Literature and Languages
Postgraduate Applicants
M.Res in Renaissance Studies
The programme aims to encourage wide reading in Renaissance literature and drama in English, but within the broad social, historical, political and cultural context of the Northern Renaissance in Europe from the time of the Reformation up to the English Revolution of 1642-1660. Special emphasis will be given to the different genres of writing, and also to issues such as the growth of printing, the rise of the commercial theatre, and to the increase in political and religious writing. Questions of monarchy, republicanism and nationalism will also be explored, and linked to various changing forms of representation throughout the period. 
Programme Objectives
This programme aims to:
* Introduce students to key areas of critical debate in Renaissance Studies by comparing different canonical accounts of the period.
* Explore the distinctiveness of northern Renaissance culture.
* Develop a critical understanding of the variety of genres, media and signifying practices employed by Renaissance writers and visual artists.
* Equip students with the technical skills necessary for conducting research in this field, presenting information and constructing scholarly arguments.
A flavour of the programme's distinctive approach may be gleaned from the Journal of the Northern Renaissance.
Structure and Content
The core of this MRes programme is a sustained period of independent study, assessed by coursework over two semesters. This involves a programme of directed reading and research, to be agreed by each individual student with his/her supervisor, and tailored to his/her interests.
In addition, students take two taught modules from a menu including:
* Politics and Renaissance Drama: Shakespeare and His Contemporaries
* Renaissance Sovereignty: Politics and Representation
* Writing and National Identity
Please note that not all these optional modules may be offered in each academic year.
Arts Research Training
Our innovative training for graduates enables students to build up a portfolio of skills that prepare them for academic and professional life. All graduate students will work with their supervisors to select what’s right for them from a menu of activities. Each student will build up a portfolio of skills every year. On a taught postgraduate degree, you may be given specific guidance on what activities you need to undertake for those qualifications.
Dissertation
A dissertation of 15,000 words is written during the Summer.
Career Opportunities
Completing a Masters degree as a prelude to further academic research is an increasingly common pattern of study for young scholars, and is a route encouraged by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Advanced education in the Arts, the practical experience of research, and the production of a dissertation are significant transferable skills for many careers in business and the professions.
Entrance Requirements
An upper second class or first class single or combined Honours degree in English Literature or a cognate discipline (e.g. Linguistics, History, Art History, Intellectual History, Languages) from a UK university or an equivalent qualification. Applicants with other qualifications or appropriate experience may be admitted on the recommendation of the Programme Director.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL 577/233/90 (Paper/Computer/Internet).
Further Information
For further information, or to arrange to visit the Department, please contact the Course Director, Professor John Drakakis.
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Professor John Drakakis Department of English Studies University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA UK |
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Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 467-501 |
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Fax: + 44 (0) 1786 466-210 |
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Email: john.drakakis@stir.ac.uk |
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Web: John Drakakis Staff Profile |