Master of Arts in English (MA English) is a two-year postgraduate program that studies English literature and language across the world. It's a combination of ancient and modern English literature, with a focus on four primary areas: Poetry, Prose, Drama, Linguistics.
MA English programs also cover:
The MA English course syllabus teaches English Literature, Linguistics, Criticism Theory, History of English Literature, and other concepts that form the foundation of English Literature. Students pursuing an MA in English benefit from increased language proficiency and the development of analytical and critical thinking skills. MA in English admissions are based on both entrance exams and merit. However, for MA in English Admission 2024, prestigious universities such as JNU, Calcutta University, St Xaviers College Kolkata, Delhi University, and Presidency College administer entrance examinations.
An MA in English studies a variety of novels, stories, poetry, and epics written by famous authors. MA English can be pursued in both regular full-time and distance learning modes. MA English distance learning is also a popular option for pursuing an MA in English. IGNOU is the most popular choice for MA English Distance Education. IGNOU's MA in English course fee is INR 13.60 K for two years.
Following an MA in English, a graduate may choose to pursue a PhD in the subject or begin working in many different types of fields, including teaching, journalism, language translation, etc. In general, a graduate with an MA in English can expect to earn between INR 2 and 8 LPA.
MA English admission is based on the CUET PG entrance exam. The CUET 2024 exam dates have been announced. The National Testing Agency will administer the CUET PG Exam 2024 from March 11 to March 28, 2024.
MA English, also known as Master of Arts in English, is a postgraduate programme in the arts and humanities. MA English is a two-year programme. Any candidate with an interest in English literature is eligible to pursue an MA English course. Many colleges and universities in India provide postgraduate programmes in MA English. The following are important highlights of the MA English Course.
Level of Course | Postgraduate |
---|---|
Duration of MA English Course | 2 Years |
MA English Eligibility Criteria | Candidates who have pursued a BA in English or equivalent degree with a minimum overall aggregate of 50% are eligible. |
MA English Admission Process | Entrance based admission process and direct admission process |
MA English Top Entrance Exams |
|
MA English Average Course Fee | INR 40K - INR 60K |
Average Starting Salary | INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA |
Job Options |
|
Top Recruiters | Times of India, Hindustan Times, Popxo, India Today, IDiva, British Council, Zomato, Accenture, etc. |
MA English course covers a wide range of topics from English literature, with a primary focus on poetry, prose, drama, and linguistics. Students are allowed to choose electives and choose a specialisation of their choosing because literature is a broad subject. After getting an MA in English, a candidate has two options: they can work as a language translator, teach, or pursue a PhD in English.
One of the most popular degrees in India is a master's degree in the arts. One of the oldest courses still taught in India, according to some. A candidate can choose from a wide range of Master of Arts courses, including MA Economics, MA Hindi, MA Geography, MA History, MA Political Science, etc. Among all of these Master of Arts courses, MA English is one of the most popular. A candidate should enrol in an MA English course for the reasons listed below:
An online Master of Arts (MA) in English is a two-year postgraduate program that can be completed online. It helps students develop advanced skills in English literature, language, and writing. The program also helps students develop critical thinking and research skills. The Online MA in English course helps students:
Some career options for students with an MA in English include: Translator, Editor, Academic writer, Public servant, Teacher, Quality control executive, Theater actor, Proof reader, Content writer.
Also Read: Best Certificate Courses in India
MA English Literature focuses heavily on English literature from various time periods because the majority of career opportunities are in teaching, whereas MA English courses aim to provide students with both language and literature skills, allowing them to work in a variety of fields such as editors, content writers, journalists, and so on.
The following table compares the MA English and MA English Literature courses.
