M.Phil. English Literature is a 2-year postgraduate research degree focused on advanced study and original research in English language and literature. The program involves both coursework and a substantial thesis, covering topics such as literary criticism, theory, and socio-political issues in literature. It serves as an intermediate qualification between a master's and a PhD, developing students' research skills and preparing them for scholarly or academic careers.
In order to qualify, in M. Phil in English Literature, candidates are required to have a Master degree (M. A) in English (or related subjects) with 55% aggregate marks from a recognized university. The process of admission is usually through merit or through entrance examinations such as UGC-NET or through special M.Phil. entrance test organized by the respective universities. In the selection process some universities could need a research proposal, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and interview.
The fees for an M.Phil. English Literature course is averagely between INR 10,000 to INR 1,50,000, depending on whether the institute is a government-funded or private institute. Well-known colleges that provide this course are University of Delhi, Jadavpur University, University of Hyderabad, Banaras Hindu University, Savitribai Phule Pune University and EFLU Hyderabad. The fees of the government universities are also relatively lower as compared to the fees of the private or deemed universities.
Graduates of M.Phil. in English Literature have a chance to work in the academic sphere, publishing, media, research, and even civil services, or in the sphere of the development of content. The most common occupations in this field are Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Editor, Literary Critic, Researcher, Content Developer and Writer. Individuals who study the Ph.D. later can transfer to the post of senior research analyst or professorship in Universities. M.Phil. holders can earn between INR 4-6 LPA on an entry level and between INR 8-15 LPA at experienced levels.
Table of Contents
- M.Phil. English Literature Course Highlights
- What is M.Phil. English Literature?
- Why Study M.Phil. English Literature?
- Who Should Study M.Phil. English Literature?
- M.Phil. English Literature Eligibility Criteria
- M.Phil. English Literature Entrance Exams 2025
- M.Phil. English Literature Colleges in India
- M.Phil. English Literature Admission Process 2025
- M.Phil. English Literature Syllabus
- M.Phil. English Literature Job Opportunities in India
- M.Phil. English Literature FAQs
M.Phil. English Literature Course Highlights
Given below are the basic key highlights for the M.Phil. English Literature course:
What is M.Phil. English Literature?
M.Phil. English Literature is a one to two year postgraduate course research program with an analytical and profound study that provides research and critical studies and theories of the English literary writings. Such a course suits the student, who loves literature, as well as the student who has ambitions in future as a scholar, investigator or an observer of the literature.
This program requires the students to read closely and analyze the classical and current English literature works of arts in poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction. It focuses on usage of literary theory, comparative literature, and interdisciplinary approach. Academic writing, research design as well as dissertation development is being taught to learners who are also taken through the historical, cultural and philosophical aspects of literature.
Why Study M.Phil. English Literature?
English Literature does not merely consist of a bin of books, rather it is a deeper analysis of the human experience, culture, ideology and history in the context of the language. The M.Phil. In English Literature is an interesting and challenging programme of research that enables students to explore theory, criticism and research in the full depth of English Literature.
The following are some of the major reasons that as a career and academic decision, M.Phil. in English Literature is a worthwhile course of study:
- There is a rich immersion in theory and literary texts: The course will make available a wide range of theory and literary texts: From Shakespeare to postcolonial literature, it will enable students to consider how literature has been formed, and formed literature, in historical, social, and political ways through time and across cultures.
- It increases your research and critical thinking: The program is based on the concept of independent research, academic writing and thorough readings. You are not just reading literature, you are investigating it, criticising it, and developing arguments on the basis of theory and proof.
- You receive training at the forefront of literary theory and methodology: The curriculum has modules on literary criticism, comparative literature, and crossing boundaries between the disciplines, and you gain grounding in the methodology of literary research that prepares you well for doctoral study or research-intensive work.
Who Should Study M.Phil. English Literature?
Listed below are some of the key profiles of students for whom the M.Phil. in English Literature is an ideal academic pursuit. Let’s take a look:
- Students who have a strong scholarly interest in English literary studies, critical theory, and literary history and who seek a research-based investigation of literary texts.
- Students who have finished with M.A. in English, and want to narrow their studies further to a particular period, writer, genre or critical model, with a view to attain a doctorate or a scholarly career.
- Students who are good at analytical thinking, reading, and writing academically and have a liking to literary analysis, critical discussion, and shaping up of their own ideas through organized research.
- Individuals who want to pursue a professional career as teaching staff, higher education, research institute, publishing or editorial concerns, whose activity requires the knowledge of subject matter in the field of English literature.
M.Phil. English Literature Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for admission to the M.Phil. English Literature programs are outlined below. Please note that exact requirements may vary slightly across institutions.
