MA English Literature: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Colleges, Jobs

Master of Arts in English Literature is a 2-year postgraduate program focused on providing students with skills in literary analysis, critical thinking, research methodologies, and academic writing. The intensive coursework and independent research train the students to become professionals in academia, publishing, media, creative writing, and other related professions, thereby leaving them thoroughly equipped to take up professional practice in the literary and cultural industries.

MA English Literature eligibility criteria are that the student must have completed their undergraduate education (Bachelor’s Degree) with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognized college, preferably with English as a core subject. Admission to this course is generally based on the merit of the candidate, though some universities also require entrance exams such as CUET PG, CPGET, DUET, JNUEE, JMI, REVA CET entrance exams, or university-specific tests.

Some of the best MA English Literature colleges are Jadavpur University, Usha Martin University, Jain University, Shiv Nadar University, Ashoka University, Jaipur National University, REVA University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Graduates of the Master of Arts in English Literature can obtain positions in industries like education, publishing, media, corporate communications, and content development. Some of the job profiles candidates can pursue are English Lecturer, Content Writer, Editor, Copywriter, Communications Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Technical Writer, Translator, Research Analyst, and Digital Marketer. The average salary candidates can earn after pursuing a Master of Arts in English Literature is between INR 5-7 LPA.

MA English Literature Key Highlights

The basic key highlights for the Master of Arts English Literature course in India is listed below:

What is MA English Literature?

MA English is a postgraduate course that provides advanced study of English literary texts, critical theories, and cultures. The program aims to provide the study of poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction from different times and originating in different regions, encouraging aesthetic experience and critical thinking.

During a Master of Arts English Literature degree, the students will gain knowledge in literary criticism, research methods, world literature, literary comparisons, postcolonial studies, and contemporary literary theory, among others.

Graduates acquire some of the most valuable skills, such as advanced analytical and interpretative skills, coherent written and oral communication, research skills, and critical thinking. A master of Arts in English literature is one of the best degrees to its graduates as it provides them with the ability to work on their own or in teams in academia, publishing, media, content production, and corporate communications, where analytical and linguistic prowess is a vital requirement.

Why study MA English Literature?

A Master of Arts in English Literature provides a graduate with a profound, critical knowledge of literary texts of various time periods, genres, and world cultures, as well as trains students to think critically, develop research skills, and hone their communication expertise. The program will aim to better understand the role of literature in the construction of society, identity and ideology and will equip its graduates to respond to texts as not only readers but as scholars, writers and cultural critics.

• The program of studies includes superior courses in literary theory, poetics, post-colonial and feminist approaches, comparative literature, translating and narrative method.
• The students also get practical experience on textual analysis, scholarly writing, research in archives and imaginative interpretation- giving them the capacity to express themselves with clarity and brilliance, even on complicated matters.
• Alumni of this program become editors, content strategists, teachers, literary critics, publishing professionals or enter doctoral programs.
• The Creativity, interpretation, and finer thinking which are the main points of the program, enable the students to explore various options like journalism, media and communications, advertising, public policy, and cultural management.
• Most importantly, this intellectual and emotional maturity, this emotional intelligence developed in the course of this academic adventure proves to be invaluable not only to academic and professional achievements but to contributing to society through the prism of language, storytelling, and the human experience.

Who should study MA English Literature?

Master of Arts in English Literature is a great course to do if you have a passion and enthusiasm in language, culture and the arts; and if you like critical thinking, analysis and creativity. It draws the students who love to read and discuss the literature of various time periods and places, to learn about the human experiences through narratives, and to get acquainted with the wide array of social, historical, and philosophical thoughts and opinions.

• That programme would be ideal not only to people with an academic background in English or humanities but also to people with a diverse academic background and who want to develop their communicative, research and interpretative skills.
• It is useful to anyone considering a profession in education, writing, publishing, media, cultural management, corporate communications, or other professions where sharp analytical and language skills are prized.
• In addition, a Master of Arts in English Literature is also attractive to lifelong learners who value the intellectual challenge and like to argue about ideas, as well as develop a subtle sense of texts and contexts.
• It perfectly suits creative minds, problem-solving oriented people and those who want to enlarge their perception of the world based on literature and critical thinking.

MA English Literature Eligibility Criteria

The applicants in the study of Master of Arts English Literature course must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• The candidates must have completed undergraduate education like BA English or any other bachelor's degree with an aggregate of 50% marks from a recognized university, preferably with English as a core subject. However, it is not essential, as some of the institutions may also prefer candidates from other related studies.
• The candidates must have a good command of the English language. International students or those who are not native English speakers might be asked to provide proof of English language proficiency (by way of IELTS or TOEFL results).
• Some colleges or universities may require candidates to undertake entrance examinations that are specific to the college or the state and usually entail an evaluation of the knowledge of English literature and English language skills.
• Other institutions could conduct personal interviews as part of the selection procedure.
• Certain colleges might demand a statement of purpose or written work samples to determine the interest and aptitude of the candidate in literature.
• There is no specific age limit to admission, though the candidate should check with the specific institution.
• The candidates with a three-year diploma program are not usually eligible to be transferred directly into the second year of the MA program, since a completed bachelor's degree is specified.
• Applicants of any undergraduate stream are eligible to apply, provided they have passed the minimum academic eligibility.
• Some institutes will have a personal interview after the selection process.

MA English Literature Entrance Exams

The candidates are required to qualify in entrance exams for some universities. Some of the major entrance exams to pursue a Master of Arts in English Literature in India are given below:

MA English Literature Colleges in India

Mentioned below are some of the best Master of Arts in English Literature colleges in India. Let’s dive into them:

MA English Literature Admission Process 2025

The process of admission to the Master of Arts in English Literature is very similar in all the colleges. As an example, an elaborate admissions procedure for the MA English Literature at REVA University is provided below:

Step-1: The candidates must fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements i.e., an undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s Degree) with 50% aggregate marks, ideally with English as a main subject.

Step-2: Then go to the official site of REVA University and select the option to apply now. Consider the Master of Arts in English Literature program, enter your email and mobile number, and create a password.

Step-3: After that enter personal, academic and contact information correctly. Post necessary documents in the form of academic transcripts, ID proof and a recent passport-size photograph.

Step-4: In the next step, applicants need to pay the non-refundable application fee (usually INR 1,000) using the online payment gateway on the portal.

Step-5: Then, take the REVA Common Entrance Test (REVA CET) which is a mandatory test to be taken in all PG admissions. Study as per the exam pattern and syllabus given for Master of Arts English Literature.

Step-6: Then wait to be shortlisted by your score in the entrance exam. If you are short listed, the admissions counselor will get in touch with you regarding another round of counseling or interviews.

Step-7: If you are chosen, you will get an official offer letter through email. Check the offer of admission and comply with the steps indicated therein to accept it.

Step-8: In the final step, pay the first semester school fee and hand in any other outstanding documentation to secure your place. Participate in the orientation program of the university to start your academic quest at REVA University.

MA English Literature Syllabus

The curriculum of the Master of Arts English Literature is divided into four semesters spanning a total of two years. The curriculum dives into the teachings of literary analysis, critical thinking, research methodologies, academic writing, etc. For reference, given below is the Master of Arts in English Literature syllabus followed at REVA University:

MA English Literature VS MA English

Mentioned below is the comparison between MA English Literature and MA English:

MA English Literature Job Opportunities in India

Graduates of the Master of Arts in English Literature have the opportunity to work in very diverse fields such as academia, publishing, journalism, media, advertising, corporate communications, government institutions,etc. Below mentioned are some of the high occupation jobs, top recruiting firms and the average salary range:

MA English Literature FAQs