English Literature
BA English Literature alumna Katie talks about how her degree has helped her career progression
‘Literature’, says the poet Ezra Pound, ‘is news that stays news’.
Our rich and vital literary inheritance informs the way we think about the world. It expresses how we feel about ourselves and others and stimulates both intellect and imagination.
At ºÚ¹Ï³ÔÁÏÍø, we believe that the study of English literature provides not only a rewarding challenge and an active pleasure, but also the foundation of a critical and cultural awareness that will remain with you for life.
We are a very research-active department with a century-long history of innovation in English studies, and we continue to extend our curriculum to include contemporary American literature as well as new writing from Britain and Ireland. You will become part of a conversation about the way our subject is developing. You will also develop your own writing skills; whether your ambition is to write creatively or in a professional context, you will graduate with the confidence and skill to say exactly what you mean.
Throughout your degree, you will be provided with consistent support that will set you up for the future:
- 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of English Literature).
- 96% of graduates from English Literature are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree English Literature responders).
-
In the Guardian University Guide 2025, we are ranked 9th for English.
In your second year, you may be able to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner institutions in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and USA. This is a great opportunity to continue your study of English literature while immersing yourself in a different culture.
Courses
-
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Full Time: 4 Years
-
BA Classical Studies and English Literature
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA Creative Writing and Film & Theatre
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA Creative Writing and Theatre
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Language and Linguistics
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Language and Literature
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Language and Linguistics with Placement Experience
Full Time: 4 Years
-
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Literature with Creative Writing
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Literature and Film & Theatre
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Literature and Film
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Literature and Politics
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA English Language and Linguistics with Foundation
Full Time: 4 Years
-
BA English Literature with Foundation
Full Time: 4 Years
-
BA History and English Literature
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA Modern Languages and English Literature
Full Time: 4 Years
-
BA Philosophy and English Literature
Full Time: 3 Years
-
BA Philosophy and English Literature with Placement Experience
Full Time: 4 Years
Armed with a degree in English or English literature, employers immediately know that you'll have these communication skills and the confidence to articulate yourself both verbally and in writing, and this is something that's completely invaluable.
Contextual offers
We make contextual offers for all our courses.
Take the next step
How to apply
Come to an Open Day
Get a prospectus
Ask us a question
Chat to our students