English and Politics MA (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Dundee

Program Overview

If you’re passionate about both literature and current affairs, Dundee’s MA (Hons) English & Politics offers the perfect balance between creative expression and critical analysis. You’ll explore how stories, language, and political ideas shape the world — from Shakespeare to social movements — developing a deep understanding of how culture and power interact in society.


Curriculum Structure

Years 1 & 2:
You’ll start by studying core modules like Politics and Public Policy and Reading Literature: Poetry and Drama, building your foundation in both disciplines. This stage helps you sharpen your analytical writing, learn how governments and political systems operate, and engage with classic and modern literary texts.

Year 3:
As you progress, you’ll have the freedom to tailor your learning through modules such as Comparative Politics or Theorising Politics in the political stream, and Victorian Literature or Modernism and After in English. You’ll explore how literature reflects and challenges political thought, while learning to construct persuasive arguments in essays and seminars.

Year 4:
Your final year gives you the chance to specialise. You’ll undertake a dissertation in either English or Politics, guided by expert supervisors. You might analyse contemporary political narratives in the media, study postcolonial literature, or explore global political systems. Modules like European Union Politics or Scottish Politics and Policy can be paired with advanced literary studies to create a truly interdisciplinary perspective.


Focus Areas

Literary analysis | Political theory | Comparative politics | Creative writing | Cultural studies | Public policy

Learning Outcomes

Critical reading | Analytical writing | Independent research | Argumentation | Cross-disciplinary thinking

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While not tied to a specific accrediting body, this degree equips students with transferable skills valued in careers such as journalism, publishing, policy analysis, communications, and education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

  • Dundee is ranked Top in Scotland for graduates entering highly skilled employment (87.4%).

  • The university’s Careers Service offers lifetime support and hosts 7 annual employer fairs with over 250 participating organisations.

  • Graduates are known for their adaptability, research skills, and strong communication — qualities highly sought by employers in creative and political industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Dundee, learning English and Politics is about far more than lectures and essays — it’s about stepping into the real world of ideas, debate, and creative communication. You’ll explore how literature and politics intersect through hands-on projects, role-play simulations, and independent research that encourage you to think critically and act confidently. Whether you’re analysing political systems, writing creatively, or developing an advocacy campaign, every experience is designed to prepare you for life beyond university.

Here’s how you’ll put your learning into practice:

  • European Union Politics Simulation: Step into the shoes of EU policymakers through interactive negotiation role-plays that teach you how political decisions are made in real time.

  • Human Rights Advocacy Internship (PO42017): Collaborate with Scholars at Risk to run a live human rights campaign, applying your academic learning to a real-world cause.

  • English Dissertation (EN41011): Pursue an independent literary research project on a topic that inspires you — from Shakespeare to modern political writing — with one-to-one mentoring from faculty experts.

  • Politics Dissertation (PO40006): Conduct an in-depth political study or policy analysis, strengthening your research and data interpretation skills.

  • Research Design Module (PO32018): Learn how to plan, structure, and carry out advanced research — skills that are invaluable for both academia and professional careers.

  • Library & Digital Resources: Gain access to Dundee’s world-class Main Library, political archives, and literary databases that support both creative and analytical projects.

These experiences make your degree as practical as it is intellectual — helping you graduate not just with knowledge, but with real experience in analysis, research, and communication.

Progression & Future Opportunities

An English & Politics degree from Dundee opens doors to a world of opportunities. Whether you want to work in government, media, publishing, or advocacy, you’ll graduate with the communication, analytical, and leadership skills that employers truly value. Many graduates go on to exciting careers as Policy Analysts, Political Communications Officers, Content Strategists, or Advocacy Managers, shaping conversations that influence society.

At Dundee, your future success is built into the student experience — from internships and networking to lifelong career support:

  • Personalised Career Guidance: You’ll be supported by a dedicated careers adviser who helps you explore options, refine your CV, and prepare for interviews tailored to the humanities and politics sectors.

  • JobShop Portal: Access more than 8,000 work, internship, and volunteering opportunities every year through the university’s exclusive online platform.

  • Employer Networking: Dundee hosts seven recruitment fairs annually, connecting you directly with over 250 employers from public, private, and creative industries.

  • Graduate Outcomes: Around 90% of Dundee graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months, with Politics-related graduates earning an average salary of £29,000.

  • Strong Employability Reputation: Dundee ranks Top in Scotland for graduates entering highly skilled employment (87.4%), showing the university’s commitment to your professional success.

  • Industry and Community Links: The School of Humanities and Social Sciences works closely with NGOs, policy organisations, and media partners, offering you practical insight and connections that strengthen your career journey.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you could take your learning even further with postgraduate study — such as an MA or MSc in Political Theory, Media and Communication, or Human Rights. Many graduates also pursue PhD research in English, Politics, or related interdisciplinary areas, or progress to Law, Journalism, or Public Administration to deepen their professional expertise.

Program Key Stats

£23,150
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 15th Jan


Eligibility Criteria

CCC
3.0
28
65

NA
NA
6.0
80

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Policy Analysts
  • Political Communications Officers
  • Content Strategists
  • Advocacy Managers
  • or Public Affairs Consultants

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