Why study the MA Literary Studies: Critical Theory pathway? You'll look at a range of theoretical issues in literary and cultural theory in both its historical and contemporary modalities. This begins with Aristotle, Luther, Kant and Nietzsche and includes thinkers like Freud, Heidegger, Blanchot, Derrida, Benjamin and Adorno. You'll also look at structuralism, gender, and postcolonial theory. The main focus of the postgraduate degree will be on the relationship of theory to literary and cultural criticism but you will also be able to concentrate on theoretical concepts in their own right. You also have the opportunity to pursue your wider interests thanks to the flexible structure of the Masters by studying three options from the large provision of the department, choosing at least one of these in an area that is relevant to literary and critical theory. You will be able to take advantage of the unique resources available in the Department of English and Creative Writing, which is home (together with Sociology) to the Centre for Philosophy and Critical Thought (cpct.uk), which runs an annual research seminar, and hosts numerous public lectures, workshops, and conferences throughout the year. You will be able to further develop your interest in literary theory or literary-theoretical approaches to literature and culture through a 15,000-word dissertation to be submitted at the end of your programme of study.