Postgraduate study in English

What can you study in English?

Postgraduate study in English allows you to pursue your interests through coursework, extend your methodological skills, and pursue specialised research projects in literary studies, drama and theatre studies, cultural and critical theory, critical or creative writing. You can explore the intersections between literature and art, critical and creative practices.

Study and research opportunities in English reflect our established research strengths:

  • Medieval and early modern literature
  • Shakespeare
  • Nineteenth-century literature
  • New Zealand and post-colonial studies
  • Irish literature
  • Modern poetry
  • Drama
  • Women's writing
  • Narrative theory

We are also developing research excellence and extending study opportunities in:

  • Literary and cultural theory
  • Māori and Pacific literature
  • Indigenous studies
  • Evolution and literature
  • Children's literature
  • Popular fiction
  • Psychoanalysis and literature
  • Creative writing

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English

A BA or Bachelor of Global Studies with a major in English, or a BA or Bachelor of Global Studies with a major in Writing Studies as approved by the Head of English. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 45 points above Stage II in the major.

The following subjects may also be considered for entry: American Studies, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, Drama, Irish Studies, Writing Studies.

Master of Arts in English

120-point (one-year) MA

A BA(Hons) or PGDipArts in English with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher. The research masters has higher requirements.

The following subjects may also be considered for entry: American Studies, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, Drama, Irish Studies, Writing Studies.

180-point (18-month) MA

A BA with a major in English or Writing Studies. You must have a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 75 points above Stage II including at least 45 points in the major.

The following subjects may also be considered for entry: American Studies, Comparative Literature, Creative Writing, Drama, Irish Studies.

Structuring your specialisation in English

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English

Consult the BA(Hons) schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.

2024 BA(Hons) schedule for English

Master of Arts in English

Consult the MA schedule for how to structure your study and for the courses you may take.

2024 MA schedule for English

Courses

Explore the courses you can take as part of a specialisation in English:

Postgraduate courses

Scholarships and awards

Help and advice

Our friendly staff will provide you with advice on planning your degree and enrolling in your courses at Student Hubs.

If you would like to find out more about studying English, you can contact a Postgraduate Adviser.

Watch our Postgraduate Adviser’s video.