- Candidates must have a master’s degree in English Literature or a related field from a recognized university.
- Minimum required marks are usually 50% to 55% in the postgraduate program.
- There is no age limit to apply.
- Admission is often based on entrance exams like UGC NET followed by a personal interview.
M.Phil. English Literature Entrance Exams 2025
Admission to M.Phil. English Literature is typically based on national-level or university-level entrance exams. The details of the national-level examination is given below:
M.Phil. English Literature Colleges in India
Provided below is a list of some of the top colleges/universities in India that offer the M.Phil. in English Literature. Students must meet the eligibility and entrance requirements to pursue the program from these institutions.
Click to know more about the highest level of degree in English- PhD in English Literature
M.Phil. English Literature Admission Process 2025
Admission to M.Phil. English Literature is generally the basis of nation-wide entrance tests such as UGC-NET, or university based test cum interview and presentation of research proposals. The following is the step wise admission procedure in University of Delhi (DU):
Step 1: The first step is that the candidate should complete the online application form at DU Admissions Portal. It is necessary to enter some basic information, academic degrees, and subject areas as well.
Step 2: Pass the entrance exam to be conducted by the university or UGC-NET(in case of it). The research aptitude, knowledge of the subject English Literature, and the use of comprehension are tested by this exam.
Step 3: In case of short listing, a personal interview will be called upon. A short research proposal on the proposed studies and justification on why you think the topic is interesting to research upon in front of a panel shall be needed of you.
Step 4: The selective process will be done on the aggregate performance in the entrance examination, interview and research project evaluation. The university will announce the merit list at the official site.
Step 5: After admission you are to pay an admission fee with a view to securing your place in the M.Phil program. It will receive an official confirmation via an email on the date of orientation and commencement.
Required Documents:
- Postgraduate (M.A. English) and Undergraduate (B.A.) mark sheets
- Transfer Certificate (TC)
- Conduct/Character Certificate
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, etc.)
- Caste/Category/EWS Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized recent photographs
- Migration Certificate (for students from other universities)
M.Phil. English Literature Syllabus
The English Literature M.Phil. course aims at growing advanced research, analytical, and literary criticism skills. The syllabus is based on the general pattern followed by University of Delhi, and typically spans 2 semesters over 1–2 years, depending on university-specific regulations.
Click here to know about M.Phil. English, a broader specialization in English
M.Phil. English Literature Job Opportunities in India
Upon attaining the degree M.Phil. In English Literature, the students get exposed to diverse opportunities in terms of their academic, research, and communication careers. Some of the most popular job profiles, employment recruiters, experience and the average salaries in India are explained below:
M.Phil. English Literature FAQs
Is M.Phil in English Literature helpful in the preparation of an academic career or civil services?
Indeed, M.Phil. English Literature is very helpful to students who want to have careers in academics like teaching and researching or in the civil services wherein students becoming civil services aspirants opt English Literature as optional subject in UPSC Mains. The program creates an edge in critical ability, research methodological, and high-end writing skills, which are very essential during examinations and interviews. It applies best in government cultural departments careers, diplomacy, and literary administration careers as well.
Is M.Phil. Is English Literature interdisciplinary or is a foreign language?
In several M.Phil. Program interdisciplinary learning is promoted through introductions to either cultural studies, postcolonial theory, gender studies, or comparative literature. The study of foreign languages (such as French, German or Latin) can be provided to facilitate textual studies and enhance research potential. This multidisciplinary exposure brings improvement in the fields of versatility and employment in various fields.
After M.Phil. English Literature, what are the possible options of higher education/career progression?
The graduates may pursue a Ph.D. in English or related major where the student may choose Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies or Translation Studies. Even others would take up professional courses in Publishing, Creative Writing or mass communication. M.Phil. degree position holders also fit excellently in research institutions, academic administration, content strategy or consulting literary line of duties.
What is the role of the course in acquisition of digital competencies and modern media writing skills?
M.Phil programs usually include courses about digital humanities, production of content to online media, critical blogging and scriptwriting digital media. The integration will make students ready to conform the established literary abilities to new digital platforms, making the students understand the new medium of digital publications, better prepared to take jobs in the digital content industry.
Can candidates with non-Arts background do M.Phil. in English Literature?
The applicants having a Master Degree of English Literature/ related events are normally suitable to apply to M Phil. Other universities might be willing to accept the application of interdisciplinary candidates as long as they possess sufficient knowledge in English literature and knowledge of research methodology. The suitability of the candidate can be checked through entrance tests or interviews. Students who come outside the stream of Arts in science might require strengthening literary basis prior to admission.
