University of Exeter United Kingdom

MA Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 1 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MA Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies at the University of Exeter invites you to immerse yourself in the rich literary and cultural landscape of early modern England and its global connections. This postgraduate degree is designed for students eager to explore the complexities of texts from 1500-1700, examining their relationship to cultural and sexual politics, environments, and global exchanges. You will develop advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, engaging deeply with primary sources and contemporary theoretical approaches like Premodern Critical Race Studies and Ecocriticism, preparing you for further academic research or specialised careers.

This full-time, one-year Master's degree is studied on campus, offering a dynamic learning experience guided by internationally recognised scholars. You will work directly with archival sources, learn to decipher early modern handwriting, and apply theatre historical methodologies to dramatic texts. The curriculum includes compulsory modules such as a substantial dissertation, alongside choices from EASM109 Bodies Politic, EASM191 Environments of Early Modern Drama, and EASM192 Global Voices: Shakespeare and the Early Modern World. You will graduate with enhanced research capabilities and a nuanced understanding of Renaissance literature, ready for roles in academia, publishing, heritage, or cultural industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MA program in Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies offers a deep dive into the cultural and political landscapes of early modern England, exploring themes of power, gender, and global interactions through drama and literature. Students will engage with compulsory modules such as "Bodies Politic," "Environments of Early Modern Drama," and "Global Voices: Shakespeare and the Early Modern World," alongside a dissertation. A wide array of optional modules allows for specialization in diverse areas, including postcolonial studies, modernism, medieval literature, and critical theory, enabling a personalized exploration of literary and cultural history.

1 Compulsory modules

Dissertation
Bodies Politic: Cultural and Sexual Politics in England, 1603-1679
Environments of Early Modern Drama
Global Voices: Shakespeare and the Early Modern World

2 Optional modules

Empire, Decadence and Modernity: Literature 1870-1910
Modernism and Material Culture
The Literature of Cold War America
Publishing and Power: Black and Asian Literary Networks in the UK
Crossing Medieval Boundaries
World Literature and Postcolonial Studies
Criticism and Theory: Critical and Literary Theory in a Global Context
World Cinema / World Literature
Expanding Queerness: Critical Debates in Theory, Literature, Film and Television
Writing Women in the English Middle Ages
The Global Publishing Marketplace: Creating Audiences

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

39% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,160.00 USD 34,535.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 21,160.00 USD 34,535.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Streatham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationBlockchain & Emerging TechnologiesBrand ManagementDigital MarketingMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Planning & BuyingMedia Research & AnalyticsPublic RelationsSocial Media & Community ManagementVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

BBC Studios

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

EXPOSE

National Trust

University of Exeter

University of Southampton

Why Study MA Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MA Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

International students in degree programs can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

You need to meet specific English language requirements for this program. Acceptable scores vary across tests, such as a TOEFL overall score of 100 or an IELTS overall score of 7.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates may find roles such as Literary Analyst, Education Coordinator, Researcher, and Cultural Heritage Manager.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program deepens your understanding of Shakespeare and Renaissance literature while enhancing your communication and critical thinking skills. You will explore historical contexts and engage with texts from 1500-1700, guided by renowned scholars.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MA Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies program intake occurs in September. Ensure you apply ahead of the deadlines to secure your spot.
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