MA English: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
Duration
Average Fees
INR 40K - 50K/Annum
Updated on Oct 3, 2022 by Kripal Thapa
Updated on Oct 3, 2022 by Kripal Thapa
MA English is a two-year postgraduate arts programme that deals with English literature as its primary focus. MA English is one of the top specializations in the Master of Arts programmes with english being the most commonly used official language in the world. MA English graduates can find job opportunities in many international job markets as writers, editors and teachers.
MA English Course Details
| Degree | Masters |
| Full Form | Master of Arts in English |
| Duration | |
| Age | No age limit |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% in Bachelor's Degree |
| Average Fees | INR 40K - 50K/Annum |
| Similar Options of Study | BA (English Literature), MA (English Literature), M.Litt (English) |
| Average Salary | INR 3.5 - 4 LPA |
| Employment Roles | Lecturer / Speaker, Content Writer, Technical Writer, High School Teacher, Primary School Teacher, English Language / Literature Teacher - Postsecondary, Editor, Copy Editor etc |
About MA English
According to Wikipedia, "Art is a diverse range of (and products of) human activities involving creative imagination to express technical proficiency, beauty, emotional power, or conceptual ideas."
An MA English course with an enriching career for those with a high vocabulary and language skills. Postgraduates with an MA in English Literature are hired in publishing, teaching, communication, public relations, journalism, advertising, and many more, thus showing off their high job scope. It is part of the umbrella of Master of Arts and therefore provides students with a lot of in-depth understanding of the concepts.
Table of Contents
- MA English Eligibility Criteria
- MA English Admission Process
- Who Should Pursue MA English?
- Types of MA English
- MA English Entrance Exams
- MA English Colleges
- MA English in Abroad
- MA English Fees Structure
- MA English Syllabus and Subjects
- Why Choose MA English?
- Course Comparison
- Preparation Tips for MA English
- Scope of Higher Education for MA English
- MA English Salary
- MA English Career Options
- Skills to Excel
Eligibility Criteria for MA English
Admission for the MA English course in India begins with checking the course's eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 45-50% aggregate marks in a BA English course or an equivalent degree in any reputed university or institution. If not a percentage, there must be an equal CGPA. A passing score is required on JNUEE, DUET, IPU CET, or the necessary entrance exams. This course is open to all ages. Currently, MA English in India is a very popular and high in demand course and offers a high job scope for aspirants after immediately passing out.
Admission Process for MA English?
The MA English admission process begins with the student having a minimum aggregate score of 45% to 50% in BA English or any other equivalent degree from any recognised college or institute and passing marks on entrance exams conducted by national bodies, institutes, or a group of institutes. Then, aspirants are called to write a written test, participate in group discussions, and have a personal interview after passing these exams.
Though the admission process varies from college to college, below mentioned are the steps that one should go through generally to get admission:
How to Apply?
One can access the application form online, i.e. the university/college's portal. Then, it has to be filled. Because of covid, online is the only option available right now. Once done, the aspirant has to upload/attach the required documents per the guidelines and the specifications mentioned. Then, apply for a loan if necessary and pay the fee if selected.
Selection Process
The selection is based on the MA English eligibility criteria of the minimum scores in the listed exams. Once that is done, there might be an entrance test in colleges. After passing those with a decent score, the aspirant is selected. Either with/without the loan, the fee has to be paid depending on the ones quoted by the institution.
Who Should Pursue a MA English?
Students interested in content writing, copywriting, teaching, translator, librarian, stenographer, and editor can pursue an MA English course. Candidates who want to be hired at higher-level positions in academia can pursue an MA English course as it indicates superior skills in the language.
When To Do MA English?
The student can pursue the MA English right after completing the BA English course. They should have passed the BA English course with a minimum of 50% from a recognised University. Alternatively, professionals who want to advance their careers in the field of Literature can go for the course.
Types of MA English
Due to being in demand all over the country and by many employers for MA English graduates, many colleges offer courses Full-Time, Part-Time and Distance. Below are the details of the following:
Full-Time MA English
It is a 2-year course emphasising classroom learning, research and interaction with professors. A Full-Time MA English is the most beneficial and the first choice of aspirants as they also learn a diverse range of skills apart from proficiency in the English language.
