The Victorian Gothic: History, Literature and Culture MA from the University of Portsmouth invites you to explore the complex relationship between Victorian society and its darker imaginings. This postgraduate degree is ideal for those fascinated by the anxieties, fears, and cultural expressions of the 19th century, and how the Gothic genre serves as a lens to understand this era. You will delve into historical, literary, and folkloric texts, uncovering the contradictions of an age of progress shadowed by social unrest, crime, and shifting notions of gender and sexuality. This MA offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the Victorian psyche and its enduring cultural impact.
You will study this Masters degree online, full-time over one year (or part-time over two years), gaining essential expertise through modules like 'Victorian Anxieties' and 'Victorian Enchantments'. Your learning will culminate in a substantial research project and dissertation, allowing you to independently investigate a specialised topic within Victorian Gothic history, literature, or culture. You will develop advanced research skills, critical analysis, and a sophisticated understanding of historical and literary methodologies. Graduates are well-prepared for further academic study or careers in heritage, archives, publishing, and cultural institutions.