English Literature and Music BA (Hons)

Studying English Literature and Music is a brilliant way to develop your skills and insights in both areas. Half your modules will be in English Literature, and half in Music. You will develop a thorough knowledge of literary texts, theory, history and criticism, and pursue creative studies from a selection of musical performance, composition and musicology modules. Our close links with local theatres, poetry groups and vibrant student societies – including our Bangor English Drama Society (BEDS) and the University Music Society – will give you plenty of opportunities to get involved in arts and culture.<br/><br/>English Literature provides the chance to develop a thorough knowledge of literary texts, theory, history and criticism. You have the opportunity to study a broad range of English Literature in small groups, led by the research experts in the field, in an atmosphere of creative, scholarly enterprise in order to develop skills of critical analysis that are highly valued by employers. You will also be able to connect your English and Music studies through the interdisciplinary work in the interaction of words and music both in creative practice and from a historical perspective, as well as exploring the literary aspects of setting texts to music.<br/><br/>As a musician, you will be part of a thriving music and arts community performing and attending music and performances at Powis Hall, John Phillips Theatre and the magnificent Prichard-Jones Hall. You will enjoy unrivalled facilities in our arts and innovation centre, Pontio, which includes a Studio Theatre for performance with technical support from industry professionals. Pontio also features the 450-seat Theatre Bryn Terfel which regularly attracts world-class theatre productions and musical events. You will also benefit from Bangor’s excellent links with leading organisations including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (with whom we have an annual composition workshop), the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and Sain Records.<br/><br/>‘Placement Year’ and International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time. You can find more information about these options on our website and if you have any questions, please get in touch.<br/><br/>If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see English Language and English Literature (with Foundation Year) QQCF or Music (with Foundation Year) W30F.

Make new friends and life-long memories at Bangor University.<br/><br/>With accommodation guaranteed for all Clearing applicants, you can focus on, well, you! Advance your studies with the highest quality teaching, and grow in confidence in a supportive learning environment at a top 15 UK university (Uni Compare Rankings 2026). <br/><br/>There are plenty of places to meet up with friends on Bangor's stunning campus, like Bar Uno, Pontio and Barlows. You'll get the chance to beat your personal best at Brailsford Sports Centre, race against the clock at the athletics track, play on the all-weather floodlit pitch and face your fears on the climbing wall. Bangor is home to a number of specialist facilities, including a Natural History Museum, Botanic Garden and research ship, as well as a replica courtroom and fully equipped media centre.<br/><br/>Bangor’s size and friendly nature makes it easy to get to know people. The beautiful location in North Wales is situated between the mountains and sea and has excellent transport links to major UK cities. It's time to make Bangor your new home!