Part-Time MA English
Students can obtain a part-time MA degree depending on their choice of university or college. Part-time education does not always cost more or less than full-time education. However, you will generally pay less if you take fewer classes.
Distance MA English
Many universities offer distance learning or correspondence programmes for Master's degrees in English Literature. This type of study is ideal for those who cannot enrol in a traditional institution or have been denied entrance to any traditional school.
Popular Entrance Exams for MA English
Some universities and institutions or even states may conduct their entrance examinations for MA English admissions. The exam includes topics like Contemporary British and Indian Literature, Historical Coverage of English Literature, Contextual Readings of all ages, and many more subjects, helping them understand the course. The exams are:
A Quick Glance At The MA English Entrance Exams
The students must qualify for the national or state level MA English entrance exams such as DUET, JNUEE, CUCET, etc. Aspirants can choose coaching institutes that prepare students for the entrance exams. The entrance exam gives a glance at the entire course, thus giving an overview of the topic.
- The aspirant needs to learn time management to be able to attempt all the questions.
- Time management and aptitude knowledge are required for the generalised section.
- The exams are held only in English, and thus language proficiency is a must.
- Study the entire syllabus for the entrance exams, covering each topic and studying in detail about them
- Skills to prepare for include Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
Top 10 MA English Colleges in India
India has a variety of colleges offering a course in MA English. Since it's a form of specialisation, it requires a practical and theoretical study which helps them get in-depth knowledge of the course. These are the top 10 colleges in India, according to the updates given in 2021.
| SI.No. | Name of the College |
| 1 | Jawaharlal Nehru University |
| 2 | Miranda House |
| 3 | Jamia Millia Islamia University |
| 4 | English and Foreign languages University |
| 5 | Ambedkar University, Delhi |
| 6 | Hyderabad Central University |
| 7 | Loyola College, Chennai |
| 8 | Presidency University |
| 9 | Christ University |
| 10 | Stephen’s College |
Top MA English Colleges in New Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for MA English in India. Check the table below for the top MA English colleges in New Delhi:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Miranda House |
| 2 | Gargi College |
| 3 | Hindu College |
| 4 | St Stephen’s College |
| 5 | Lady Shri Ram College for Women |
Read More: MA English Colleges in Delhi
Top MA English Colleges in Pune
Pune also has some of the best institutions for MA English in India. Check the table below for the top MA English colleges in Pune:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Fergusson College |
| 2 | Dr DY Patil Arts, Science and Commerce College |
| 3 | St Mira’s College for Girls |
| 4 | Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce |
| 5 | Abeda Inamdar Senior College |
Read More: MA English Colleges in Pune
Top MA English Colleges in Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s capital city is home to some of the premier institutions for MA English in India. Check the table below for the best MA English colleges in Chennai:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Anna Adarsh College for Women |
| 2 | Ethiraj College for Women |
| 3 | Madras Christian College |
| 4 | Pachaiyappa's College |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu Open University |
Read More: MA English Colleges in Chennai
Top MA English Colleges in Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top MA English programmes. Check the table below for the best MA English colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Christ University |
| 2 | Garden City University |
| 3 | Kristu Jayanti College |
| 4 | Jain University |
| 5 | Jyoti Nivas College |
Read More: MA English Colleges in Bangalore
Top MA English Colleges in Kolkata
West Bengal’s capital city, Kolkata, has some of the best colleges for MA English courses in India. Check the table below for the best MA English colleges in Kolkata:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Jadavpur University |
| 2 | Presidency University |
| 3 | St. Xavier’s University |
| 4 | Lady Brabourne College |
| 5 | St Xavier’s College |
Read More: MA English Colleges in Kolkata
Top MA English Colleges in Hyderabad
The Telangana state capital has some premier institutions in the country for MA English courses in India. Check the table below for the top MA English colleges in Hyderabad:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Nizam College |
| 2 | AV College of Arts, Science, and Commerce |
| 3 | St Francis College for Women |
| 4 | Sarojini Naidu Vanita Mahavidyalaya |
| 5 | University Of Hyderabad (UOH) |
Read More: MA English Colleges in Hyderabad
Top MA English Government Colleges
