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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I could do a Literature masters?

30 replies

cripez · 16/01/2021 08:48

Teenage me desperately wanted to study the media, so that is what I have a BA in, from a Russell Group uni I might add. I really enjoyed my degree and my time at uni but if I could have it over again I would have chosen English Literature.

I have a PGCE specialising in English.

I taught English for over ten years.

I wish desperately that I had done a Literature degree and can't afford studying for another BA, as I wouldn't be entitled to any support with it.

AIBU to think I could study for a MA in Literature? Or would the admissions team take one look at my BA, laugh, and shove me on the 'reject' pile?

OP posts:
AlexaShutUp · 16/01/2021 08:56

I'm sure that many universities would be happy to offer you a place, OP. If it's something you really want to do, why not ring a few universities and ask?

Aprilx · 16/01/2021 08:59

I don’t think universities tend to turn people down for masters degrees, it is business for them. I did a masters a couple of years ago as a mature student and the bar for entry appeared very low.

OneTooManyMornings · 16/01/2021 09:03

I've been thinking about doing an MA in English Literature too. My BA is in Drama.

I actually went to an open day at my local uni last year and asked about it. They said that any essay based degree is acceptable. So I'm guessing that would apply to a degree in Media? And your PGCE and teaching experience would surely be plusses too in your application.

PrimalLass · 16/01/2021 09:30

You pay for it so they will take you. I wish I'd done anything other than English for my undergrad!

InTheMiddle23 · 16/01/2021 09:37

It's a shame the won't accept returns.

BeardyButton · 16/01/2021 09:46

Do it. You ll love it. Depending where you apply, they will accept. Those saying since you pay, you ll get in... Yes but not all Unis. Oxbridge/LSE etc reject people for masters all the time. Choose a number of unis you d be happy to go to and then apply.

Undergrad in Eng lit. Postgrads and PhD in other subject. My sister has jst gone back to Uni to do literature. I am so jealous. Her course sounds totally fab. I think you will love it.

CorneliaStreet · 16/01/2021 09:47

I have a Literature MA with a BA in History. I think having a first degree that was essay based made it easier for me to actually do the course, but it wasn’t an entry requirement, any undergraduate level degree was accepted. If you’re paying, they’re happy to have you.

Llmmnn · 16/01/2021 09:47

They won’t care. And you’ll love it and they’ll love you.

DO IT! 😁

KyraGoose · 16/01/2021 09:47

Consider the OU. I'm doing an MA in education. Highly recommend the way MAs are delivered online.

TornadoOfSouls · 16/01/2021 09:51

Yes, or Birkbeck (London University). My MA course was excellent. Part time study makes it much more affordable, too.

MrsBobBlackadder · 16/01/2021 10:03

@TornadoOfSouls

Yes, or Birkbeck (London University). My MA course was excellent. Part time study makes it much more affordable, too.
This is exactly what I'm thinking of doing! Watching with interest Smile
Pinkdelight3 · 16/01/2021 10:24

If you're paying for it, they'll bite your hand off. Nothing wrong with a media BA either, only with your self esteem - you're an English teacher! Give yourself some love and go for it.

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 16/01/2021 10:29

I’m thinking of doing similar. I have a good law degree from a RG uni. My first love was literature. Life is too busy presently to undertake if. But when / if time permits I’ll see about an application for a Masters. I’m sure you will be able to couch an application in terms that will get you a place. Why not ring around a few places that interest you.

Evvyjb · 16/01/2021 10:35

My MA is Shakespeare, I am now working at a secondary english teacher while completing my PhD in the same field.

I bloody love literature. If you do too, go for it.

daisypond · 16/01/2021 10:37

I am sure you would be accepted.

Stellaroses · 16/01/2021 10:41

You can definitely do it. I have an Eng Lit degree and wouldn’t think twice about finding myself on a masters with people with a BA in media or drama. Go for it.

Toptop498 · 16/01/2021 11:16

You could absolutely do one. They'd love you.

TramaDollface · 16/01/2021 11:19

Op I’m
In the same position

Of all the crap decisions I’ve made in my life not doing BA literature has been by far my biggest regret

Nobody will accept me because I have a ba psychology even though I’m a trained journalist and my career has been writing

I’m looking at the ma open university but don’t like the syllablus

partyatthepalace · 16/01/2021 11:49

OP why would you think anyone would laugh at you?! Please start valuing yourself - you are clearly bright and your previous education and career mean you will bring interesting perspectives. Get applying!

partyatthepalace · 16/01/2021 11:51

@TramaDollface

Op I’m In the same position

Of all the crap decisions I’ve made in my life not doing BA literature has been by far my biggest regret

Nobody will accept me because I have a ba psychology even though I’m a trained journalist and my career has been writing

I’m looking at the ma open university but don’t like the syllablus

@TramaDollface. I am just being nosy, but what do you mean nobody will accept you?
TornadoOfSouls · 16/01/2021 12:08

@MrsBobBlackadder I did my MA ten years ago at Birkbeck. It wasn’t in literature but there was a literature element. (My first degree was in English Literature). The class size was small, I think there were about eight of us on my course, but in some modules there were students from other courses (eg Theatre Studies, Art History), which was great and encouraged an interdisciplinary approach. The teaching was very good. Birkbeck’s location is fantastic and of course the access to libraries, museums etc in central London is excellent. I was able to get a reader’s ticket for the British Library for my dissertation research.
Fee-wise I think I paid £300/m and looking at the fee for my course it’s now £367/m which seems a reasonable increase over a decade. I worked 4/5 days a week throughout the two years, which enabled me to pay the fees as I went along, and although I was very busy, I enjoyed the balance of work and study.

If you live in London, are passionate about your subject, and like the look of the Birkbeck course, I encourage you to go for it!

TramaDollface · 16/01/2021 12:11

They all ask for BA English literature Hmm

Probably you need to have the ability to decipher prose using techniques gained from a BA

I’ve tried north west universities
Don’t really want to do open uni as the syllabus is full of books that I’ve read and disliked

www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/modules/a815

Original poster
cripez · 16/01/2021 12:12

I have two universities close to me, with one much more prestigious than the other. I might apply for both and see who has low standards 😂

OP posts:
TramaDollface · 16/01/2021 12:14

If anybody is in the same position as me, take a look at Oxford continuing education courses, they have mountains of brilliant short courses c14 weeks long

I can recommend them, have done 20th century literature and a course in Greek mythology, both about £250 and a few years ago now

TramaDollface · 16/01/2021 12:14

@cripez

I have two universities close to me, with one much more prestigious than the other. I might apply for both and see who has low standards 😂
If the application itself is free, you have nothing to lose!
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