Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme combines close reading of literary texts with study of critical theory, cultural context and research methods. Typical modules include Literary Theory and Criticism, Period Studies (such as Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, Modernist and Contemporary literatures), Genre Studies (poetry, drama, the novel), American and Transatlantic Literatures, and courses in world and postcolonial literatures.

• Research Methods and Bibliography – training in archival research, digital humanities tools, and scholarly writing conventions.
• Seminar in Critical Theory – engagement with key theoretical approaches from formalism through postcolonialism, gender and queer theory, and ecocriticism.
• Specialist Electives – topics change each year and may include film and literature, children’s literature, narrative theory, or gender and sexuality in literature.
• Thesis or Capstone Project – students typically complete an extended research thesis or a professional capstone (such as a critical edition, pedagogical portfolio or creative-critical project) under faculty supervision.

Courses are taught through a combination of seminars, workshops and one-to-one supervision for major research projects, with emphasis on close textual analysis, research skills and oral presentation. Part-time study options are often available to accommodate working students.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in English, literature, humanities or a closely related discipline. Typical requirements include a strong undergraduate transcript demonstrating aptitude for advanced literary study, a writing sample (for example, an academic essay), and academic or professional references.

Other considerations may include a personal statement that outlines your research interests or career goals, and relevant professional experience for applicants without a traditional literature background. International applicants will need to demonstrate proficiency in English according to the college's standard language requirements.

Career prospects

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

• Secondary and further education teaching (often combined with additional certification where required)
• Publishing and editorial roles in trade and academic publishing
• Content strategy, communications, public relations and copywriting
• Library and archival work, including digital curation
• Further academic research (PhD) and roles in cultural institutions such as museums and literary organisations

Students also often leverage internships, campus career services and faculty networks to transition into professional roles that make use of their critical and writing skills.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers a small-college learning environment with close faculty supervision and frequent seminar-style teaching, which benefits students seeking personalised mentorship for research and professional development. Its location within commuting distance of New York City provides access to a wide range of cultural institutions, publishing houses and internship opportunities without requiring students to relocate to a major urban campus.

The department typically emphasises practical skills—scholarly writing, digital research methods and public-facing communication—alongside traditional literary study, preparing graduates for both academic and non-academic careers. Support services such as writing centres, career advice and flexible course scheduling help students balance study with work and personal commitments.