MA (Master of Arts) in English: Course, College, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Careers & Salary

Literature is known to beautify one’s perception of reality and present plain words in a decorated composition.  MA English Literature is a master’s degree in which students study the exceptional literary works of renowned English scholars and writers. It is one of the most sought-after language courses in India. Pursuing an MA in English Literature enhances the candidate's language skills and analytical thinking competency.
To be eligible for the MA English Literature course, candidates must have completed graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks. Usually,  admission to the MA English Literature course is offered based on the candidate’s performance in entrance exams. However, some colleges offer admission based on merit or college-level admission tests. Some MA English Literature entrance exams are CUET PG, IPU CET, PU-CET (PG) and URATPG. Most colleges provide MA English Literature course in regular mode. Some MA English Literature colleges are Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Lucknow, St. Xavier's College and Mithibai College of Arts. The course is also offered in Distance learning mode. Some  MA English Literature Distance colleges are the Institute of Distance Education, IGNOU, NSOU and Institute of Distance and Open Learning. The average MA English Literature course fee is around INR 25,000.

MA English Literature Highlights 2024

William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, George Eliot and John Keats are known to be some of the most esteemed authors and poets of all time. Pursuing an MA in English Literature allows students to study some of the literary masterpieces written by such renowned writers.

The table below presents some important information related to the MA English Literature course that can help candidates get a basic idea about the course:

What is an MA English Literature?

MA English Literature is a 2-year postgraduate level course. In this course, students study Literature across timeframes from ancient to modern times in English. It includes drama, prose and poetry. On completing a Bachelor’s degree one can apply for the course.

What is the scope of an MA English Literature?

MA English Literature is pursued by many candidates as it offers lucrative career options. The scope of an MA English Literature is as follows:

• Candidates can pursue a PhD in English after MA in English Literature. This way they can apply for the post of Assistance Professor or Professor in universities and colleges.
• They can also be recruited as teachers in schools.
• Since, English is a major subject in many competitive examinations, becoming a coaching institute English teacher is also a good career option.
• Those who wish to work in corporates and consultancies can work as Content Writers and Translators.
• Those interested in the field of media can pursue a career in Journalism. Though it is a popular career choice among Mass Media and Communication graduates, the field is open to all graduates.
• Interested candidates can also apply for the SSC Stenographer Exam.

Candidates can also refer to SSC Stenographer 2024

MA English Literature is pursued by many candidates as it offers lucrative career options. The scope of an MA English Literature is as follows:

• Candidates can pursue a PhD in English after MA in English Literature. This way they can apply for the post of Assistance Professor or Professor in universities and colleges.
• They can also be recruited as teachers in schools.
• Since, English is a major subject in many competitive examinations, becoming a coaching institute English teacher is also a good career option.
• Those who wish to work in corporates and consultancies can work as Content Writers and Translators.
• Those interested in the field of media can pursue a career in Journalism. Though it is a popular career choice among Mass Media and Communication graduates, the field is open to all graduates.
• Interested candidates can also apply for the SSC Stenographer Exam.

Candidates can also refer to SSC Stenographer 2024

The eligibility criteria for admission into an MA English Literature course are usually prescribed in norms set by the colleges or universities. Some colleges may provide admission based on the cumulative scores of Class 12, graduation and entrance exams.

Given below are the basic eligibility criteria that should be satisfied by a candidate to secure admission to an MA English Literature course:

Note: The eligibility criteria mentioned above are generic. Some colleges may prescribe different criteria to shortlist candidates.

MA English is a course that is available in various modes of education. One can opt for the mode based on their accessibility and preferences.

Given below are some types of MA English course classified based on their mode of education, along with a brief description:

MA English Online Courses

Given below are some MA English Online courses along with course provider, course duration and average fees:

Note: The MA English Online course fee may vary depending on the course provider.

Admission to most postgraduate-level courses in India is offered through various entrance exams. CUET PG is one of the most popular national-level entrance exams through which candidates can apply for MA English Literature course in reputed colleges. The MA English Literature form-filling process usually commences several months before the entrance exams are conducted. It is advisable to read the official notification of entrance exams before proceeding with the registration process.

Given below are some of the top national-level and university-level entrance exams through which candidates can secure admission to an MA English Literature programme:

Candidates can also refer to: CUET PG Exam Preparation Tips

MA English Literature course is systematically structured to equip students with advanced literary skills and it also helps them to widen their horizons of thinking.  MA English Literature syllabus is divided into four semesters which are covered in a span of 2 years. The core subjects of the course are compulsory and common for all students. Apart from these subjects, there are a few choice-based elective subjects such as Politics, Literature and Philosophy, Criticism and Theory, Research Methodology and Visual Studies. The students can choose their electives based on their preferences and career paths.

Given below are some of the main subjects in an MA English Literature course:

CUET PG English Syllabus 2025

Candidates interested in pursuing an MA in English can apply to various government and private colleges through the CUET PG exam. The CUET PG English syllabus includes topics usually covered in a BA English course such as History of English and Indian Literatures, Indian Writing in English, Literary Terms, Literary Genres, Comparative Literature and Translation Studies, Literary Criticism and Theory and Awareness of Current Literary Trends. 
The major topics of the CUET PG Syllabus for English are as follows:

The candidates are advised to maintain a good academic record to secure admission to the MA English Literature course in their preferred colleges. The course is offered in various government and private colleges all across India. 

Best MA English Literature Government Colleges

Many government colleges in India are well-known for their Department of English. Many below-listed colleges have secured top rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Given below are some of the top MA English Literature government colleges along with the respective total tuition fees for the course:

Note: The fees mentioned above may vary depending on the college policies.

Best MA English Literature Private Colleges

There is a plethora of private colleges that provide MA English Literature course in India. They are known to offer excellent infrastructure, expert faculty, good hostel facility and provision for transportation. Many MA English Literature colleges help candidates in career development by providing, hands-on workshops, career coaching sessions, and internship and placement opportunities. Unlike most government colleges they offer extra classes to students who require special attention and provide skills and placement training.

Given below are some of the top MA English Literature Private colleges along with the respective tuition fees for the course:

Note: The fees mentioned above may vary depending on the college policies.

MA English Literature Distance Education

In India, many students prefer to pursue master’s degree courses in distance learning mode. The primary purpose of this mode of learning is to equip candidates with additional knowledge and qualifications without requiring them to attend regular college. Usually, admission to a Distance MA English Literature course is offered through direct admission mode. 

Given below are some of the top MA English Literature Distance Colleges:

Note: The fees mentioned above may vary depending on the college policies.

Many candidates prefer to pursue an MA in English Literature after graduation to enhance their job prospects in the career paths that require professional proficiency in English. Moreover, most jobs in India require candidates who are fluent in written and oral English. The candidates can either work for an organization or start their ventures. Freelancing has also seen a remarkable surge in India.

MA English Literature Job Profiles

After pursuing an MA in English Literature course candidates can pursue jobs in the government sector, corporations, media houses and educational institutions. Some job profiles may require the candidate to have additional knowledge and skills related to the job profile.

Given below are some of the top job profiles that an MA English graduate can pursue in India:

Note: The salaries mentioned above may vary depending on the company.

MA English Literature Course Top Recruiters

Pursuing an MA English Literature course enhances a candidate's job prospects. Many companies participate in college campus placements. Candidates can apply for jobs even on the official websites of these companies. Given below are some of the top recruiters in India that hire MA English Literature graduates:

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to MA English course: