Curious about studying English and American Literature - BA (Hons)at Royal Holloway, University of London? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Main Site
Full Time
Sep 2027
3 Year
On BA English & American Literature, you will have the opportunity to explore the distinct but interrelated literary traditions of two nations and cultures spanning five centuries, from the early 1600s to the present day. This degree is directly informed by the creative and critical mix of academic experts in the College's top-rated English department.You will begin the degree with a grounding in the two distinct literary cultures, then you choose options allowing you to explore different periods, genres and topics. In your final year you will continue to follow your own interests, specialising and taking research-based options or writing a dissertation.You'll be exposed to a wide variety of areas in American literature, including the literature of the first encounter, nineteenth-century and African-American writing, satire, New York School poetry, drama, the urban novel and writing about music and the novella. In addition you can take advantage of an exceptional range of options in English literature, theory and postcolonial literature. Duration: 3 years full time
In this module you will develop an understanding of how to think, read and write as a critic. You will look at the concepts, ideas and histories that are central to the ?disciplinary consciousness? of English Literature, considering periodisation, form, genre, canon, intention, narrative, framing and identity.
This module will introduce you to American Literature to 1900, and to issues, concepts and key contexts for the study of American Literature more broadly.
In this module you will develop an understanding of a variety of major poems in English. You will look at key poems from the Renaissance to the present day. You will engage with historical issues surrounding the poems and make critical judgements, considering stylistic elements such as rhyme, rhythm, metre, diction and imagery. You will examine poems from Shakespeare to Sylvia Plath and analyse topics such as sound, the stanza and the use of poetic language.
This module will encourage you to look at the role of English literature in moments of social and historical crisis. You will encounter literature across different historical periods and geographies, challenging you to reflect on the complex relationship between literature, history and politics.
In this module you will develop an understanding of the origins, developments and innovations of the novel form. You will look at a range of contemporary, eighteenth and nineteenth-century novels and learn to use concepts in narrative theory and criticism. You will consider literary history and make formal and thematic connections between texts and their varying socio-cultural contexts. You will examine novels such as 'The Accidental' by Ali Smith, 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe and 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell, analysing their cultural and intellectual contexts.
In this module you will explore American Literature in the twentieth century, looking at a selection of key topics and movements as American literature moves from realism to modernism and post-modernism. Topics covered may include race, gender, genre and the impact of specific historical events like the Great Depression and the Cold War.
In this year, students will study optional modules.
BBB-ABB Grades/points required
Not currently available, please Contact University for up to date information.
3.9Royal Holloway, University of London was founded over 170 years ago. Since then, it has been at the forefront of social ...