There are several top Government Colleges offering quality MA English programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top MA English government colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Lady Shri Ram College For Women |
| 2 | Loyola College |
| 3 | Miranda House |
| 4 | Presidency College, Chennai |
| 5 | Hindu College Delhi |
Top MA English Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality MA English private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top MA English private colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Christ University, Bangalore |
| 2 | Madras Christian College |
| 3 | Fergusson College, Pune |
| 4 | KJ Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce |
| 5 | St. Xaviers College (SXC) |
Study MA English Abroad
Due to being one of the most sought after courses, many colleges all over the world are offering the MA English course. Below is name of top colleges in some of the countries in the world:
Top MA English Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of the some of the best colleges abroad for MA English:
| Institution | Fees |
| University of Oxford | GBP 34,678 PA |
| Harvard University | USD 88,699PA |
| University of Cambridge | GBP 23,340 PA |
| University of California, Berkeley | USD 41,528PA |
| Stanford University | USD 56,487 PA |
| Yale University | USD 46,200 PA |
| New York University | USD 54,880 |
| University of California, LA | USD 32,858 PA |
| Princeton University | USD 56,010 PA |
| Columbia University | USD 23.67 PA |
Top MA English Colleges in the USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch MA English programmes in the world. The table below displays the list of top MA English colleges in the USA:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of California--Berkeley |
| 2 | Yale University |
| 3 | Harvard University |
| 4 | Princeton University |
| 5 | Stanford University |
Top MA English Colleges in the UK
The UK has institutions which were established in the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a MA English. The table below shows the top colleges in the UK for MA English:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | Loughborough University |
| 3 | University of St Andrews |
| 4 | Durham University |
| 5 | University of Cambridge |
Top MA English Colleges in Canada
Known as the ‘Great White North’, Canada is one of the most sought after destinations for MA English programmes in the world:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Dalhousie University |
| 2 | Concordia University |
| 3 | Trinity Western University |
| 4 | University of Guelph |
| 5 | University of Northern British Columbia |
Top MA English Colleges in Australia
Australia has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for higher studies for students around the world. The list of top MA English colleges in Australia are as follows:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | University of Canterbury |
| 2 | The University of Sydney |
| 3 | University of Saskatchewan |
| 4 | Simon Fraser University |
| 5 | Carleton University |
Fee Structure for MA English
The MA English course fees may vary based on college. A government-based institute charges less than a private institute because of its infrastructure and facilities. The average price of a MA English course in a private institute is about INR 40,000 - 1 LPA.
| College Name | Fees Per Annum |
| Miranda House | INR 25,000 PA |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | INR 30,000 PA |
| Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College | INR 35,000 PA |
| Christ University | INR 20,000 PA |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 2.40 LPA |
Syllabus and Subjects for MA English
The MA English course is a two-year program consisting of 4 semesters. It covers Literary Criticism, Drama, Fiction, Poetry, American Literature, Canadian Literature, Indian English Literature, etc. Each college may have its topics and subjects depending on the course modules. A few of the subject topics are:
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Drama
- Poetry
- Fiction
Read More: MA English Syllabus and Subjects
Why Choose MA English?
MA in English is a very demanding course for aspirants trying to work in the teaching of journalism. However, it is a course that provides a wide range of opportunities. This program emphasises the importance of research for developing students' understanding and furthering their learning. It even offers a high job scope abroad because of language proficiency. The course itself is a highlight in one's CV, thus emphasising its enormous job scope.
What is MA English All About?
This postgraduate course focuses on helping students develop analytical and critical thinking skills for producing original insights in scholarly academic writing and discourse. MA English course list extensively covers topics from English Literature, which primarily focuses on Poetry, Prose, Drama, and Linguistics. Considering Literature is such a broad topic, students have the opportunity to select elective courses and specialise as they wish.
What Does a MA English Graduate Do?
