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

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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 AlsoSpoken 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. 

Master of Arts [MA] (English Literature) : 19 answered questions

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Ques. What is the last date of admission to MA English (distance mode) at IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Aiysha on 28 May 24

Ans. The last admission date in IGNOU for an MA in English via distance mode is  30th June 2024.  The application process for admission to IGNOU for an MA in English started on 15 May 2024. Students who are willing to seek admission for the programme must visit  @ignouiop.samarth.edu.in .  The eligibility criteria for admission to MA in English is a bachelor’s degree in English with a min of 50% marks from any recognized university. Candidates need to pay INR 300 as registration fee. The fee structure of the full program is INR 14,600.Read more
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Ques. Can we complete our MA in English in IIT Delhi or any other IITs? If yes, what is the admission procedure?

● Top Answer By Akriti Banerjee on 10 Apr 23

Ans. 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.Read more
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Ques. How do I prepare for the MA in English program at Delhi University entrance exam?

● Top Answer By Ritu on 09 Nov 22

Ans. It’s not too late to prepare for the entrance exam MA in English program at Delhi University even in the 3 years of your bachelor's. Just be regular at it and keep some important points in mind.   Be well versed in your BA course- Read your text thoroughly and in various aspects. Read diverse critical essays on each text to attain a multiplicity of perspectives. In case you are graduating from a different subject, refer to the BA(Hons.) DU syllabus.   Read History of English literature- Knowing the roots is a basic step. To get an idea of the basic chronology and ages refer to these books: A short history of English literature by Sir Ifor Evans. A brief history of English literature by Peck & Coyle.   Indian Literature in English- To get enough knowledge of the same refers to these books: A concise history of Indian literature in English by Arvind Mehrotra. Indian writing in English (4th edition) by K.R. Srinivasa.   Gain enough knowledge of literary theory & criticism- For this read: Beginning theory by Peter Barry Literary theory by Terry Eagleton   Update yourself with award-winning authors- This is not difficult if you read beyond your syllabus. Some of the awards to keep track of are: The Nobel prize The booker prize Sahitya Akademi Award Gyaanpith (for Indian regional literature translated into English) Pulitzer Prize Apart from these strategies, I suggest becoming an avid reader and reading beyond your syllabus, and also practicing writing book reviews. All this will help you make a way for the DU English Literature program.Read more
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Ques. How do I write a good answer in the exam of a Master of Arts English MEG at IGNOU and other universities?

● Top Answer By Anu Mehta on 03 Nov 22

Ans. 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.Read more
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Ques. What are passing marks in the IGNOU MEG?

● Top Answer By Sunil on 02 Nov 22

Ans. 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.Read more
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Ques. What percentage is needed for an MA in English at Calicut University?

● Top Answer By Surya Kumar on 29 Oct 22

Ans. A minimum of 55% in your UG degree is required to get admission to Calicut University MA English. There is an entrance exam where 50% of your score in the Entrance Exam and 50% of your score in your UG are weighted in determining your rank-list position. Admission is based on an Entrance Test and Marks for the BA degree, as opposed to other colleges where admission is based solely on your BA score. It will give you a better chance if you work hard enough on the text. It is strongly advised that you pursue your MA at Calicut University's English Department. The faculty is excellent and approachable, and there is some leniency in your optional papers.Read more
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Ques. What is the syllabus of the entrance exam for an MA in English at Calicut University?

● Top Answer By Amrita Deshpandey on 29 Oct 22

Ans. Breaking down the MA English entrance exam pattern at Calicut University into different parts: 1. Questions with Multiple Choice Answers. There will be four options from which to choose. The questions will be of the same caliber as those found in UGC-NET examinations. 2. One-word answers, again of the UGC-NET type. 3. Short answers based on the BA syllabus 4. Essays based on the BA Syllabus, as well as General English Criticism and Theory. Beginning Theory by Peter Barry is a good place to start. MCQs and one-word answers are extremely important because each question is worth one mark, and if you prepare well, you can easily gain a significant advantage from them. You must be familiar with the BA English course syllabus to get away with the questions asked in the entrance exam. Read more
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Ques. How good is an MA in English from IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Amal Nair on 28 Oct 22

Ans. We have listed below some significant reasons why you should pursue MA in English from IGNOU: The study material for this course is very short and simple The content is designed to facilitate self-study Affordable Fees (INR 14,000) for the entire course including books It is a reputed university with nationwide recognition  IGNOU’s degrees are valid across India and are recognized by UGC. MA in IGNOU will enable you to multitask alongside the course in 2 years You are free to not attend any kind of classes MA English from IGNOU is a very easy course and is valid for all other courses like PhD NET and BEd.Read more
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Ques. How can I score well in IGNOU, M.A. English course?

● Top Answer By Mahesh Desai on 21 Oct 22

Ans. When it comes to study material, IGNOU definitely provides the best. The course is lucid, well-written, and informative and contains a summary of all important details. The quality of the study material makes it possible for you to solely rely on it and give exams.  But if you are aiming for some brownie points, then there is an additional tip for you. Download MA English question papers of the past 5 years. Going through these papers will instil in you a confidence and general picture of the paper. You will also discover the important questions that are repeated almost every year and can focus more on those questions. Basically, this method will enable you to approach your exam a bit more confidently and well-prepared.Read more
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Ques. What are some good books for the MEG course(MA in English) of IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Varun Kumar on 20 Oct 22

Ans. The study materials provided by IGNOU are more than enough. They are very helpful as they are loaded with more quality information than other books. Buying extra books will be just an additional unnecessary expense that you can easily cut down on. Nowadays English Literature students should turn to online study guides. They are the best options. Some famous sites are listed below: Sparknotes Cliffsnotes Jiffynotes These sites will give students a better understanding of school subjects. Apart from this, there are certain points you need to keep in point for the best results: Read a lot. Make extensive notes. Ask doubts. Do extra research  Prove and validate your point clearly. These points combined with the study material will yield good benefits.Read more
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