MA English Language and Literature is a two-year, full-time post-graduate program separated into four semesters. MA English Language Literature course offers students the option to pursue further study in modern Literary Studies and Applied Linguistics.
Candidates having Bachelor’s degree in English with a minimum score of 50% are eligible to apply for the course. Some popular MA English Language and Literature entrance exams include CUET PG, JMI Entrance Exam, AP PGECET, and CPGET.
Popular colleges that offer MA English Language and Literature degree include Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Amity University, Loyola College, and Mithibai College of Arts. The average MA English Language and Literature fee ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 2,00,000.
Students who have earned MA English Language Literature typically seek careers in academia, journalism, media, advertising, and other professions. Some prominent MA in English Language and Literature job occupations include writer, journalist, editor, content manager, and professor. The average pay for an MA English Language and Literature degree in India, paid to successful graduates, ranges between INR 2-20 LPA, depending on the candidate's skill in the subject.
Table of Contents
- MA English Language and Literature Highlights
- What is MA English Language and Literature?
- Why Study MA English Language and Literature?
- Who Should Study MA English Language and Literature?
- MA English Language and Literature Eligibility Criteria
- MA English Language and Literature Entrance Exams 2025
- MA English Language and Literature Colleges in India
- MA English Language and Literature Admission Process 2025
- MA English Language and Literature Syllabus
- MA English Language and Literature Job Opportunities in India
- MA English Language and Literature FAQs
MA English Language and Literature Highlights
Below are the key highlights of MA English Language and Literature course in India:
What is MA English Language and Literature?
MA English Language and Literature encompasses the various theoretical approaches that comprise the present intellectual lexicon of English Literature and Language Studies. The course raises candidates' awareness of language processes and their application in a variety of circumstances.
It is aimed to provide students with a thorough understanding of British literature. MA English Language and Literature program also includes courses in linguistics, contemporary literary theory, literary criticism, and post-independence Indian writing in English, as well as some research methodology for language and literature and contemporary fiction.
Why Study MA English Language and Literature?
MA English Language and Literature courses provide students with the theoretical and analytical training needed to pursue a doctoral degree or to develop professional skills relevant to working in relevant fields, including but not limited to teaching English editing and professional writing.
- Candidates with a BA in English Language and Literature have many attractive work prospects. They can work as editors, teachers, content writers, reporters, translators, and more.
- They can work as teachers or lecturers. Another option available to this English Literature graduate is to pursue a career in journalism. There are numerous industries that employ MA English Language and Literature graduates.
- There are several jobs available in various government departments as Interpreters, Decoders, and Translators. Many institutions and colleges look for students having MA English Language and Literature.
Who Should Study MA English Language and Literature?
Candidates who are interested in studying MA English Language and Literature program learn about a variety of works, as well as language and history. Candidates who have good associated abilities include an awareness of literary forms, the capacity to assess rhetorical and narrative structures, periods and movements, and an attention to language and style aspects in what they read and write.
Comprehension, critical analysis, oral and written argument and communication, and comparison, as well as research and presentation skills, are among the few skills that can be transferred to MA English Language and Literature candidates. The course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about literature, have an analytical mindset, and wish to deepen their understanding of the English language. It is a great fit for those who are interested in research, education, or creative industries.
MA English Language and Literature Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for pursuing MA English Language and Literature are as follows:
- Candidates should have graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English or relevant disciplines and at least 45-50% from a recognised university.
- Candidates may also be required to qualify in national-level entrance exams such as CUET PG or university-level entrance examinations such as DUET, IPU CET, JNUEE, GUPGET, and others.
Wanting to pursue M.A with only Literature as specialisation, click to know about M.A in English Literature
MA English Language and Literature Entrance Exams 2025
Reputable institutions use a merit-based admission process. Most institutes use a similar admission exam to pick deserving individuals. Some of the entrance exams for pursuing MA English Language and Literature are given below:
MA English Language and Literature Colleges in India
The following is a list of colleges offering MA English Language and Literature in India, along with their location and course fee:.
Wanting to focus on English as a whole, click to learn about M.A in English
MA English Language and Literature Admission Process 2025
The admission process for MA English Language and Literature is generally similar across colleges, involving eligibility criteria, merit or entrance exams, application submission, and document verification. While minor variations exist, most institutions follow this standard procedure.For reference, the admission process for the MA English Language and Literature programme at the University of Delhi is as follows:
Step 1: Visit the University of Delhi's official website and complete the required personal, academic, and contact information to register. Upload scanned copies of passport-sized photo, signature, and proof of identity. Pay the prescribed application cost online using the available payment methods.
Step 2: Take the Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET) as scheduled by the university. Prepare for the exam by reviewing the syllabus and general information on the topic.
Step 3: DUET results will be available online. To learn more about your performance, visit the official portal and review your scorecard and rank.
Step 4: Based on the DUET results, eligible candidates will be contacted for counselling. Delhi University will publish a merit list based on the entrance exam results.
Step 5: Seats will be allocated according to the candidate's rank and preferences. Once a seat is assigned, candidates must confirm it online. Pay the entry money to ensure your spot in the program.
Step 6: After confirming your seat, go to the specified college for physical document verification. Ensure that the necessary paperwork is prepared for submission.
Step 7: Following document verification, candidates must pay the remaining MA English Language and Literature admission fee as per the university's standards. Once the fee payment is confirmed, candidates are formally admitted to MA English Language and Literature program.
Required Documents:
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
- Undergraduate Degree Mark Sheet
- Transfer Certificate
- Character Certificate
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar card, Passport, etc.)
- Medical Certificate (if applicable)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
MA English Language and Literature Syllabus
MA English Language Literature course covers a wide range of topics, including American literature, English literature history, journalism, new literature, and functional writing.
The detailed MA English Language and Literature syllabus at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is given below:
Interested to know out higher study options after M.A English, click here Ph.D English Literature
MA English Language and Literature Job Opportunities in India
One of the primary benefits of pursuing MA English Language and Literature is the opportunity to work in a variety of industries. As one of the official languages, English graduates have a wide range of job options. The table below lists some of job profiles, along with their recruiters and average annual compensation.
MA English Language and Literature FAQs
What does the MA English Language and Literature cover?
MA English Language and Literature builds the skills of critical thinking, research, and writing. It imparts knowledge of works of literature, linguistic theories and cultural studies to the students. The graduates can work in the field of teaching, publishing, creating the content, or communication. It also prepares individuals to join the academic and creative world setting the foundation towards higher degrees like M.Phil or PhD.
What is the subject of study in the MA in English Language and Literature course?
A Master of Arts in English Language and Literature equips you with diverse job opportunities in teaching, publishing, content writing, editing, and public relations. Graduates may also engage in research or enhance their education. Graduates of MA English can find plenty of opportunities to succeed in creative, academic, and corporate fields as companies have a growing interest in communication, media, and digital content.
What is the MA English Language and Literature syllabus?
The MA English syllabus is typically split into four semesters. The earlier semesters deal with basic skills, including literary theory, history, and poetry, whereas the later semesters have specialist subjects like postcolonial literature, advanced literary theory, and creative writing. The students further engage in individual research during dissertation projects in their last semesters, which allows them to develop critical thinking and research skills.
Is it possible to do an MA in English Language and Literature without B.A English?
Yes, you can do an MA English without B.A. in English, but eligibility criteria may vary according to the respective university. Other colleges will accept graduates in other subjects but meet set minimum marks in those courses and have an interest in literature or language. Nonetheless, a literature background will enable you to better engage in the course.
