Critical and Cultural Theory MA

Explore our Critical and Cultural Theory taught Master's degree at Warwick

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P-Q3PD

MA

1 year full-time;
2 years part-time

29 September 2025

English and Comparative Literary Studies

University of Warwick

On the Critical and Cultural Theory MA, you will grapple with the ideas and perspectives of great critical thinkers. Warwick's English and Comparative Literary Studies Department, ranked in the top 10 for research environment in the 2021 REF, will give you with the analytical tools to understand, theorise and critique the literary and cultural artefacts of the modern world.

The MA in Critical and Cultural Theory will equip you with the analytical tools and concepts to respond to, understand, theorise, and critique the literary and cultural artefacts of the modern world. In the dedicated core module, you will immerse yourself in fundamental theoretical questions through individual reading and collective discussion.

You can also choose from a wide range of modules that span a variety of critical perspectives and approaches to literary studies, and grapple with the ideas of some of the great critical thinkers. You will also write a dissertation on an (approved) topic of your choice with a specialised supervisor.

Course Structure

The MA in Critical and Cultural Theory comprises a Research Methods module, the core module, Critical Theory Today, three further optional modules, and a Dissertation of 16,000 words. You can take one of your three optional modules from outside of the department, including from the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning.

Seminars consist of 5 to 18 students.

Contact hours comprise 4 hours of seminars a week, 2 office hours per member of staff, weekly reading groups and research seminars, and one-to-one Dissertation supervision in terms 2 and 3.

All essays are marked by two members of staff. The standard length for essays for modules on this course is 6,000 words; the Dissertation is 16,000 words. Marks are given out of 100.

For more information, please visit the Critical and Cultural Theory web page on the English website.Link opens in a new window

Reading lists 

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platformLink opens in a new window. 

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogueLink opens in a new window.  

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.  

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

65% in an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.

Applicants are asked to provide a writing sample to demonstrate suitability for the course.

• Band C
• IELTS overall score of 7.5, minimum component scores of two at 6.5/7.0 and the rest at 7.5 or above.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

For more information, please visit the Critical and Cultural Theory web page on the English website.Link opens in a new window

We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

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