Graduate Studies

Course Structure

"The M.Phil in European Literature has helped me to consolidate and extend my knowledge in my specific area of interest. During the year I was getting all the support I needed to produce a coherent thesis and decide whether I wanted to do a Ph.D."
Astrid (Konstanz), M.Phil 1998
(awarded a Jebb literature scholarship and the Howard Research Scholarship at Sidney Sussex for doctoral research)

M.Phil students will study three courses of equal weight: a 'core course' in Critical Theory, and a choice of two 'modules' in European literature. The Critical Theory course provides an essential background to European critical thought and its philosophical bases, with an emphasis on how it relates to analysis of literature. The two modules are selected from a list which covers a variety of specialist and interdisciplinary options from a wide spectrum of European literature. During the first two terms, Michaelmas (October - December) and Lent (January - March), there will be a full programme of lectures and seminars covering the core course and modules, leaving the Easter term (April - June) free for work on the thesis. During the third term each student will write a thesis, whose field may be (but does not have to be) derived from the fields of the core course and modules. The thesis provides the opportunity for a substantial exercise in independent research. Students will choose topics which reflect their personal interests, but they will have the guidance of a supervisor who is interested in the same field and will advise them on defining their title and conducting their research. Students who hope to progress to a Ph.D after the M.Phil may use the M.Phil thesis to lay the foundations of their doctoral research, and present it as the basis for a Ph.D proposal. The Director of the M.Phil, currently Dr Emma Wilson, will be available in the Faculty at regular times to discuss any aspect of the course with students.

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