Qassim University

What you'll study

The MA in English Literature combines advanced coursework with independent research. Students engage with major periods and genres of English-language literature, critical and theoretical approaches, and practical skills for scholarly writing and analysis.

Core themes and modules

• Literary Theory and Criticism: Contemporary and historical theoretical frameworks, close reading practices and methods of interpretation.
• British and American Literary Traditions: Intensive study of canonical and modern texts from the Renaissance to the present, including close study of major poets, novelists and dramatists.
• Modern and Contemporary Literature: 20th- and 21st-century fiction, poetry and drama, including modernist and postmodernist movements.
• Postcolonial and Comparative Literature: Postcolonial theory, literature in English from former colonies, and comparative approaches linking English literature with Arabic and world literatures.
• Research Methods in Literary Studies: Qualitative research techniques, bibliographic skills, academic writing and the preparation of a dissertation.
• Specialist electives: Options may include gender studies, cultural studies, translation studies, creative writing, rhetoric and discourse analysis.
• Dissertation / Major Research Project: An extended piece of supervised research that develops original argumentation and contributes to a chosen field of study.

Programme delivery typically combines seminars, lectures, research supervision and student presentations. Assessment is by essays, seminar participation, examinations for some modules and the final dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in English, English language and literature, translation, or a closely related humanities discipline from a recognised institution, with a performance that meets the faculty’s postgraduate standard. Candidates with other degrees plus relevant professional experience or preparatory coursework may be considered.

Other typical application requirements include:

• Academic transcript: Official record of undergraduate study.
• Statement of purpose: A short research statement or explanation of study goals.
• Letters of recommendation: Academic or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s suitability for postgraduate study.
• Evidence of English proficiency: Where applicable, an international English test score or internal assessment if the undergraduate degree was not taught in English.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview or to submit a writing sample.

Specific departmental requirements and procedures are available from the Qassim University Faculty of Arts and Humanities admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in English Literature pursue a range of careers that value advanced analytical, research and communication skills. Common career paths include:

• Academic and research careers: Progression to doctoral study and roles in university teaching and research.
• Teaching and education: Secondary and tertiary English teaching, curriculum development and educational management (additional teacher-training certification may be required for school teaching).
• Publishing and editing: Editorial roles, content development, literary commissioning and proofreading.
• Translation and language services: Literary or specialised translation, localisation and interpreting careers.
• Media, journalism and communications: Writing, copy-editing, content strategy and cultural commentary.
• Government, NGOs and cultural institutions: Research, policy advice, cultural programming and heritage interpretation.

The programme’s emphasis on critical thinking, research and written communication makes graduates competitive in diverse professional sectors.

Why study at Qassim University

Qassim University is a major public university in Saudi Arabia with established faculties in the arts and humanities. The Department of English offers postgraduate supervision from academic staff whose research spans English literature, translation studies and comparative cultural studies.

Key advantages for MA students include access to the university library and electronic resources, opportunities to participate in departmental seminars and conferences, and a campus environment that supports postgraduate research. The programme’s location and academic partnerships also enable scholars to pursue comparative work linking English-language literary studies with Arabic literature and regional cultural contexts.

Students benefit from dedicated research supervision, structured coursework that prepares them for further study, and a community of postgraduate peers in related disciplines.