About the course
MA in English is a postgraduate course that delves deeply into the study of literature, language, and cultural analysis. The program typically spans two years and offers students an opportunity to explore various literary periods, authors, genres, and schools of thought, including classical, modern, and postmodern literature. It focuses on enhancing critical thinking, literary analysis, and research skills while also fostering an understanding of language dynamics, social issues, and the power of literature in shaping cultures. MA in English also incorporates subjects like creative writing, linguistics, literary criticism, and the history of English literature, giving students a comprehensive foundation for a variety of career paths.
Graduates of MA in English often pursue careers in teaching, content writing, publishing, and media, or roles in public relations, advertising, and corporate communications. The course also provides a platform for further academic research, making it an ideal choice for students interested in pursuing MPhil or PhD in English. Additionally, the skills gained during the program—such as analytical thinking, effective communication, and writing proficiency—are highly valued across multiple industries, including journalism, marketing, and social media management.
Eligibility
- Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in English or a related field from a recognized university.
- A minimum aggregate of 50% to 60% in the qualifying examination (varies by institution).
- Some universities may conduct an entrance exam or interview for admission to the program.
Why to study MA in English
- Provides an in-depth understanding of English literature and language.
- Enhances writing, critical thinking, and research skills.
- Opens up career opportunities in teaching, publishing, media, and corporate communication.
- Helps develop skills in analysis and interpretation, useful for a wide range of professions.
- Provides a foundation for further studies in literature, linguistics, and creative writing.
- Promotes cultural awareness and appreciation of global literary traditions.
Scope of MA in English
- Opportunities in teaching, both at school and university levels.
- Career prospects in publishing, editing, content writing, and journalism.
- Roles in communication, public relations, and corporate writing.
- Potential to work as a translator, interpreter, or language consultant.
- Scope for those interested in academic research, literary criticism, and creative writing.
- Graduates can also pursue opportunities in media, advertising, and digital marketing.
Top 10 colleges in India
| RANK | NAME OF THE COLLEGE | AVG PACKAGE | NO OF SEATS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Delhi, Delhi | ₹6 LPA | 60 |
| 2 | Jawaharlal Nehru University [JNU], Delhi | ₹8 LPA | 60 |
| 3 | Calcutta University [CU], Kolkata | ₹5 LPA | 60 |
| 4 | Hindu College, New Delhi | ₹7 LPA | 40 |
| 5 | Presidency College, Chennai | ₹6 LPA | 60 |
| 6 | Miranda House, New Delhi | ₹7 LPA | 40 |
| 7 | Banaras Hindu University [BHU], Varanasi | ₹6 LPA | 60 |
| 8 | Jamia Millia Islamia [JMI], Delhi | ₹7 LPA | 40 |
| 9 | Hansraj College, University of Delhi | ₹6 LPA | 40 |
| 10 | Lady Shri Ram College for Women [LSR], New Delhi | ₹8 LPA | 40 |
Syllabus of the course
YEAR 1
| SEM 1 | SEM 2 |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Literary Criticism | Modern English Literature |
| Shakespeare Studies | Literary Theory |
| Indian Writing in English | History of English Literature |
| Fictional Writing | Poetry and Drama |
| Introduction to Linguistics | Writing Skills |
YEAR 2
| SEM 3 | SEM 4 |
|---|---|
| Postcolonial Literature | Creative Writing |
| Gender and Literature | Translation Studies |
| Classical Literature | Literature and Culture |
| Elective I | Elective II |
| Research Methodology | Dissertation/Project |
ELECTIVE PAPERS
- Comparative Literature
- Postmodernism and Literature
- Film and Literature
- Literature and Psychology
- Creative Writing: Fiction
Fees Structure
| TYPE OF QUOTA | AVERAGE FEES PER YEAR |
|---|---|
| Government Quota | ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 |
| Management Quota | ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000 |
Job Roles
- English Teacher: Teaches English language and literature at various educational levels.
- Content Writer: Writes articles, blogs, and other content for websites and publications.
- Editor: Edits written content for publications, websites, or agencies.
- Copywriter: Writes promotional and marketing content for brands and companies.
- Public Relations Specialist: Manages communication between organizations and the public.
- Translator: Converts written content from one language to another.
- Researcher: Conducts research for academic or corporate purposes.
- Social Media Manager: Manages online presence and content for organizations.
Education after MA in English
- MPhil in English: Advanced studies in literature, language, and culture.
- PhD in English: Research-oriented program focusing on a specific area of interest within English literature.
- Master’s in Journalism or Mass Communication: Combines writing skills with media industry expertise.
- Diploma in Creative Writing: Specializes in fiction, poetry, or non-fiction writing.
- Certificate courses in Publishing or Editing: Short-term courses to specialize in the publishing field.
Salary for MA English Graduates
| Designations | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| English Teacher | ₹3-6 LPA |
| Content Writer | ₹2-5 LPA |
| Editor | ₹3-6 LPA |
| Public Relations Specialist | ₹4-7 LPA |
| Journalist | ₹3-6 LPA |
| Copywriter | ₹3-5 LPA |