social, intellectual and aesthetic contexts that shape contemporary writing, it allows students to engage with some of the most exciting writing of the last thirty years. 

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Aims

This Masters programme has been designed to develop students' understanding of the vibrant, diverse field of contemporary literature. As a student at Brunel, you will be invited to consider the impact on contemporary writing of such concepts and conditions as: postmodernity, contemporaneity, marginalised literatures, the avant-garde and the mainstream, popular literature, historiography, innovation, new technologies, interactivity, and the marketplace.

But the course centres on literary texts, giving you skills and opportunities to discuss some of the most exciting literature of the last thirty years. In addition to the wide-ranging syllabuses for taught modules which confront and interrogate the divisions between innovative and popular literatures, you will be able to pursue independent study through the Dissertation.

Enquiries

Donna White
School of Arts
Brunel University
Uxbridge
Middlesex UB8 3PH
UK
Email pg-arts-admissions@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 267214

Programme Convenor: Dr Jago Morison

Special Features

• Taught by specialists in the field
• Looks at contemporary writings in all their diversity
• Emphasis on close reading of a wide range of literatures
• Theoretically informed by the latest work in the field
• Provides a sophisticated framework of cultural and intellectual contexts
• Only MA in the country dedicated to the widest variety of contemporary literatures
• Special emphasis on 21st century and cutting edge writings
• The location of Brunel University in West London places it in the heart of contemporary literary and cultural life
• Important writers and creative practitioners in the School of Arts contribute to teaching the programme and to the research culture at Brunel
• A unique opportunity to construct a programme of study in accordance with your own interests
• You can draw on the School’s new archive of contemporary writing, Archive of the Now, and its Centre for Contemporary Literature

Course Content

At present there are five modules.

Studying the Contemporary
Explores research methodologies relevant to contemporary studies, an overview of the intellectual, aesthetic and cultural issues relevant to contemporary literary production, and then finally considers a number of key contemporary writers such as Toni Morrison, Martin Amis, John Ashbery, JH Prynne and Salman Rushdie.

Postcolonial Literature
This module analyses the emergence of post-colonial literatures during and after European colonialism, and their massive impact on contemporary writing and culture in Britain, the US and Europe.

Writing Now
This module introduces some key writers and theoretical debates informing the composition and reception of innovative poetry and prose. It is unique in focusing on 21st century literatures, and on the ways in which cutting-edge literatures expose the contradictions in contemporary culture.

Popular Genres and Fictions
This module examines contemporary popular fictions, and the roots of genres such as Science Fiction, Romance, Detective Fiction, the Western and Travel writing, to investigate how 20th century traditions are renovated for life in the 21st century.

The Dissertation
To prepare you for what is perhaps the most important piece of writing you have yet produced, Brunel’s distinguished teaching staff will work with you in developing a relevant, realistic and original research project in an area of contemporary literature and culture of your choosing. Our team offers close supervision and regular contact, as you work on a long essay exploring the writer or subject of your choice. In addition to our diverse expertise, Brunel’s teaching staff has a long tradition of supporting interdisciplinary and creative projects, and of supporting students to produce work of exceptionally high standard.

Assessment

The MA is taught through workshops and seminars, moderated by distinguished research-active staff working in the field. You will be expected to contribute to discussions, present your own interpretations and raise new questions for debate.

Careers

On completing the MA, you will have skills which are vital for careers in publishing, print and electronic media, the culture industries and education. If you wish to continue your studies at doctoral level, you will have essential research skills, and the opportunity to join a flourishing research culture at Brunel. Our staff have expertise in a wide range of contemporary literatures, and enrolment on the course ensures access to a variety of talks and events by writers, industry representatives, and scholars, as well as the activities organised by the Brunel Centre for Contemporary Writing and the Archive of the Now. Additionally, there are financial benefits offered to alumni of the Brunel MA programmes to help you on your way.

Fees for 2012/13 entry

Home/EU students: £5,060 full-time, £2,530 part-time

International students: £12,650 full-time, £6,325 part-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements for 2012 Entry

You should have a good honours degree or relevant professional experience. The Programme Convenor will consider all applications including those from international students and individuals with extensive relevant experience.

English Language Requirements

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.