Program Overview
The Contemporary Literature at York St. John University is a MA programme in Humanities over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of humanities. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Contemporary Literature programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6
- Tuition: GBP 3,500 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: York, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Contemporary Literature programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- explore responses to the literature of our time
- engage with a range of current critical approaches
- Critical perspectives on Contemporary Literature - A foundational module which provides opportunities for critical reflection upon recent developments in literary, and fosters research and writing skills. Engage with a range of theoretical debates in contemporary literary study.
- British Literature: The State of the Art - Investigates current trends in British fiction, poetry and drama. You will read a range of new and established writers and assess the dominant issues in contemporary British literary culture.
- Contemporary American Writing - Reading American writing and culture from Vietnam to Virtual Reality. Debates the impact and importance of American writing in the late 20th century and the present day.
- Post-Colonial Literatures - Considers the diversity of new writings in English and theories of the post-colonial condition. Read recent writing in English from the Caribbean, Africa, India, Canada or Australasia and consider the historical, cultural and political issues that arise from post-colonial texts.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
Entry requirements vary from course to course so you need to check the individual course pages on our website for full details.
All programmes require you to hold an English language qualification. This is usually GCSE at Grade C (or above) or an equivalent accepted by York St John University. If you hold a GCSE equivalent qualification, please check with Admission that it is accepted before applying.
For international applicants, an IELTS qualification or another York St John University accepted English Language qualification is required. The IELTS grade requirement for each course is listed on the individual course page.
For some programmes, particular relevant previous experience is a prerequisite for an application to be successful. In some instances you may need to be working in a particular environment or have access to a specified client group.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 3,500 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 3,500 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact York St. John University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About York St. John University
York St. John University
York, United Kingdom
York St John University is a modern, student-focused institution located in the historic city of York, United Kingdom. With origins dating back to 1841, the university has evolved into a vibrant...
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 12 months