Our Joint Honours course in English Literature and American Studies allows you to combine the study of literary texts across a broad geographical and chronological range with a specific focus on the literature, culture, history, and politics of North America.

Through inspired teaching and intellectual debate, we will nurture your passion by developing your creative and critical thinking. You will learn how to communicate effectively and solve complex problems as you develop an awareness of how past cultures, societies and texts shape our present and future.

How does Literature & American Studies course help with employability?

Studying Literature and American Studies at Northumbria lets you bring together your passion for human stories while making practical steps into your future career.

You will have opportunities to engage with the heritage industry through department field trips, guest lecturers, and academic partnerships. And we introduce you to the world of publishing and book-making, potentially leading to our unique MA in Publishing with partners Hachette and New Writing North. Meanwhile, for those looking to inspire the next generation of literature lovers, you can opt to begin your teaching experience with a module focused on learning how to be a tutor of students in schools or colleges.

Northumbria's English Literature learning experience

Your voice is vital in our seminar groups and small discussions. We bring students together to read and talk about texts and stories from day one. We introduce you to themes of huge relevance today, such as gender and equality, or the power of poetry to capture a cultural moment or a new social obsession. All your work leads up to your major creative writing project or dissertation, where you make your own mark in the world of literary studies and showcase your creativity.

Students will also have the option to extend their studies, either taking a placement year in industry or opting to study abroad in the likes of mainland Europe or North America.

How will this degree provide me with the skills needed for my career?

The English Literature and American Studies programme produces graduates who are equipped with excellent practical and transferable skills, such as flexibility, motivation and the ability to communicate effectively in different formats. The programme will foster your intellectual curiosity and help you to become a critical, independent and creative thinker. You will learn to combine excellent research skills with the ability to analyse texts and language closely. You will develop an understanding not only of the cultural, social, political and historical dynamics of North America, but of the modern world more generally. Your degree will enable you to become a valued contributor to the community and the wider world in which you live.

The versatile set of skills you will develop through your studies will be the key to unlocking your success after graduation. Graduates from both our current English Literature and American Studies courses have gone onto careers in publishing, journalism, teaching, advertising and marketing.

Mode of Study

3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad