Arts & Humanities

Master of Arts in English Literature

The Master of Arts in English Literature at Mount Kenya University is a two-year postgraduate programme designed to develop advanced critical, analytical, and research skills in the study of English literary traditions. Offered by the Department of Humanities and Languages within the School of Social Science, the programme engages students with diverse literary texts across periods, genres, and cultural contexts.

Students explore classical and contemporary literary theories, applying them to the analysis of poetry, prose, drama, and emerging forms of digital literature. The curriculum covers African literature, postcolonial studies, oral literature, and discourse analysis, situating literary studies within broader cultural and political frameworks.

The programme emphasises research methodology, enabling students to conduct independent scholarly inquiry into literary topics. A thesis component allows students to specialise in areas such as African literature, literary criticism, comparative literature, or genre studies, contributing original insights to the field.

Teaching approaches include seminars, text-based discussions, and independent research, fostering intellectual rigour and critical engagement with complex texts. Students develop advanced skills in textual analysis, academic writing, and literary criticism, preparing them for careers in academia, publishing, journalism, and creative industries.

The programme also addresses the practical applications of literary studies, including editing, publishing, content development, and communication consultancy. Graduates are equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of literary and cultural production in Kenya and globally.

Graduates pursue roles in education, publishing, media, communications, and cultural institutions. The programme's accreditation by the Commission for University Education ensures recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region.

Skills Required

Literary Criticism
Textual Analysis
Research Methods in Literature
Academic Writing
African Literature Studies
Postcolonial Literary Theory
Discourse Analysis
Comparative Literature
Creative Writing
Editorial and Publishing Skills

Key Subjects

Advanced Literary Theory
African Literature
Research Methods in Literature
Discourse Analysis
Postcolonial Literature
Oral Literature and Folklore
Comparative Literature
English Poetry and Prose
Drama and Theatre Studies
Literary Criticism

Certifications

Kenya Oral Literature Association Membership
African Literature Association Membership

Specializations

African Literature

Focuses on the study of African literary traditions, including oral literature, postcolonial narratives, and contemporary African writers.

Literary Theory and Criticism

Examines major schools of literary theory from formalism to poststructuralism, applying critical frameworks to diverse literary texts.

Comparative Literature

Covers the comparative study of literature across languages, cultures, and national traditions, exploring cross-cultural literary influences.

Postcolonial Studies

Explores literature produced in postcolonial contexts, examining themes of identity, power, resistance, and cultural hybridity.

Oral Literature and Folklore

Focuses on the theory and methods of oral literature, including the collection, analysis, and preservation of oral traditions.

Creative Writing and Publishing

Develops skills in creative writing, editorial practice, and publishing, bridging literary study with literary production.

Discourse Analysis

Examines language use in social contexts, applying discourse analysis techniques to literary and non-literary texts.

Gender and Literature

Explores representations of gender in literature, examining feminist literary criticism and gendered narratives across periods.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 220,500
Private, up to: Ksh 178,126
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Advanced Literary Theory
African Literature
Research Methods in Literature
Discourse Analysis
Postcolonial Literature
Oral Literature and Folklore
Comparative Literature
English Poetry and Prose
Drama and Theatre Studies
Literary Criticism

Modules

11 in the programme

Advanced Literary Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines major schools of literary theory from formalism and structuralism to poststructuralism, deconstruction, and postcolonial theory.
Research Methods in Literature
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies for conducting original literary research, including bibliographic methods and textual analysis.
African Literature
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Surveys African literary traditions from oral literature to contemporary written forms, examining major African writers and literary movements.
Discourse Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines language use in social and literary contexts, applying discourse analysis techniques to literary and non-literary texts.
Postcolonial Literature
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Explores literature produced in postcolonial contexts, examining themes of identity, power, resistance, and cultural hybridity in African and global postcolonial texts.
Oral Literature and Folklore
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers the theory and methods of oral literature, including collection, classification, analysis, and preservation of oral traditions.
Comparative Literature
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines the comparative study of literature across languages, cultures, and national traditions, exploring cross-cultural literary influences and genres.
English Poetry and Prose
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Provides in-depth study of selected English poetry and prose from different periods, analysing form, style, and thematic concerns.
Drama and Theatre Studies
Year 2Semester 13 creditsElective
Examines dramatic literature and theatre traditions, including African drama, Shakespeare, and modern theatrical movements.
Literary Criticism Seminar
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Advanced seminar applying critical frameworks to selected literary texts, developing students' skills in literary argumentation and scholarly writing.
Master's Thesis
Year 2Semester 212 creditsCore
Original research project investigating a literary topic, demonstrating scholarly competence and contributing new insights to the field of English literature.

