Independent rankings for the School of English
Our programmes attract a wide variety of students who are drawn by the flexibility the various courses offer. Many take our programmes in order to enhance their current careers, others go on to PhDs, while some study purely out of interest. Our recent graduates have provided profiles which give an idea of the distance learning experience.
Key facts about the School of English
- Flexible study programme
- One-to-one interaction with tutors
- Students are generally taught by full-time members of academic staff
- Free annual Summer School
Key Facts about The University of Nottingham
- Britain’s global university with campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia
- 8th in the UK by research power
(According to REF 2014)
- We’re consistently one of the top choices for graduate recruitment among UK employers in the annual High Fliers report.
Teaching and Learning
Students have one-to-one contact with tutors so there is plenty of opportunity for discussion of ideas and development as researchers. There is also a dedicated team of distance learning administrators who provide continuity throughout a student's period of study.
What is the structure of a Masters distance learning degree?
The degrees courses are offered part-time and comprise 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit, 14,000 word dissertation.
Modules are studied consecutively throughout the year and our programme is very flexible.
There are two start dates for the distance learning programmes - February and September of each academic year.
If the September cohort for a course reaches capacity, applications are automatically considered for the next available cohort.
What is the duration of a Masters distance learning degree?
The duration of a masters distance learning degree course is between two and four years. The minimum registration is two years, but the majority of our students take around three years to complete.
Students should check the eligibility requirements with their funding body before enrolling on a part-time course.
What kind of modules will I study?
For videos introducing some of the typical modules offered on our courses, please see Module-in-a-Minute.
Once a year we organise a Summer School in Nottingham to which all postgraduate students are warmly invited. It is not obligatory to attend the summer school, which is neither course nor module-specific, but it is an invaluable opportunity to meet your tutors and fellow students.
For further information, please see our Summer School page.
Course Fees and other costs
2017-18 (September 2017 and February 2018 cohorts)
The fee rate from September 2017 will be £48 per credit. This works out as follows:
- a 15 credit module will cost £720
- a 30 credit module will cost £1440
- the dissertation (60 credits) will cost £2880
This means that the projected fees are £8640 for the whole Masters (MA). Fees will rise slightly each year, however, students will normally be charged at the same rate throughout the Masters (MA). This will be the current rate at the time of initial registration.
Additionally, of course, you will be expected to buy textbooks and academic books. You will need to buy three or four books as a minimum for each module. Unless you have a very good university bookshop near you, the easiest and cheapest way of doing this will be to buy books from an online bookshop. Other costs to consider include providing yourself with a computer and internet connection.
Non-international students may be eligible for funding via a student loan.
Students should check the eligibility requirements with their funding body before enrolling on a part-time course.
Visiting us
There is an opportunity to see the campus, School and all the facilities Nottingham has to offer
We understand that many of our distance learning students are studying outside the UK. However, if you do wish to visit Nottingham you are very welcome and should contact the Distance Learning Convenor to arrange your visit.
Campus tour video
Virtual open day
If you are not able to visit in and would like to find out more about the University of Nottingham, please see our virtual postgraduate open day.
Further information and how to apply
Library and on-line resources
New applicants: How to apply Existing applicants: Login