English Literature

Course summary

A degree in English Literature can lead to a range of careers, both as a single honour and as half a joint honours degree. Graduates have continued into teaching or administrative posts, as well as advertising, journalism, or many careers for which a skilled and flexible use of language is an essential component. In the first year the emphasis is on modern texts, from classics like ‘Wuthering Heights’ or ‘Frankenstein’ to contemporary best-sellers like Khaled Hosseini’s superb ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’. The choice of plays is similarly varied with popular frothy comedies like ‘The Importance of being Earnest’ and gritty ‘in yer face’ tragedies like ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ The poetry selection is an inspiring anthology of modern verse from the past ten years. Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ is the central focus in the second year, together with modernist poetry that has changed the world. You will also select two of your favourite texts for coursework. Tutorial assistance is always available and there will be frequent theatre and cinema trips.