Master of Arts in the field of English Studies

The Master of Arts in the field of English Studies (MAES) offers candidates with a solid foundation in English Studies the opportunity to participate in an innovative programme that explores the latest developments in literary, cultural and linguistic theory. The curriculum has a cross-cultural focus designed to take advantage of Hong Kong's historical, geographical and cultural position on the global stage. Each course considers different theories, languages and literatures of cross-cultural interest, especially with respect to East-West and post colonial studies. The programme includes courses in Cross-Cultural Theory, Language and Communication, Global Shakespeare, Post colonial Representations, Travel Writing, World Modernisms, The Politics of English, Language Variation across Society and Speakers, New Media and Discourse, and Global Englishes, among others. In the final semester, students will complete a capstone course that will culminate in a research essay, a creative project and a conference paper to be presented to the academic and wider community.

The main prerequisite for this programme is a solid background at BA level in writing critical essays on language and literature. Much of the theory (of language and communication, postcolonialism, globalization, and cross-cultural discourse) may be new, and the programme will introduce and guide students through structured explorations and discussions of unfamiliar and challenging material. Some readings will be made available to students in advance during the summer.

Please note that our MA is not an English as a Second Language or an English teaching programme. Although many of our students are English teachers or teachers-to-be, the programme's focus is fundamentally on literature and language as fields of critical enquiry, and not on pedagogical methods or improving language skills. Our programme assumes that you already have a background in critical reading and writing but also offers academic writing workshops throughout the year to ensure that students from different backgrounds are well supported.

In addition to regular classes, students will have the opportunity to participate in a co-curricular programme of cultural events and a variety of extracurricular activities throughout the year.