Master of Arts (MA) English Language and Literature

About the Program

The Master of Arts in English (MA English) is an intellectually stimulating and comprehensive program designed to deepen students' understanding of the English language, literature, and critical analysis. This two-year MA English course offers a multifaceted exploration into the world of English studies, blending traditional and contemporary approaches to literary analysis and language studies.

Curriculum Overview:
The MA English syllabus at HITS is well-structured to provide a robust foundation in diverse areas of English studies. It incorporates a blend of core subjects and elective courses, totalling 100 credits, evenly distributed across four semesters with 25 credits each. It is tailored to cater to the academic interests and career aspirations of students, fostering a holistic understanding of the language, literature, and cultural implications within the field. Our master's degree in English is designed to cater to students' academic interests and career aspirations, fostering a holistic understanding of language, literature, and the cultural implications within the field.

Key Components of the Curriculum:
1. Literary Studies: Engage in an in-depth analysis of diverse literary genres, periods, and movements, exploring classic and contemporary literature. Our MA in English courses cover a range of topics from Shakespearean studies to postcolonial literature and from ancient literature to post-modern literature, allowing students to explore a wide spectrum of literary traditions.
2. Language Studies: Dive into the intricacies of English language structure, linguistics, semantics, and syntax. Explore language variation, socio-linguistics, and the evolution of the English language across different contexts.
3. Critical Theory: Develop a critical understanding of various literary theories, enabling students to evaluate texts through different critical lenses. 
4. Electives and Specializations: Tailor the program to personal interests by selecting from a variety of elective courses or specialized tracks. Our Master of Arts in English course offers options such as creative writing, cultural studies, translation studies, film studies, and many other interesting courses, allowing students to delve deeper into specific areas of their choosing.
5. Dissertation or Project: Culminate the program with a research-based dissertation or project, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their analytical skills and scholarly insights in a specialized area of English studies.

Pedagogical Approach:
The MA in English adopts a dynamic teaching methodology, combining lectures, seminars, workshops, internships, and interactive discussions. The curriculum integrates a blend of theoretical concepts with practical applications, encouraging students to engage critically with texts, theories, and diverse linguistic elements.

PROGRAM’S EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEO’S)

• PEO 1 -  Successful career and adaptability to industry: The students will be exposed to a variety of career options after MA English, from which they can opt for any prosperous profession which is associated with English Language and Literature—translation, mass media, technical writing, script writing, editing, English language teaching, soft skill training, etc.
• PEO 2 - Analytical Approach: Introduce students to the study of literature by providing practice in careful, critical reading and developing in them a sense of the various contexts—biographical, social, political, etc.
• PEO 3 - Contribution to English Literature and English Language Teaching and lifelong learning: Gaining awareness of the various roles of literature in addressing contemporary issues is essential, especially for those pursuing a career after MA English, which can open doors to education, publishing, and more. The application of the principles of soft skills, problem-solving, creative thinking, group dynamics, team building, leadership skills, and decision-making skills contributes to overall personality and career development.

PROGRAM’S OUTCOMES (PO’S)

• Acquire the requisite employability skills for successful careers and cater to the workforce demand globally.
• Function as accomplished professionals in various fields with due emphasis on personality development and communication skills.
• Understand, and appreciate literary texts that are at the heart of the diverse traditions of the English language.
• Identify, analyze, interpret and describe the critical ideas, values, and themes that appear in literary and cultural texts
• Analyse, interpret, and understand the complex interrelationships between authors, texts, and specific social, political, and historical contexts and apply critical and theoretical approaches to the reading and analysis of literary and cultural texts in multiple genres
• Develop a sense of curiosity to do research in their area of interest in Literature and Language.
• Inculcate lifelong learning and cope with changing literary theories and movements
• Understand the role of literature in addressing contemporary issues such as environmental concern, technical impacts and Gender issues.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUTCOME (PSO’S)

• PSO 1: Recognize employability scope after MA in English as part of skill development and as career avenues open to graduates in today’s global world, such as professional writing, translation, teaching English at different levels, mass media, journalism, aviation communication, and personality development.
• PSO 2: Acquire a thorough knowledge of the historical, literary, and theoretical aspects of English literature across different ages and continents and the different genres of literature leading to the comprehension of literary movements with the current literary trends.
• PSO 3: Critically analyse scholarly works in the areas of English language teaching, literary theory of English literary works, and translation studies.
   

LIST OF DEPARTMENTAL ELECTIVES WITH GROUPING - SEMESTER WISE

Career Prospects

A Master's in English opens up various career opportunities in India and abroad across different sectors. Here are some potential MA in English career options for students:

• Teaching/Education: Exploring a career after MA in English can lead to becoming a lecturer or professor in higher education. This qualification allows you to teach at the undergraduate level after passing the NTA-NET, as well as teach ESL or offer private tutoring.
• Content Writing: An MA in English degree from HITS, one of the top universities for MA English in India equips students with essential skills for various professions, including content creators for websites and blogs or in marketing roles.
• Publishing: Pursuing a post graduation in English allows individuals to secure editorial roles in publishing, working as editors or copywriters on manuscripts, books, and magazines, enhancing their overall content quality.
• Language Specialist/Translator: Graduates can harness their language skills by becoming translators or interpreters. This role involves working with businesses, embassies, or multinational organizations, facilitating communication and bridging language barriers in various professional contexts.
• Media & Journalism: A master's in English careers equips you for diverse roles in journalism, reporting, editing, and content creation, allowing you to work with newspapers, magazines, television, radio, or online media to engage and inform audiences.
• Advertising and Public Relations (PR): Pursue exciting opportunities in advertising agencies or PR firms as a copywriter, content creator, or communications specialist, enhancing your skills and exploring the vast MA English scope for career growth.
• Research and Academia: Pursuing PhD programs allows graduates to advance their careers, leading to roles as researchers or academicians in universities and research institutions, where they contribute to knowledge creation and dissemination through scholarly work.
• Digital Marketing: There are ample job opportunities for MA English degree holders in digital marketing, where their language skills are essential for content creation, social media management, and digital advertising roles in marketing agencies or corporate settings.
• Civil Services/Competitive Exams: Many graduates choose to take civil service exams, such as UPSC, or other competitive tests, leveraging their analytical skills and strong writing abilities to secure positions in government or public service.
• Copywriting and Technical Writing: With a growing scope of MA English, graduates can pursue copywriting for brands, technical writing in software development, and producing manuals for industries, reflecting the significant demand for skilled writers in various sectors.
• Freelancing/Consulting: Entering the freelancing market enables graduates to work as writers, editors, or language consultants. This path allows them to collaborate with diverse clients and industries while enjoying flexibility and independence in their professional lives.