Studying english language and literature at university
Example course modules
- Explorations in literature
- Chaucer: texts, contexts, conflicts
- Shakespeare in performance
- Renaissance literature
- Modernist fiction
- Creative writing: drama
- British romanticism
- Literary and cultural theory
- Stylistics
- Aspects of modernism
Teaching hours / week
Average for this subject
Average for all subjects
Average hours for this subject: 9 (Low 7 - High 11). Average hours for all subjects: 14.
The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.
Who studies this subject
What students say about english language and literature
What you need to get on a course
Subjects you need
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- English literature and language
Useful to have
- history
- Religious studies
- French or another foreign language
- Latin or another classical language
Application checklist
Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.
- January application
- October application
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Entry test
- Work experience
- Audition
Personal statement advice
Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!
Personal statement tips and advice
Career prospects
Six months after graduating
- Sales assistants and retail cashiers
Longer term career paths
Jobs where this degree is useful
- Journalist
- Teacher
- Editorial assistant
Other real-life job examples
- Events manager
- Arts administrator
- PR officer
What employers like about this subject
If you study English, you can learn range of subject-specific skills depending on the exact modules you take. These skills can include analysis of texts, criticism and theory; how language varies and is used and, of course, how to communicate well in writing and speech. Those studying English will also learn a number of useful transferable skills including communication, time management, research, critical thinking and project management. These skills are in demand from an array of employers including schools, marketing, PR and advertising agencies, publishers, magazine and newspapers, government, banks, theatres, the film industry and market researchers.
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