MA Victorian Studies

at Leeds Trinity University

Modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

The Victorians

This module will examine the social and political history, together with the literature of the Victorian era, by studying a selection of key themes and texts. The module will introduce you to some fundamental concepts, methods, and vocabulary employed in Victorian Studies. The module is taught in weekly classes, plus a workshop that will help you develop the research skills needed to study the subject at postgraduate level.

Victorian Literature

This module will engage you in gaining a deeper critical appreciation of Victorian literature by exploring the works of a particular author or group of authors. You will hone your skills in critical analysis and close textual reading, and you will learn to place selected works within the social, cultural and literary contexts of the Victorian age. Authors on offer include, for example, The Brontës, Oscar Wilde, and Robert Browning. This module is taught in six fortnightly sessions plus a one-to-one tutorial and is assessed in an essay of 6,000 words, addressing a research question you will have developed yourself.

Victorian Culture

This module will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of Victorian culture by exploring a particular aspect of visual, material or sensory culture, such as art, architecture, theatre or music, honing your skills in reading artefacts, applying cultural theories, and using archives, collections and museums. This module is taught in six fortnightly sessions plus a one-to-one tutorial and is assessed in an essay of 6,000 words, addressing a research question you will have developed yourself.

Victorian Society

This module will enable you to explore trends and developments across the period, while developing knowledge of a particular trend, e.g. empire, religion, childhood, disability or gender identity. This module is taught in six fortnightly sessions plus a one-to-one tutorial and is assessed in an essay of 6,000 words, addressing a research question you will have developed yourself.

Professional Development and Practice

This module will give you the opportunity to undertake a specific agreed project in the workplace, in which you apply your research and reading on an aspect of Victorian Studies. In addition to the project, the assessment will comprise a critical reflection. This module is taken in place of either Victorian Literature, Victorian Culture or Victorian Society. Ideal for part-time students taking the MA for professional development purposes.

Dissertation

Apply the knowledge and skills you have gained by undertaking your own research and writing a 12,000-word dissertation on a specific aspect of the Victorian period, supervised by an expert in the area.

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you.

• A good honours degree with some content relevant to Victorian Studies, e.g. a BA (Hons) in English including modules on 19th-Century Literature or a BA (Hons) in History.

• We also welcome applications from graduates in other disciplines who can demonstrate interest in, and knowledge of, Victorian Studies.

• Minimum English Language entry requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent

Exceptions:

You do not need to provide evidence of your English Language if any of the following conditions apply:

• You're a UK national
• You're a national from a majority English speaking country as specified by the UKVI 
• You've completed a degree either in the UK or in a majority English speaking country as specified by the UKVI

Successful applicants will normally be offered a place on the basis of an application form, supporting letter, referees’ reports and an interview. Applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited to a one-to-one interview with the Programme Leader, at a mutually convenient time. 

The interview will take the form of an informal discussion, and will cover the following areas: 

• You will be asked to demonstrate your interest in the Victorian era, which can be done in a variety of ways: perhaps by discussing history books or literary texts you have read for personal interest; texts or topics you have studied on a course; or heritage sites, art galleries or museums that you have explored.  
• You will also be asked to talk in depth about one particular example of Victorian culture, society, or literature: again, this may be something you have studied at university, or a passion that you have pursued. 
• You will also have the chance to find out more about the course and its study patterns, raising any questions or concerns you may have about it.

INTERNATIONAL FEES AND FUNDING
£11,500