Course | MA English | MA English Literature |
---|---|---|
Full-Form | Master of Arts English | Master of Arts in English Literature |
Stream | Masters | Masters |
Course Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
Eligibility | BA in English with a minimum aggregate of 50% | Graduation with English as the main subject with a minimum aggregate of 50% |
Entrance Exams | CUET PG, IPU-CET, EFLU | CUET PG, EFLU |
Top Colleges | Miranda House, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Loyola College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, etc, | Presidency College, Christ Church College, Shoolini University, etc. |
Fees | INR 40k – 60k | INR 8k -1.5 LPA |
Average Salary | INR 2-8 LPA | INR 3.60 – 5 LPA |
Job Roles | High School English Teacher, Public Relations Specialist, Social Media Manager, etc. | Literary Agent, Literary Critic, Book Store Manager, etc. |
Many colleges offer courses full-time, part-time, and online due to the high demand for MA English graduates across the nation and by many employers. The following details are provided:
English MA Full-Time | MA English Part-Time | MA English Distance Education |
---|---|---|
It is a two-year course with a focus on interaction with professors, research, and classroom learning. The most advantageous and popular choice for aspirants is a Full-Time MA in English because students not only gain proficiency in the English language but also a wide range of other skills. | Depending on the university or college they choose, students can earn a part-time MA degree. It is not always more expensive or less expensive to attend part-time school. However, if you enrol in fewer classes, you will typically pay less. | English literature master's degree programmes are widely available through correspondence or distance learning at numerous universities. For those who are unable to enrol in a traditional institution or who have been refused admission to any traditional school, this type of study is ideal. |
MA English course can be done both as a regular course or through distance education. The eligibility criteria for pursuing MA English course through distance education is same as the regular course. In distance education, candidates are not required to regularly visit the college. Candidates who are working or do not have time to regularly attend the classes can go distance education. The eligibility criteria for MA English Distance Education is given in detail as follows:
Some of the top MA English colleges for pursuing MA English course through distance education are as follows:
For MA in English courses, all colleges and universities have nearly the same eligibility criteria. Listed below are a few of the major eligibility criteria that must be met.
The following are some of the required skills that every candidate who wishes to pursue an MA English course or even go on to further education after completing an MA English course must have:
Some colleges, institutions, and even states may hold entrance exams for MA English admissions. They can better understand the course by taking the exam, which covers topics like contemporary British and Indian literature, historical coverage of English literature, contextual readings for all ages, and many other topics. The MA English entrance exams are:
The students must be eligible to sit for the JNUEE, CUET, and other state- or national-level MA English entrance exams. The coaching centres that help students prepare for the entrance exams are available to aspirants. An overview of the subject is provided by the entrance exam, which provides a glimpse at the entire programme.
MA English courses in India require a specific set of skills and knowledge, so the application process may differ from other courses. The majority of MA English colleges still select applicants via an entrance exam, followed by a group discussion or interview. The following are the admissions procedures for MA English programmes in India.
The following is the step-by-step admission process for the MA English course:
Step 1: The candidate must take and pass the entrance exams required by the college.
Step 2: Students can then complete the application form, which can be downloaded online from the college website or obtained directly from the college.
Step 3: Based on the college admission criteria, students will be invited to a personal interview for admission confirmation.
Step 4: Once confirmed, students may proceed with fee payment and document submission.
Also Read: DU PG Admissions 2024
Most colleges and universities use a merit-based admissions process for MA English programmes. A written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam relevant to the programme will determine which candidates are accepted into the MA English programme. Candidates in these situations are usually selected for further consideration based on their academic standing and results on a prior relevant exam.
The average MA English course fee ranges between INR 40K and INR 60K. This average fee structure applies to government colleges and universities. The fee structure for MA English courses varies across private colleges. Private college fees can range from INR 50k and up. Colleges that offer MA English courses through distance education have a very different fee structure than regular colleges and universities. MA English course fees for distance education can range from INR 8k to INR 20k per year. Candidates should consult the prospectus to get an accurate idea of the fee structure for that particular college or university.
MA English is a two-year postgraduate programme that focuses on the study of English Literature and Language throughout the world. The MA English course provides students with the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to generate original insights in scholarly academic writing and discourse.
The programme would foster fundamental literary concepts, tendencies, and trends in English literature across periods, genres, and cultures, as well as literary theory and approaches to composition and rhetoric.
The MA English course syllabus for each semester is as follows:
First Year Syllabus for MA English | |
---|---|
Semester I | Semester II |
Introduction to Linguistics | Poetry 1 |
Drama | Linguistics and English Language Teaching |
Prose | Fiction 1 |
Poetry | Drama 2 |
Second Year Syllabus for MA English | |
Semester III | Semester IV |
Literary Criticism | Poetry |
Drama | Elective |
Fiction | Literary Criticism 2 |
Business principles, business communication, operations management, marketing research, and other topics are covered in the MA English programme. Based on the curriculum's core subjects, this postgraduate programme provides a broad understanding of business. A postgraduate business course covers the most recent advances in business and marketing techniques. The following MA English subjects are available:
The core MA English subjects list includes the following subjects that all MA English students must study regardless of the options available:
The elective MA English can be chosen by graduates based on their preferences and are not required subjects. The following are some MA English electives:
MA English distance education syllabus is the same as the regular course. Although there are some changes in the syllabus. MA English course in distance education does not comprise semesters. MA English distance education is done in the period of two years. Exams are conducted once a year. Syllabus for MA English course for distance education is divided as follows:
MA English Distance Education Syllabus for First Year | MA English Distance Education Syllabus for Second Year |
---|---|
Fiction Drama Non-Fictional Prose Twentieth-Century English Literature Internship & Training | English Poetry Shakespeare Indian English Literature Literary Theory & Research Documentation Internship & Training |
Both public and private universities accept applications from expected MA in English students. Getting into a private university, however, may come with a higher price than getting into a public or government institution. These are a few of India's best private universities where MA English degrees are offered.
