Education

This initial Master's programme broadens and deepens student's knowledge of English through a curriculum combining English linguistics and literature. Benefiting from the research and expertise of English scholars at the Faculty of Arts, students from both Belgium and abroad live and study in a vibrant international atmosphere and further master both their proficiency in English and their methodological, critical-theoretical, and heuristic skills. This programme can also be taken part-time.

Profile

Prospective students should:
- be familiar with the methodology and topics of English linguistics and literary criticism and have completed a BA degree in the field.
- have studied English thoroughly from three perspectives: English language acquisition, linguistics and literary criticism.
- have developed an insight into the links between different disciplines dealing with the English language, its literatures and the English-speaking world.
- have acquired basic methodological and heuristic skills, including familiarity with IT research tools.
- have already studied certain research topics and communicated findings in clear and accurate language (e.g. through term papers or an undergraduate dissertation).
- have the ability to think critically and in a structured way, discern patterns in the data analysed and grasp systems as well as particulars and be able to marshal these skills to take an active part in research activities.
- have a keen interest in the cultural debate surrounding English and be prepared to take part in that debate.

For specific admission requirements, click on the desired programme in the 'Choose your courses of study' section.

Objectives

The main goal of the programme is to broaden and deepen students' knowledge of English linguistics and literature, both in its theoretical aspects and its applications. The overall aim of the programme is to train highly proficient students of English to investigate and situate relevant linguistic and literary research topics in an autonomous way and to communicate their findings and insights effectively.

This aim implies an excellent command of English as a prerequisite for research and scientific communication. It also implies a good grasp of research procedures, including systematic training in methodology and experience in sustained research, e.g. through the writing of an MA dissertation under the supervision of qualified staff member.

Building on BA degrees in languages and literatures (including English), the programme emphasises the development of a sound theoretical and methodological framework, the ability to take part in critical debates about data and research findings, and the stimulation of independent thinking.

After graduation

Combined with a teacher-training certificate, this degree offers a strong qualification for graduates who wish to teach English in secondary or higher education. Graduates are thoroughly familiar with leading contemporary research in a particular field of English linguistics or literary criticism and are thus perfectly equipped for research at a higher level (PhD programmes / research projects, etc.). Graduates also develop the communicative skills required to report, both orally and in writing, on research findings and insights. Those skills can be used in a broad range of professional contexts where the ability to digest, synthesize, and present complex phenomena is essential.

Contact

Faculty of Arts
Blijde Inkomststraat 21 box 3301
3000 Leuven, Belgium
tel. + 32 16 32 50 13
stb-TenL@arts.kuleuven.be

Useful links

Visit the website of the Faculty of Arts.