MA English Syllabus and Subjects

Master of Arts (MA) in English is a two-year postgraduate programme that combines modern and classical literature. It focuses on three key components of English literature: drama, prose, and poetry. The MA English syllabus is designed to equip students with the skills to analyse literature from various historical periods, including celebrated works from previous centuries, and develop their conceptual ideas. This enables them to produce written content such as articles, reports, books, and novels. The MA English subjects include works like Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (modern version), John Milton's Paradise Lost, Descriptive Linguistics, Generative Linguistics, and the Process of Speech Production. The syllabus may vary across colleges, depending on their curriculum and objectives. Students can access the MA English syllabus for 2024-25 by downloading the PDF from the official website of their chosen institution. Today, we shall look at the syllabus of MA in English for some of the top colleges in India:

MA English Entrance Exam Syllabus

Students must clear entrance exams like Delhi University (DU) MA Entrance, Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEEE), Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance, or Presidency University Master's Degree Entrance Test (PUMDET), conducted by their preferred university, to secure admission into the MA English programme. Let us look at the overview of the exam pattern and syllabus for the MA English Entrance:

MA English Entrance Exam Syllabus

MA English Syllabus

The MA English syllabus of Delhi University (DU) spans four semesters, offering both core and elective subjects. The core MA English subjects are designed to provide in-depth knowledge of literature, fiction, poetry, and drama, with topics like Language and Linguistics, Shakespeare's Works, Literary Criticism, and 20th-Century Poetry and Drama. The elective MA English subjects allow students to explore diverse areas, such as Literature and Gender, Visual Arts and Literature in Europe, American Literature, and Ancient Greek and Latin Literature. The subjects primarily focus on English literature, including novels, poetry, and fiction from diverse periods and cultures. This equips students with the skills to articulate their ideas effectively in engaging and readable content. We have presented the semester-wise MA syllabus English for the students to refer to:

First-Year Syllabus for MA English

Second-Year Syllabus for MA English

Final Thoughts

The MA in English is a comprehensive and enriching programme that offers a deep dive into classical and modern literature, focusing on key components such as drama, prose, and poetry. The syllabus varies across different institutions, with each university offering a unique blend of core and elective MA English subjects, covering areas like literary criticism, linguistics, American and Indian literature, and postcolonial studies. To gain admission to the programme, students must pass entrance exams conducted by reputed universities like Delhi University, JNU, and Jamia Millia Islamia, which evaluate literary knowledge and English proficiency. A diverse MA English syllabus prepares students to engage in research, literary analysis, and creative writing. This exposure can help students pursue career opportunities in academics, publishing, writing, and cultural studies. 

FAQs

Can I do MA and B.Ed together?

Yes. You can pursue an MA and B.Ed in the same year, provided one is in regular mode and the other in distance mode.

How many papers are there in MA English?

The MA English programme has nine papers in total. Four papers are included in the first year, and five are covered in the second year.

Which subject is best for an MA in English?

All subjects within an MA in English are good, as they offer diverse opportunities for exploration and specialisation. Whether you choose literary theory, creative writing, linguistics, or a focus on specific literary traditions like British, American, or Indian literature, each subject provides valuable insights and skills.

What is the entrance exam for MA English?

The entrance exams for MA English include the JAIN Entrance Test - Undergraduate (JET-UG), Common University Entrance Test Postgraduate (CUET PG), and the Lovely Professional University National Entrance and Scholarship Test (LPUNEST). Additionally, some reputed universities, such as JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), DU, JNU, IGNOU, BHU, and Savitri Bai Phule University, may have their specific entrance exams for admission to the course.

Can we do PhD after MA?

Yes. You can pursue a PhD after completing a master's degree in India. To be eligible, most universities require candidates to have a master's degree with a minimum percentage, typically around 50-55%. Additionally, candidates must pass entrance exams such as the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) or the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Eligibility Test (CSIR-NET).

Which MA is most in demand?

Some of the MA programmes that are most sought-after are as follows:

• MA in English

• MA in Psychology

• MA in Economics

• MA in Journalism and Mass Communication

Which is better, English language or literature?

It depends on your interests. If you are interested in studying and understanding literary works critically, then an English literature course would be a better option. However, an English language course might be more suitable if you are more interested in the evolution of communication techniques and language acquisition.