English contemporary literature/ critical theory MA without an English BA degree?

Hi,

I really want to apply for the following postgraduate degrees -

MA English, Issues in Modern Culture - UCL
MA Critical Methodologies - Kings College London
MA Contemporary Literature, Theory and Culture - Kings College London

But I haven't/ am not studying and English Literature BA... I'm currently finishing a BA in History of Art. Although I did do English literature for A-level

Do you think I am at a big disadvantage? Is anyone else in a similar position? And what do people think is the better course? Any views on anything somewhat relevant whatsoever?

A good friend of mine did the Issues in Modern Culture MA coming from a Fine Art degree, so they are definitely open to people from other disciplines on that UCL course.

All three are good options, but it depends what your specific interests are. Issues in Modern Culture tends to be very focused on industrial modernity and Modernism, but is still fairly literature focused. My sense of the Critical Methodologies degree is that it will not focus on literary texts so much as it will on methods for interpreting culture, i.e. it's a sort of meta-critical degree. The question there is: do you want to study literary works, or do you want to study how we study literary (and other) works?

It also might help to distinguish the terms modern and contemporary from each other, and a clear division has emerged fairly recently in English as we've moved out of the C20th century and truly left the modern period behind: if you see modern in a course title, it will likely have a focus on late C19th to late C20th lit; whereas contemporary used to mean post 1945, but now generally means from the 80's or 90's to the present. So, that might help to narrow down your options for you.

Have you looked at Birkbeck? They also have some good modern, contemporary, and theoretical/methodological options at English MA level.

Thanks so much for this!! Do you know if your friend is enjoying it? What is it like?

I think at Kings the contemporary literature course contains a compulsory core module titled Post 1945 literature. The other good thing is that at Kings you can mix modules between both the MA courses. My only concern with Kings is that UCL is generally considered a better university and the class size would probably be smaller. I also have a feeling UCL would be more vigorous and the course has more of a grounding as it is very literature based.

My friend finished a while ago, and while they liked it, they were a little frustrated with the bulk of the degree being focused on high Modernism and early C20th.

As far as Kings v. UCl: as post-45 specialist, I would personally would consider King's strongest in that area, as well as in critical theory (though, again, Birkbeck is stronger than both in that sub field). However, there is little in it: both are very strong English departments. Also, if you are interested in critical theory, Sussex is the place, but maybe you are tied to London? In any case, out of the two unis you have mentioned, I wouldn't choose based on reputation; they are so close as to make a differentiation meaningless. Focus on what your experience would be like at either: module choice, location, size etc.

Again thanks for your help. I think I am most drawn to one of the Kings courses, what makes you say Sussex? I currently study in London (next door to Kings actually) and have always lived here. I have been disatisifed with the lack of critical theory on my course

Hey, I believe it's an academic essay from your BA degree, unless the degree was taken over 10 years ago. In which case you may need to submit a new one? What else were you thinking of applying with?
Also just out of interest, are you applying to any other courses?

No worries! I'm in a similar position, I guess if you've used certain theories or media theorists, of spoken about the urban environment it can link?