This programme provides a historically-based overview of literature from the seventh century to the present day, together with opportunities to specialise in particular periods of literature, in modern English language, and in thematic areas. We offer a highly regarded and varied syllabus that combines traditional literary skills and modern thought. Students are encouraged and supported to develop their own interests and specialisms.

Degree benefits

• Studying English at UCL provides you with an inspiring setting: London, and the Bloomsbury area in particular, have long been at the centre of British literary life and you will be surrounded by world-class libraries and special collections.

• UCL was at the forefront of the establishment of English literature as a university subject, and the department is regularly ranked amongst the best in the country. We are the only English department in the UK to maintain guaranteed one-to-one tutorial teaching across all three years of the programme.

• UCL English has a strong tradition of links with the literary world. Practising writers are invited to give readings; there is a writer-in-residence programme; and a wide range of extracurricular culture, media and journalism-based student societies.

Your learning

We teach in lectures, seminars and tutorials. Our one-to-one tutorial teaching is unique among English departments in the UK. Fortnightly tutorials provide the opportunity to discuss your individual written work and academic progress with your tutor, as well as raise any concerns or queries about your modules or other matters.

Assessment

Most modules are assessed by examination, which usually entails three-hour written papers. However, for up to two modules you may submit longer essays in place of a desk examination. In addition, throughout the three years of the programme you will receive a mark based on your tutorial essays at the end of each term. You will also be assessed in your third year by a 6000-word research essay on a topic chosen by you with guidance from your tutor.

Careers

Good graduates in English are articulate, can write clearly, can undertake research, and can present evidence for and against a case. These transferable skills will make you highly employable in the eyes of a wide range of employers.

Traditional career paths include publishing, journalism and teaching, but English graduates are also sought after by the civil service, local government, finance, business, the media and film. Some career destinations in recent years include Deloitte, Oxford University Press, the BBC, Granada TV, the British Library, Waterstones, Sotheby's and Reuters in New York.

Many of our graduates go on to further study in the UK and elsewhere, pursuing Master's and PhD programmes as well as postgraduate courses in law, teacher training, archive management, and chartered surveying among other professions.