In general terms, the study of twentieth-century literature at Leeds exhibits strong links with American and Postcolonial Literature, as well as continuing a long-standing tradition of strength in the study of Irish writing (Yeats, Joyce, modern Irish poetry and drama); the James Joyce Broadsheet has its home here. There are also particular interests in literature and gender, contemporary writing, and postmodernism. Among other individual authors in whom the School is strong, one should include D.H. Lawrence. There are many undergraduate modules in this area. There is also a regular Twentieth Century Research Seminar, and an MA in Twentieth-Century Literature. For full research details, see the biographical notes on the members of staff who specialise in this area.

Undergraduate Study

At undergraduate level the School offers two core modules, Modern Literature and Contemporary Literature, plus a selection of more specialist options. 

Postgraduate Study

The one-year MA in Modern to Contemporary Literature offers a range of specialist modules and makes it possible to encounter a variety of kinds of text from different periods within the century. This team-taught MA is designed to provide an excellent basis for students who wish to go on to pursue research in this area at PhD level. Applications for PhD and MPhil study are welcome in all areas of Modern and Contemporary literature