Colleges | Fee Structure |
---|---|
SRM University Chennai | INR 60K |
LPU Jalandhar | INR 1.20 L |
Christ University, Bangalore | INR 1.18 L |
Chandigarh University, Chandigarh | INR 1 L |
REVA University, Bangalore | INR 1 L |
CMR University, Bangalore | INR 1 L |
HITS Chennai | INR 75K |
Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.
Aspiring students can pursue an MA in English at a number of government universities. These universities/colleges may have different admission requirements and curricula from private ones. The MA in English course fee for government college is significantly less than that of any private university. Below is a list of some of the best MA in English government colleges:
Colleges | Fee Structure |
---|---|
JMI New Delhi | INR 14 K |
IGNOU Delhi | INR 12 |
Jadavpur University, Kolkata | INR 1.2 L |
Dr BR Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad | INR 8.6 K |
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh | INR 2.37 L |
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune | INR 15 K |
JNU Delhi | INR 12 K |
Note: The fees mentioned above are subject to change.
We have compiled a list of the top MA English colleges in India based on the NIRF Ranking, along with their respective fees.
Name of the College | NIRF Ranking 2023 | Average Annual Fees |
---|---|---|
Miranda House | 1 | INR 14.53 k |
Jawaharlal Nehru University | 2 | INR 10.50 k |
Loyola College | 7 | INR 12.33 k |
Lady Shri Ram College for Women | 9 | INR 35.80 k |
Hansraj College | 12 | INR 36.80 k |
Jadavpur University | 13 | INR 8 k |
University of Delhi | 22 | INR 13.75 k |
Christ University | 67 | INR 50 k |
Presidency University | - | INR 10 k |
University of Calcutta | - | INR 12 k |
Candidates can also look at Top Colleges in Delhi University (DU) Based on NIRF Ranking 2024 here!
MA English course is offered by many reputed colleges and universities in India. MA English is a two year postgraduate programme in which admission is given on the basis of merit list or entrance exam. Candidates can do MA english course either as a regular course or through distance education. Most of the top MA english colleges are situated in different metropolitan cities in India. Given below are top MA English colleges in which candidates can apply for admission in MA English course:
There are variety of colleges situated in Delhi which offer MA English course. In some of these MA English colleges, admission is offered on the basis of entrance exams. These MA English colleges are top among many other colleges in India. Hence, obtaining MA english admission in these colleges is a bit difficult. Candidates must study well and prepare accordingly for MA English colleges entrance tests. Some of the top MA English colleges are as follows:
Candidates can apply for admission in MA English colleges in Bangalore also. There are man y reputed MA English colleges in Bangalore which offer admission on the basis of merit list or conduct an entrance test for providing MA English course admission. Given below are some of the top MA English colleges in Bangalore:
Mumbai is a place where one can find one of the best MA English colleges in India. Candidates can apply for MA English admission in given colleges in Mumbai:
Kolkata is considered as a hub for education and knowledge in India. One can find many scholars and intellectuals of Bengali origin from Kolkata. Candidates can apply for MA English admission in given top MA english colleges in Kolkata.
Candidates can find various top MA English colleges in Pune. Given below is the list of various MA english colleges in Pune:
After completing the MA English programme, students have a variety of career options. If they want to advance their education, they can enrol in a PhD programme. To be selected for these doctoral-level courses, they must first take the UGC NET exam. Students can also start working immediately after completing their postgraduate degree in English. Postgraduates with an MA in English are hired in fields such as publishing, teaching, communication, public relations, journalism, and advertising. Here are some of the best job opportunities available to students who complete an MA in English.
Students who complete MA in English courses can choose from a variety of career fields and job roles. Students with an English degree can find employment in a variety of international job sectors because English is one of the most widely used official languages in the world.
The top positions and job descriptions that graduates of the MA in English programme can expect to be offered are briefly listed below.
