English Literature

Study an exciting range of literature in English from writers across the globe and from the medieval period to today. Explore topics such as Victorian and Romantic literature, Shakespeare, text technologies, film adaptation and postcolonial writing. Learn how texts work and debate literature’s role in society both now and throughout history, whilst developing valuable skills in critical analysis, creative thinking and research.

By studying English Literature at DMU, you’ll join a lively and welcoming academic community who are friendly, supportive and passionate about literature. You’ll receive excellent teaching from internationally renowned academics and learn to articulate your ideas with confidence and write with fluency and flair.

Our English Literature graduates enter a wide range of professions including media, marketing, publishing, teaching, public relations and the civil service.

Key features


* Study a wide range of literature from Britain, America and around the world, including fiction, poetry, drama and film.


* Explore print and digital technologies, learn to use a hand printing press and gain practical training in programming language HTML with expert teaching from our Centre for Textual Studies.


* Learn from internationally renowned academics and acclaimed guest speakers, who have previously included writers Kate Forsyth (novelist), Simon Armitage (poet), Andrew Davies (screenwriter) and Carol Ann Duffy (poet).


* Select a route through this degree in Drama, Film, History, Journalism or Media. These carefully chosen routes will complement and enrich your understanding of your main subject, alongside broadening your skillset to give you a wider range of career paths available upon graduation.


* Experience a range of teaching activities and a variety of assessment methods, ensuring your learning remains dynamic and enabling you to develop a broader range of skills.


* Develop a range of transferable skills in critical and creative thinking, independent and collaborative working that make English graduates extremely employable and sought after in the workplace.


* Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

At DMU, the focus is on your future - with work experience opportunities on every course, an employability-boosting careers award, and industry-led course content, you'll be well prepared to start your career.

You’ll get guaranteed work experience opportunities with UK and overseas placements, internships, and personalised training. DMU has been named the UK’s Best University for Work Experience (RateMyPlacement 2024 & 2025), offering personalised careers support, industry connections, and placements with global names like Rolls-Royce and Adobe.

DMU is one of only a few universities where you’ll benefit from modular, block teaching where you’ll study one subject at a time for deeper learning and better results.

Situated in the heart of Leicester, a vibrant student-friendly city, the campus is just a short walk from everything the city has to offer. Its central location means you can hop on a train and be in cities like London, Birmingham and Nottingham in around an hour or less.