A collaboration between the English Department at Leeds Trinity University College and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at York St John University, this course benefits from the pooled expertise of both institutions.
Core modules
The MA comprises two compulsory foundation modules:
- Laboratories of the Spirit - Builds up an awareness and understanding of the interactions between the Christian faith and literary genres. You will study a range of texts from the middle ages to the twentieth century, and gain practical skills in research and analysis. Taught in twelve weekly sessions.
- Appropriating the Bible - Provides an understanding of the ways in which the English Bible was claimed, explained and proclaimed by institutions and individuals, and how it came to inspire other forms of literary expression. Taught in twelve weekly sessions.
Option modules
Broade your awareness of the interaction between literature and questions of spirituality by studying a selection of modules:
- Catholic Novelists
- Dissent
- Faith and Feminism
- Mystical Writings
- The Poet and Spiritual Tradition
- Victorian Ethics
Research
Apply the knowledge and skills you have gained by undertaking your own research on a specific aspect of the interaction between literature and spirituality, supervised by an expert in the area. You will have the choice of writing a dissertation or a report.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by research essays submitted at the end of each module. Finally, you will have the opportunity to submit a report or a dissertation which consists of a piece of original research conducted on a subject of personal interest.
Facilities and Resources
The combined resources of Leeds Trinity and York St John produces an exceptionally broad range of staff expertise in the field of Spirituality. Students will benefit from the enhanced resources of our new library and computing facilities, and also have access to primary source material and extensive secondary literature at the University of Leeds.
Flexible study
- Full or part-time study: the MA is a modular degree designed to be taken at your own pace. The MA is designed to be tailored to your own particular needs. Modules can be taken either singularly, or extended by writing a further piece of work. You can either focus on a few topics, or work in a wide range of areas, or choose a combination of both.
- Chance to undertake supervised research: as part of your degree, you will undertake either a dissertation or a research report. You may wish to engage, under expert supervision, in a substantial piece of individual research for a dissertation. Alternatively, you can opt to write a shorter report.
- Choice of MA or Postgraduate Diploma: study for a shorter period, taking fewer modules, and take the Postgraduate Diploma instead of the MA.
- Pay as you Learn: the cost of the MA is phased so you can pay module by module. Additionally, the cost is very competitive, at about half the standard cost for most taught Masters degrees.
Entry Requirements
- A good honours degree, either in a discipline relating to English or Theology, or with some relevant content
- Successful applicants will usually be offered a place on the basis of an application form, supporting letter, referees’ reports and an interview
Awarding Body
Leeds Trinity University College
Contact Details
Course Director: Dr Jane de Gay
For an informal discussion: 0113 283 7329
Email: j.degay@leedstrinity.ac.uk
For more information:
Download the MA/PGDip in Literature and Spirituality course guide
Tel: 0113 283 7268
Fax: 0113 283 7321
Email: admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk