Mlitt in English (UK)

CaoimH_in

Hi,

If I were to get a good 2nd, which universities would I be best advised to apply to? I dream about going to St. Andrews, but I really don't know if I'm being realistic. Should I rule out a "top-ten" (in uk) university? I like the older universities, like Edinburgh, Durham, Kings College, should I rule them out?

What kind of thing would be good for a personal statement? Can I talk about all my successes outside of English? (as a composer & performer for instance?) Or should I limit myself purely to English? Basically, what sorts of things should I say in applying for an Mlitt in English?

Mardy Bum

If you have an idea of what you want to do your thesis on you should write about it. List and talk about the general areas of criticism you are interested in. Try to get your interest in research across as it is obviously vital.

CaoimH_in

Forgot to say it was taught!

Mardy Bum

Regardless of whether its taught or not by advice still stands as the thesis will be a major component of the masters. Also state your willingness to debate and discuss topics openly as class will be much less lecture orientated and the lecturer will be much more of a facilitator for debate than undergraduate classes.

CaoimH_in

Anyone else anything to say?

gutenberg

CaoimH_in wrote: »

Anyone else anything to say?

I applied to St Andrews last year (not for English, but another humanities subject), and I got an offer no problem; the conditions were a 2.1, no mark specified, so if you've been getting 2.1s during your course I don't see why you wouldn't get an offer. I imagine the same is true of a lot of other universities: most humanities-type Master's ask for a 2.1.

As regards extra-curriculars, I found a lot of universities aren't really interested in them: they're more concerned with ensuring that you are able to complete the course. By all means mention them as part of a PS, but don't dwell on them at the expense of describing your actual academic qualifications and interests would be my advice.

CaoimH_in

You're great. Thanks for that!

CaoimH_in

Could I ask which humanities course it was you applied for?

gutenberg

It was one of their History MLitts

CaoimH_in

gutenberg wrote: »

It was one of their History MLitts

You obviously really enjoyed it? I'd imagine it'd be an immense place for history. A kinda tangiable history?

gutenberg

CaoimH_in wrote: »

You obviously really enjoyed it? I'd imagine it'd be an immense place for history. A kinda tangiable history?

I didn't take up the place in the end, though I am doing a Master's in the UK (see the Know Your Postgrads thread ) but whenever I corresponded with them, or basically had any interaction with them, both while applying and after, they were very pleasant & helpful.

CaoimH_in

Cool, even better I suppose! What's it like?

gutenberg

CaoimH_in wrote: »

Cool, even better I suppose! What's it like?

My current uni (to use English parlance)? It's good, hard work though: I think I would have been a little worried if it wasn't! The range of events and academic opportunities are just incredible though, definitely one the uni's best assets. I'm also lucky to have an awesome supervisor

CaoimH_in

Lovely Lucky you; glad you enjoy it!

gutenberg

CaoimH_in wrote: »

Lovely Lucky you; glad you enjoy it!

Thanks Good luck with your applications, any university would be lucky to have you!