Master of Arts in English Literature is a 2-year post graduate program, focused on equipping students with skills in literary analysis, critical thinking, research methodologies, and academic writing. The intensive course work and independent research trains the students to become professionals in academia, publishing, media, creative writing, and other related professions, thereby leaving them thoroughly equipped to take up professional practice in the literary and cultural industries.
The Master of Arts in English Literature eligibility criteria is that the student must have completed their undergraduate education (Bachelor’s Degree) with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognized college, preferably with English as a core subject. Admission to this course is generally based on the merit of the candidate, though some universities also require entrance exams such as CUET PG, CPGET, DUET, JNUEE, JMI, REVA CET entrance exams, or university-specific tests.
The Master of Arts in English Literature fees range between INR. Some of the best Master of Arts in English Literature colleges are Jadavpur University, Usha Martin University, Jain University, Shiv Nadar University, Ashoka University, Jaipur National University, REVA University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Graduates of Master of Arts in English Literature can obtain positions in industries like education, publishing, media, corporate communications, and content development. Some of the job profiles candidates can pursue are English Lecturer, Content Writer, Editor, Copywriter, Communications Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Technical Writer, Translator, Research Analyst, and Digital Marketer. The average salary candidates can earn after pursuing Master of Arts in English Literature is between INR 5,00,000-7,00,000 LPA.
Table of Contents
- MA English Literature Key Highlights
- What is MA English Literature?
- Why study MA English Literature?
- Who should study MA English Literature?
- MA English Literature Eligibility Criteria
- MA English Literature Entrance Exams
- MA English Literature Colleges in India
- MA English Literature Admission Process 2025
- MA English Literature Syllabus
- MA English Literature Job Opportunities in India
- MA English Literature FAQs
MA English Literature Key Highlights
The basic key highlights for the MA English Literature course in India is listed below:
What is MA English Literature?
MA English Literature, which can be clarified as Master of Arts in English Literature, is a postgraduate qualification that provides advanced study of English literary texts, critical theories, and cultures. The programme aims to the study of poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction of different times and originating in different regions, encouraging aesthetic experience and critical thinking. Master of Arts in English Literature as a subject will teach you to read between the lines and make sense of difficult texts, learn about literary movements and interact with different points of view, teaching you to think critically and express yourself clearly.
During a Master of Arts in English Literature degree program, the students will attend courses in literary criticism, research methods, world literature, literary comparisons, postcolonial studies, contemporary literary theory among others.
Graduates acquire some of the most valuable skills, such as advanced analytical and interpretative skills, coherent written and oral communication, research skills, and critical thinking. A master of arts in English literature is one of the best degrees to its graduates as it equips them with the ability to work on their own or in teams in academia, publishing, media, content production and corporate communications where analytical and linguistic prowess is a vital requirement.
Why study MA English Literature?
A Master of Arts in English Literature provides a graduate with a profound, critical knowledge of literary texts of various time periods, genres, and world cultures, as well as trains students to think critically, develop research skills, and hone their communication expertise. The program will aim to better understand the role of literature in the construction of society, identity and ideology and will equip its graduates to respond to texts as not only readers but as scholars, writers and cultural critics.
- The program of studies includes superior courses in literary theory, poetics, post-colonial and feminist approaches, comparative literature, translating and narrative method.
- The students also get practical experience on textual analysis, scholarly writing, research in archives and imaginative interpretation- giving them the capacity to express themselves with clarity and brilliance, even on complicated matters.
- Alumni of this program become editors, content strategists, teachers, literary critics, publishing professionals or enter doctoral programs.
- The Creativity, interpretation, and finer thinking which are the main points of the program, enable the students to explore various options like journalism, media and communications, advertising, public policy, and cultural management.
- Most importantly, this intellectual and emotional maturity, this emotional intelligence developed in the course of this academic adventure proves to be invaluable not only to academic and professional achievements but to contributing to society through the prism of language, storytelling, and the human experience.
Who should study MA English Literature?
Master of Arts in English Literature is a great course to do if you have a passion and enthusiasm in language, culture and the arts; and if you like critical thinking, analysis and creativity. It draws the students who love to read and discuss the literature of various time periods and places, to learn about the human experiences through narratives, and to get acquainted with the wide array of social, historical, and philosophical thoughts and opinions.
- That programme would be ideal not only to people with an academic background in English or humanities but also to people with a diverse academic background and who want to develop their communicative, research and interpretative skills.
- It is useful to anyone considering a profession in education, writing, publishing, media, cultural management, corporate communications, or other professions where sharp analytical and language skills are prized.
- In addition, a Master of Arts in English Literature is also attractive to lifelong learners who value the intellectual challenge and like to argue about ideas, as well as develop a subtle sense of texts and contexts.
- It perfectly suits creative minds, problem-solving oriented people and those who want to enlarge their perception of the world based on literature and critical thinking.
MA English Literature Eligibility Criteria
The applicants in the study of Master of Arts in English Literature course must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The candidates must have completed undergraduate education (Bachelor’s Degree) with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognized university, preferably with English as a core subject. However, it is not essential as some of the institutions may also prefer candidates from other related studies.
