English Literature BA (Hons)

<strong>Embrace the complexity of writers and other creators, investigating not just novels and poetry but also images and film, pamphlets, speeches, graphic novels and games, drama and memes.</strong><br/><br/>Examine classic and contemporary works and encounter diverse voices. Develop the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills needed to prepare for a range of careers.<br/><br/><strong>Dive into diverse literature:</strong> explore a range of texts and topics and delve into traditional works like Romanticism and Shakespeare. Venture into the unusual with ghost stories and science fiction, and engage with innovative subjects such as environmentalism, performativity, gender and race studies. From local tales of the Midlands to Anglophone literature from around the world, this course offers a rich and dynamic literary journey.<br/><strong>Skills-focused:</strong> develop your critical thinking and the ability to communicate your ideas effectively in written, verbal and visual formats—all of which are assets for a range of careers.<br/><strong>Choose your path:</strong> customise your assessments in both topic and format, allowing you to present your work in ways that align with your interests and strengths.<br/><br/><strong>Why you should study this course</strong><br/><strong>Contemporary curriculum:</strong> whether you’re passionate about poetry, novels, film or any other genre, you’ll join a lively learning community to explore topics such as: what makes characters and settings strange in Gothic and speculative fiction; how writers dealt with changes in the environment from the Industrial Revolution in the Romantic period to climate change today; ways that filmmakers have constructed characters and places; and how activists have used words and stories to call for their rights during the Enlightenment, the Victorian era and now.<br/><strong>Project-based learning:</strong> we empower you to actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessments are designed to replicate the type of work and tasks carried out by English literature graduates. You could find yourself producing industry-ready portfolios, video presentations, podcasts, reflective and critical writing, documentaries, proposals, news articles, community projects and visual presentations that showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.<br/><strong>Beyond the classroom:</strong> explore literature in various settings, not just the traditional classroom. The learning environment will be varied, ranging from digitally immersive spaces to local museums.2 Expect lively discussions and group activities, learning from multiple subject experts to gain diverse perspectives.<br/><strong>Academic community:</strong> join a community of lecturers and students who are passionate about sharing experiences and ideas on the complexity of all literature and media, and what they mean to communities today.<br/><br/>Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.