Specialisations

African Literature
Focuses on the study of African literary traditions, including oral literature, postcolonial narratives, and contemporary African writers.
Literary Theory and Criticism
Examines major schools of literary theory from formalism to poststructuralism, applying critical frameworks to diverse literary texts.
Comparative Literature
Covers the comparative study of literature across languages, cultures, and national traditions, exploring cross-cultural literary influences.
Postcolonial Studies
Explores literature produced in postcolonial contexts, examining themes of identity, power, resistance, and cultural hybridity.
Oral Literature and Folklore
Focuses on the theory and methods of oral literature, including the collection, analysis, and preservation of oral traditions.
Creative Writing and Publishing
Develops skills in creative writing, editorial practice, and publishing, bridging literary study with literary production.
Discourse Analysis
Examines language use in social contexts, applying discourse analysis techniques to literary and non-literary texts.
Gender and Literature
Explores representations of gender in literature, examining feminist literary criticism and gendered narratives across periods.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending seminars on literary theory, African literature, or discourse analysis, engaging in close reading and critical discussion of assigned texts. Students participate in text-based debates, present seminar papers on selected literary works, and work on research assignments in the library. Those in the thesis phase spend time conducting independent research, analysing literary texts, and writing their dissertation under faculty supervision.

The trade offs

In its favour

MKU offers flexible study modes including full-time, part-time, and digital learning (DIBeL), accommodating working professionals.
Programme covers diverse literary traditions including African literature and postcolonial studies, not just the Western canon.
Thesis component develops advanced research skills valued in academia, publishing, and communications.
Competitive tuition fees compared to other private universities offering similar humanities programmes.

Against it

Only one institution in Kenya offers this exact programme, limiting choice and geographic accessibility.
Career prospects in pure literary studies are more limited compared to applied fields, requiring graduates to leverage transferable skills.
Programme is offered at a private university, meaning no government-subsidised fee option is available.
Limited publicly available curriculum details require prospective students to contact the department for full module information.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 188 arts & humanities courses

Public171k to 221k

171k at Maseno University221k at University of Nairobi

Private131k to 178k

131k at Mount Kenya University178k at Catholic University of Eastern Africa

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 220.5K, CUEA 178K, MKU 131.1K verified. Maseno unverified.

Funding options include HELB postgraduate loans for Kenyan students, MKU postgraduate bursaries for demonstrated financial need, and the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme for academically talented Africans.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
MKU Postgraduate Bursary
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
MKU Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 50,000Kenyan
Postgraduate students demonstrating financial need at Mount Kenya University.
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
ScholarshipKsh 400,000
Academically talented young Africans facing economic, social, or institutional barriers.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Holders of a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) degree with at least two years of work experience in a relevant field such as education, journalism, publishing, or communications may be considered. The programme is recognised by the Mount Kenya University Senate.

How you are assessed

4 components

Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework40% of the mark
CATs, seminar presentations, and written assignments conducted throughout each semester.
Final Examination
Examination60% of the mark
End-of-semester examination covering all module content, including textual analysis and essay questions.
Master's Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research project assessed through written submission and oral defence, demonstrating scholarly competence in literary studies.
Seminar Presentation
Coursework30% of the mark
Oral presentation of a selected literary topic, demonstrating critical analysis and scholarly communication skills.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring recognition across Kenya and the wider East African region through IUCEA frameworks.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities and their degree programmes.
Kenya Oral Literature Association
Professional affiliation
Academic body for scholars of oral literature and folklore in Kenya.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

University Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 90,000 to Ksh 200,000
Teaches English literature and related humanities courses at universities and colleges. Average salary approximately KES 982,000 per year for postsecondary English teachers.
Secondary School Teacher
High demandKsh 45,000 to Ksh 120,000
Teaches English and Literature at secondary schools. TSC-registered teachers earn between KES 45,000-120,000 depending on grade and experience.
Editor
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 180,000
Works in publishing houses, media organisations, or as a freelance editor, overseeing literary content development and publication.
Content Writer
High demandKsh 40,000 to Ksh 120,000
Produces written content for digital media, corporate communications, and publishing platforms, leveraging literary and analytical skills.
Journalist
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 150,000
Reports and writes for print and digital media organisations, applying research and writing skills developed through literary studies.
Publishing Professional
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 140,000
Works in editorial, production, or marketing roles within publishing houses, leveraging literary knowledge and editorial skills.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue roles in education, publishing, journalism, content development, and cultural institutions across Kenya and the wider East African region.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

MLA Handbook
ReferencePrimary
Standard reference for academic writing and citation in literary studies.
Microsoft Word
SoftwarePrimary
Primary tool for academic writing, thesis preparation, and editorial work.
Zotero
Software
Reference management software for organising bibliographic data and research sources.
Google Scholar
Platform
Academic search engine for finding scholarly literature and research publications.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

English literature degrees only lead to teaching careers.
Graduates pursue diverse paths including publishing, journalism, content strategy, communications consultancy, creative writing, and cultural administration.
Studying English literature is only about reading classic British novels.
The programme covers African literature, postcolonial studies, oral literature, and contemporary global literary traditions, not just the Western canon.
A master's in English literature has limited practical application.
Advanced skills in critical analysis, research, and academic writing are highly valued in publishing, media, communications, and knowledge management roles.
Literature studies are irrelevant in the digital age.
The programme addresses digital literature, discourse analysis in online contexts, and the evolving landscape of literary production in digital media.
Only those with an English undergraduate degree can apply.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree in related humanities fields and relevant experience may be considered, particularly those with backgrounds in communications, journalism, or education.
The programme is purely theoretical with no research component.
A substantial thesis component requires students to conduct original scholarly research, contributing new insights to the field of literary studies.