MA English graduates have various job roles and career-related points because of their excellent knowledge of the most needed language. The aspirant chooses to work with an academic or editorial/ writing firm or do research and pursue further education. Some of the options are:
Further studies: Graduates of the MA English Literature program have several career options to choose from but even have an option to study further. If they wish to pursue higher education, they can enrol in a program of M.Phil or PhD in any branch of literary study.
Teaching Profession: Graduates can pursue teaching positions in educational and research institutions to share their knowledge and expertise with younger students.
Reasons Why MA English Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
MA English is an accredited master's program and provides aspirants with high career opportunities and other benefits. The benefits of the course are:
High Pay: The job offers a good starting salary for freshers and a well of ones for senior or experienced graduates, thus marking it as a good one in the economy.
Opportunities: English language proficiency is the most basic requirement for abroad job scope in various sectors. It even has a high job scope abroad.
Read More: MA English Jobs and Scope
MA English Course Comparison
MA English stands for Masters of Arts English and is typically catered to students interested in gaining expertise in various aspects of the English language. Below is a comparison of the MA English course with other courses:
MA English vs MA English Literature
The table below showcases the differences between MA English and MA English Literature
| Course | MA English | MA English Literature |
| Full-Form | Master of Arts English | Master of Arts in English Literature |
| Stream | Masters | Masters |
| Course Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
| Eligibility | BA in English with minimum 50% | Graduation with English as the main subject |
| Entrance Exams | JNUEE, DUET, BHU-PET, PUMDET, IPU-CET | JNUEE, DUET, BHU-PET, EFLU |
| Top Colleges | IGNOU Delhi, JMI New Delhi, SRM University Chennai, MSU Baroda | Presidency College, Chennai, Sri Krishna Arts and Science College, Coimbatore, Christ Church College, Kanpur, Shoolini University, Solan |
| Fees | INR 40,000 - 50,000 | INR 8,000-1.5 LPA |
Read More: MA English Literature
Preparation Tips for MA English
MA English entrance exams involve both an aptitude and a knowledge testing type of questions. So being well prepared with it would be of use. Below are some preparation tips made by experts for aspirants who want to pursue MA English.
Time Management: The aspirant should be capable of answering all the questions in the specified time. Since it involves Literature, it would be lengthy.
Reading Newspapers: General knowledge and current affairs questions are often asked in entrance exams and sometimes in personal interviews and group discussion rounds.
Skills: Trying to focus more on Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, etc., which are all included in the questions.
Scope For Higher Education
Having a MA English degree opens up a wide range of career options. One can also study further after completing the course.
The most commonly followed path in this aspect is the Doctorate, which can obtain in different specialisations involved in the course module. Depending on an aspirant's choice of stream, there are many options in the field of Literature and language.
When higher education and the MA degree are put together, it gives the students a high job scope. A few of the courses are:
- English Literature
- Creative Writing
- Language and Literature
Salary of a MA English Graduate
The starting salary of a MA English graduate would be around INR 3.5 - 4 LPA. As skills and experience increase, so will the salary increment. The salary varies depending on whether it's a private or a public sector and the firm's popularity.
Even the job role of the aspirant is a factor that is noted while the salaries are discussed. For instance, an editor might get paid more than a writer.
Read More: MA English Salary
Career Options After MA English
After completing a course in MA English, the aspirant can work in the public and private sectors depending on the type of work they prefer or the skills they have. They even have further specialisation by doing a postgraduate degree like a doctorate or further extension by other full-time courses.
But even the MA degree has a high job scope because of the demand and the industrialisation and development happening. Some of the best job designations for the graduates after the course of MA English in the government sector are as follows:
- Insurance Agent
- Civil Service Officer
- Interpreter, Decoders
- Librarian
- Teachers
- Tourist guides
Some of the best MA English career options in the private sector are:
- Trainee position
- Corporate Managers
- Communication HR
- Journalist
Skills That Make You The Best after MA English
The MA English course provides a career boost for people seeking jobs in teaching or journalism. In addition, it opens a variety of career opportunities for aspiring writers and translators at various international agencies.
Some of the skills required for MA English graduates are as follows:
- Analytical skill
- Creative skills
- Critical reasoning skills
- Data Interpretation
