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Literary studies

Discipline

Literature is the door to new understandings of cultural history and identity. Through critical and creative journeys explore a rich array of texts from the past to the present.

Get work-ready

Study literature by contemporary novelists, poets and playwrights. You’ll be introduced to the rich archives of older literature, to develop your skills and practice of literary scholarship and critical analysis. Come and explore the exciting cultural ideas found in the plays of Shakespeare, in children's and young adult fiction and in Australian authors. You’ll also discover how literature feeds and expands your own writing ambitions.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate (your first degree)

An undergraduate degree is generally completed between two to four years, depending on the pattern of study and any recognition of prior learning you may have. Associate degrees, bachelor and bachelor with honours are all undergraduate degrees.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate (further study)

A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.

Research

Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)

Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.

Literature is not just about reading books - it's about making sense of the world through literary works.

Emily Potter

Senior lecturer, literary studies

Career opportunities

Graduate with transferable career skills making you highly employable within a wide range of industries. Our graduates have found careers in:

  • advertising agencies
  • the education sector
  • freelance writing
  • government departments
  • libraries
  • public relations agencies
  • publishing companies.
Get hands-on experience

Get hands-on experience

Learn with passionate industry specialists who are published authors. You may even see your work published before graduating with unique opportunities to gain industry experience, work on studio projects and produce content for professional-standard digital and written publications including Deakin’s own international writing journal Verandah.

Research with us

Take on a higher degree by research, become an expert in your chosen specialty in literary studies and bolster your career opportunities.

Learn more about researching with us

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