Job Profiles | Job Description |
---|---|
Editor or Assistant Editor | A popular option among postgraduate English Literature students. A diploma in book publishing can be beneficial. |
Web Content Writer | A rapidly expanding career path for English graduates. The job of a Web Content Writer is to create engaging and informative articles for web pages and blogs. |
Academic Writer | Academic Writing is another popular option for English graduates. An academic writer must primarily write research papers, journal articles, and statements of purpose, among other things. |
Teacher | PGTs can be postgraduates in English Literature. A second degree in BEd can help you land a good job. |
Translator | The job of a translator is to translate a given document into English. A translation diploma is recommended. |
SEO Analyst | SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, has emerged as a rapidly growing field of work that is ideal for people with strong English language skills. |
The following are some of the top recruiters in this field of study:
The Telegraph | The Times of India | British Council |
---|---|---|
TCS | Infosys | IBM |
Deloitte | MSL Group | Weber Shandwick |
The MA English salary ranges from INR 2 to 8 LPA on average per year. However, candidates who have completed an MA English course and have chosen a variety of jobs such as Editor or Assistant Editor, Web Content Writer, Academic Writer, Teacher, Translator, and SEO Analyst can earn between INR 4.5 lakhs and INR 7 lakhs. The candidate's salary is also determined by her or his level of experience. The more experience you have, the higher your salary. After completing an MA English course, candidates have a better chance of being recruited by top multinational corporations.
The following are the average salaries for candidates by designation:
Job Profiles | Average Salary (INR) |
---|---|
Editor or Assistant Editor | INR 3.5 - 5 LPA |
Web Content Writer | INR 3 - 4.5 LPA |
Academic Writer | INR 2.5 - 5 LPA |
Teacher | INR 3.5 - 6 LPA |
Translator | INR 4 - 6 LPA |
SEO Analyst | INR 4 - 7.5 LPA |
Note: The figure mentioned above are subject to change.
There are various things that a candidate can do after completing an MA English course. Candidates can apply for higher studies after PG in English or PhD in English. Candidates can also study English linguistics or Comparative English literature. There are endless courses that a candidate can choose after completing an MA English course.
After completing an MA English course, candidates can go for higher studies in the English field. Candidates can do PhD in English. Candidates with NET/JRF score have better chances in getting admission in higher studies in the English department. Given is the general criteria for applying for admission in different courses after MA English course:
Some of the top universities offering admission in PhD English courses are as follows:
The scope of a BA in English is immense, both professionally and academically, allowing students to choose from a variety of career options. Apart from a career in a related field, graduates of BA English can also turn to an MBA, any journalism degree course, or even short-term certificate or diploma courses that enhance their skills for the professional world.
A student of MA in English should possess or instil skills like communication and interpersonal skills, inquisitiveness and intellectual curiosity, organisational and presentational skills, managerial abilities, goal orientation, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, etc. to succeed in completing the course with flying colours.
Students interested in pursuing an MA in English course in India can choose from either full-time, part-time, or distance learning modes. While the most commonly opted option is the Full-time MA in English course, several aspirants also choose the distance learning method to earn their master’s degree in the discipline.
Yes, you can pursue a PhD after completing an MA in English. In fact, it is the minimum requirement for a PhD to have cleared an MA in English course before applying for any doctorate. However, candidates will only be able to pursue a PhD in a field or topic related to the field of study they pursued during their Master’s studies.
Teaching is one of the most common jobs available after earning an MA in English. As an English teacher, you can work in a private school. After earning an MA, you will be eligible to take the UGC NET exams. However, candidates are advised to take up B.Ed after their MA in English to improve their chances of becoming a teacher.
Yes, you can become a lecturer if you have at least 55% in your Master's degree programme (50% for reserved category candidates). However, candidates will also be required to pursue a B.Ed course and clear the CTET exam to pursue a career as a lecturer in India. However, an MA in English is one of the best ways to get into the role of a lecturer in India.
Jawaharlal Nehru University's Centre of English Studies in Delhi is India's highest-ranked educational institution for MA in English. As a result, students from all over the world apply for courses here, not just those from India. However, a range of DU colleges have also garnered a reputation for the top quality of their MA in English courses.
No, entrance tests are not required for admission to MA in English courses. However, some universities may conduct admissions on the bases of entrance tests such as JNUEE, DUET, BHU-PET and many others. Candidates who have completed a BA in English or any other degree programme with a minimum aggregate score of 50% are eligible to apply for an MA in English.
All candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of 50% in their Bachelor's degree from any recognised university in India. To be admitted to MA in English, applicants must pass the AIE CET (All India Engineering Common Entrance Test) if the university of their choice requires it.
Yes, any graduate of MA in English courses will be able to find jobs across a number of industries and sectors. The job profiles available for MA in English graduates can range from writers to editors, bloggers and even copywriters. Jobs after the course can also be lucrative, however, candidates must instil additional skills to climb the ladder of success.
The number of papers present in an MA in English programme will depend on the number of credits that students need to complete each semester. However, aspirants can expect to attempt 8-10 papers per semester, including elective subjects. It should be noted that students need to pass all the papers in order to receive their degrees.
No, MA in English is not a difficult course to complete, especially for those who find reading and studying enjoyable. However, the elements of research and dissertation require candidates to have an analytical and critical thinking mind wherein they are able to analyse different creative works of art and pen them down in a presentable manner.
Yes, a master’s degree in English can be useful to candidates looking to pursue a job in the creative industries, especially those interested in writing. However, an MA in English graduate will also find themselves qualified for roles such as writers and editors for newspapers, or even take up copywriting roles across various industries, with a little bit of training.
Each university offering the MA in English course will define the variety of subjects that will be taught to students each semester. These subjects may include Linguistics and English Language Teaching, Prose, Poetry, Fiction, Literary Criticism, 19th and 20th Century Novels, Shakespeare, 20th Century Poetry and Drama and many other subjects, which would also include elective subjects as well.
There are numerous career opportunities in the private sector for MA in English students. After completing their Master's degree in English literature, students can apply for positions as trainees, corporate managers, communication HR, journalists for various news channels, or content developers. Other occupations include Freelance Writer, Copywriter, Editor, BPO and KPO jobs, Novelist, Technical Writer, Reporter, and Teacher.
No, not all reputed MA in English-offering universities in the country conduct an entrance test for admission purposes. Universities like Amity University and other reputed private institutions do not require an entrance test score. However, such universities may conduct a thorough selection process involving group discussions and personal interviews and impromptu essay writing or extempore.
Graduates of an MA in English course can find job options across the creative industries in roles such as writers and editors in mediums like paper, magazines, and the web. Graduates can also venture into self-employed roles such as freelance writers or pursue a career in Teaching. In addition to this, graduates can also venture into marketing and advertising roles like copywriting.
An MA in English course can be an easy course for those who possess the skills and abilities to partake in intensive research and theoretical understanding. The course requires students to be dedicated and passionate about reading and studying a range of books to understand the various component that make up the English language as well as understand the meanings writers targetted through their creations.
Delhi University is home to numerous colleges like Miranda House, Ramjam College, Hindu College, Dirori Mal College, and more, where students can pursue an MA in English course. Admissions to the course are done based on an entrance test score conducted by DU every to enrol the best of the best on its highly reputed courses like MA in English.
Yes, you can do MA in English in correspondence mode, as there are several renowned institutions like IGNOU, Utkal University, Acharya Nagarjuna University and many more that offer the programme. MA in English in correspondence is just one of the many types of degree programmes available offered by universities for aspirants in India.
Depending on the university or college where you have enrolled, the MA in English syllabus would vary slightly. However, all universities will cover a wide range of subjects, including English Literature, Language and Linguistics, English Poem from Chaucer to Milton, Shakespeare, and Indian Literature. Apart from these subjects, students may also be required to choose from a list of elective subjects to meet the minimum credit requirement.
No, candidates from any academic background will be able to pursue an MA in English course at any one of the top universities in India. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree and must have secured a minimum of 50% in their final examinations. However, candidates with a BA in English degree will find it easier to transition to a master's programme.
Presidency University Master's Degree Entrance Test, TATA Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test, Delhi University Science, Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test, and Jammu University Entrance Test are some of the exams that you can appear for to get admission in MA English courses. However, the university you wish to study MA in English will determine the admission requirements.
Following are some of the top colleges offering Arts and Humanities courses : Ramjas College (New Delhi) , Loyola College (Chennai) , Sri Venkateswara College (New Delhi) , St. Andrew College Of Arts Science & Commerce (Mumbai) , Maharaja Agrasen College (Delhi). You can explore these colleges on our website to check if they offer MA English or not.
The average course fee for MA in English ranges between INR 40,000 - 50,000 per year, however, there are several factors affecting the same. For instance, private colleges offering an the course would comparatively be more expensive than government colleges. Similarly, other factors like the location of the university, the demand for the course at a particular institution, etc, all affect the tuition fees for MA in English.