Check upcoming open days and book your place arrow
Subject Guides

Studying English literature degree guide

A degree in English literature is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – a study of literature in the form of novels, prose, plays and poetry. Studying the written word on an English literature course will teach you how it relates to things like history, language, culture and society.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
13 Dec 2023

If you love reading novels and are interested in how they fit into the context of society, then a degree in English literature may be the perfect course for you to study at uni. Not only will you read prose but you’ll analyse and discuss the works to find deeper meaning, themes and social context. Keep reading our guide on English literature to see if you’d be suited to studying it at uni.

Find English literature degrees

What do you need to get on an English literature degree?

 

Average entry requirements for English literature are:

  • UCAS points: 152 – 128
  • A-levels: A*AA – ABB
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA – BBBB
  • BTEC Nationals: DDD 
  • International Baccalaureate: 39 – 34 

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

Most English literature courses will also ask for an A-level (or equivalent) in English literature or English language.

What English literature degrees can you study?

 

Degrees in English literature include:

  • BA English Literature
  • BA English Literature and History
  • BA English Literature and Creative Writing

English literature can often be studied with another subject like history.

What topics does an English literature degree cover?  

 

Common modules for English literature include:

  • Literature, drama and origin
  • Foundations of language 
  • Modern drama
  • Craft of writing
  • Writing and the environment
  • Language in society
  • Writing poetry
  • Literature in the world
  • The romantics 
  • American genres
  • Gothic literature
  • Contemporary British fiction 

“Students can expect to gain some sense of the larger literary field either through survey or period courses, to be introduced to new kinds of critical thinking, and to cover some new authors. Typical modules include Introduction to the Novel, Shakespeare and the Renaissance, Reading and Identity, Beowulf, Romantic Poetry, Postcolonial Texts and Theory.” – Martin Coyle, professor at Cardiff University

What do you learn studying an English literature degree?  

 

Studying an English literature degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Evaluating texts
  • Contextualising literature
  • Knowledge of literary works
  • Knowledge of writing styles
  • Knowledge of literature genres

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Writing 
  • Research
  • Attention-to-detail
  • Working in groups
  • Creative thinking
  • Presentation 

“Students learn both functional skills – literary argument, close reading of texts, communication of ideas – that readily lend themselves to employment, and also professional skills of self-management and research. They’ll also pick up valuable people skills of team working, and the ability to articulate original views and values.”  – Martin Coyle, professor at Cardiff University

What professional accreditations can you get with an English literature degree?


 

Some English literature courses will be accredited by organisations like the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

What can you do with an English literature degree?


 

English literature graduates can look for work in lots of industries. Some jobs that graduates can look into are:

Where to study English literature?


 

How long is an English literature degree?


 

An English literature degree usually takes three years to study. However, some unis may give the option of a year abroad, which will increase the course to four years.

How will you be assessed? 


 

English literature courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Exams
  • Coursework
  • Presentations
  • Projects
  • Dissertation

What are the postgraduate opportunities?


 

Your options for further study include:

  • MA English Literature and/or Language
  • MA Creative Writing
  • MA American Literature
  • MA Children’s Literature
  • MLitt Comparative Literature
  • MA English: Literature, Culture and Theory

What alternatives are there to an English literature degree?


 

Not sure if an English literature degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects: