English University at Buffalo

Overview

The English programme at the University at Buffalo provides a sophisticated platform for students to engage with literary history and contemporary critical theory. This Master’s degree is designed to foster high-level analytical skills through an eclectic curriculum that spans various historical eras and theoretical frameworks.

Students benefit from a vibrant intellectual environment that encourages interdisciplinary exploration. The department maintains a strong international reputation, attracting motivated scholars who wish to specialise in areas such as poetics, psychoanalysis, or professional writing. The academic community is supported by numerous graduate working groups and research initiatives.

Why English at the University at Buffalo?

The institution is home to prestigious entities including the Poetics Programme and the Centre for the Study of Psychoanalysis and Culture. Students gain exclusive access to world-class resources such as the James Joyce Collection, a renowned poetry collection, and the Marianne Moore Digital Archive. These facilities provide unparalleled support for archival and bibliographic research.

Beyond the classroom, the university maintains strong links with the UB Humanities Institute and the Centre for Disability Studies. The surrounding city offers a rich cultural landscape with over twenty theatre companies and major art galleries. This combination of academic rigour and artistic vibrancy creates a unique setting for postgraduate study.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 12870 per semester
• National fee: USD 12870 per semester
• Local fee: USD 5655 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The degree requires the completion of 30 credits, typically distributed across eight seminars. These courses are designed to build essential scholarly and critical foundations. Modules may include:

• Scholarly Methods
• Critical and Cultural Theory
• Innovative Writing
• Professional Writing and Digital Communication

To finalise the degree, students must complete either a scholarly thesis of approximately 60 to 80 pages or an oral examination. The oral exam option includes a pre-approved reading list and a substantial written project. This structure ensures that every graduate demonstrates a high level of expertise in their chosen field of enquiry.

Careers with English

Graduates from this programme pursue diverse professional paths across multiple sectors. Approximately one-third of students continue their academic journeys by entering doctoral programmes at prestigious institutions. Others find success in secondary education, taking on roles as teachers or curriculum developers within various school systems.

The skills acquired during the course are also highly valued in the professional writing and communications industries. Alumni frequently secure positions as editors, grant writers, and communications specialists for non-profit organisations. Furthermore, the analytical training provided by the department prepares students for careers in law, management, marketing, and the entertainment industry.