- The candidates must have a good command of the English language. International students or those who are not native English speakers might be asked to provide proof of English language proficiency (by way of IELTS or TOEFL results).
- Some colleges or universities may require candidates to undertake entrance examinations which are specific to the college or the state and usually entail an evaluation of the knowledge of English literature and English language skills.
- Other institutions could conduct personal interviews as the type of the selection procedure.
- Certain colleges might demand a statement of purpose or written work samples to determine the interest and aptitude of the candidate in literature.
- There is no specific age limit to admission, though, the candidate should check with the specific institution.
- The candidates with a three year diploma program are not usually eligible to be transferred directly into the second year of the MA program, since a completed bachelor degree is specified.
- Applicants of any undergraduate stream are eligible to apply provided they have passed the minimum academic eligibility.
- Some institutes will have a personal interview after the selection process.
MA English Literature Entrance Exams
The candidates are required to qualify in entrance exams for some universities. Some of the major entrance exams to pursue Master of Arts in English Literature in India are given below:
MA English Literature Colleges in India
Mentioned below are some of the best Master of Arts in English Literature colleges in India. Let’s dive into them:
MA English Literature Admission Process 2025
The process of admission in Master of Arts in English Literature is very similar in all the colleges. As an example, an elaborate admissions procedure of MA English Literature at REVA University is provided below:
Step-1: The candidates must fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements i.e., an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s Degree) with 50 percent aggregate marks, ideally with English as a main subject.
Step-2: Then go to the official site of REVA University and select the option to apply now. Consider the Master of Arts in English Literature program, enter your email and mobile number, and create a password.
Step-3: After that enter personal, academic and contact information correctly. Post necessary documents in the form of academic transcripts, ID proof and a recent passport-size photograph.
Step-4: In the next step, applicants need to pay the non-refundable application fee (usually INR 1,000) using the online payment gateway on the portal.
Step-5: Then take the REVA Common Entrance Test (REVA CET) which is a mandatory test to be taken in all PG admissions. Study as per the exam pattern and syllabus given for MA English Literature.
Step-6: Then wait to be shortlisted by your score in the entrance exam. If you are short listed, the admissions counselor will get in touch with you regarding another round of counseling or interviews.
Step-7: If you are chosen, you will get an official offer letter through email. Check the offer of admission and comply with the steps indicated therein to accept it.
Step-8: In the final step, pay the first semester school fee and hand in any other outstanding documentation to secure your place. Participate in the orientation program of the university to start your academic quest at REVA University.
MA English Literature Syllabus
The curriculum of the Master of Arts in English Literature is divided into four semesters spanning a total of two years. The curriculum dives into the teachings of literary analysis, critical thinking, research methodologies, academic writing, etc. For reference, given below is the Master of Arts in English Literature syllabus followed at REVA University:
MA English Literature Job Opportunities in India
Graduates of Master of Arts in English Literature have the opportunity of working in very diverse fields such as academia, publishing, journalism, media, advertising, corporate communications, government institutions,etc. Below mentioned are some of the high occupation jobs, top recruiting firms and the average salary range:
MA English Literature FAQs
Is the interdisciplinary or emerging specialization available in the MA English Literature program?
Indeed, the top programs, e.g., at Ashoka University, have interdisciplinary specializations like Digital Humanities, Medical Humanities, Literature-Art and Performance Studies, Language Teaching, and Applied Linguistics. The tracks blend literature with modern interdisciplinary areas and qualify students to enter either academic or industry-focused professions.
What sorts of real world exposure or practical experience will I get in the MA English Literature course?
Most MA English Literature courses currently also involve practical projects, internships, research, and presentation at international conferences. Students take part in team projects, creative research, and applied practices, which make them well-qualified in terms of the requirements of both academia and industry.
Does the curriculum of MA English Literature have a chance of creative writing or publishing experience?
Yes, there are a few universities which run creative writing workshops, translation workshops, and publishing seminars as a part of their MA English Literature program. Students are able to compose original prose, poetry as well as translate works and have an experience in the publishing profession.
What is the competitiveness of getting into competitive MA English Literature programs?
The process of admission to top colleges such as Jadavpur University is extremely competitive as there are only a few seats available. They are selected on the basis of national level entrance tests, academic merit and interviews. International candidates can also be required to have valid GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores.
Are MA English Literature courses research and higher study compatible?
Absolutely. The program of study aims at the acquisition of research skills, and quite emphasis is put on the independent projects and dissertation. A large proportion of the graduates continue to pursue their PhDs or careers in research, where they enjoy the guidance and the use of top-notch academic facilities.
As a student of MA English Literature can I engage in international collaborations or conferences?
Yes, there are multiple programs that promote attending international conferences and cooperation, which gives students international experience and a chance to interact with the rest of the academic world.
Are there any available financial assistance options in MA English Literature course?
Yes, there are few institutions, which provide fellowships in the 2nd year to help students in their academic activities and boost their educational life.
In which ways are students of the MA English Literature program prepared for contemporary careers?
The program provides the students with critical thinking, analytical, communication skills, and training in the rising fields, such as AI, language technology, and digital media. Graduates are fit in various careers in education, publishing, research, media, advertising, public relations, policy, and international communications.
