Within the general framework of the taught modules, however, students are also encouraged to develop their own research interests. In general terms, the MA aims to give students a sophisticated understanding of what it means to construct a literary history of the Victorian period. Students will therefore be introduced to some of the contested areas and issues in Victorian literary historiography, and they will be encouraged to examine some of the theoretical assumptions underlying different kinds of histories, as well to construct their own histories centred on their own research interests. They will also be encouraged, where appropriate, to make full use of the MS holdings of the University libraries. The MA consists of four taught modules of 30 credits each and a dissertation module of 60 credits.
Students write a dissertation on a subject chosen in consultation with the course convenor.
They may chose to extend a topic covered in the assessed work for any other module in Victorian studies with the proviso that they must not substantially repeat work that has already been assessed. Students will be assigned a tutor to supervise their dissertation which will normally be written up during the summer months from June to September.