English Literature

Explore powerful stories, ideas, and voices across time. Develop your critical thinking, creativity, and confidence by studying an English literature degree.

Explore the fascinating world of literature. From Shakespeare's stage to the digital page, this course invites you to explore how literature has challenged ideas, reflected society, and sparked change throughout history.

You won’t just read texts, you’ll interrogate them, debate them, and reimagine them. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your thinking, refine your writing skills, and develop the confidence to express your own ideas with clarity and impact.

Guided by expert tutors who are active researchers and writers, you’ll build your own distinctive voice, whether analytical, creative, or both.

As part of this course, you’ll:
• Study a variety of poetry, drama, and prose, exploring how they respond to their historical, social, and cultural moments



• Debate bold interpretations and challenge established readings



• Experiment with a wide range of critical and theoretical perspectives



• Discover diverse global literatures, from Romanticism to contemporary writing, including postcolonial voices from the Caribbean, South Asia, Africa, and Australia



• Develop your own creative and critical style through close collaboration with leading literary researchers



Find out more
As well as studying literature, this course also teaches you how to think differently. You’ll graduate with highly sought-after transferable skills in writing, research, communication, and critical thinking, opening doors across a wide range of careers.

You’ll benefit from:
• Inspired, research-led teaching that brings cutting-edge ideas and debates into the classroom



• A culture of lively intellectual debate, where your perspective matters



• Opportunities to interact with award-winning authors and playwrights



• A dynamic, rolling programme of guest talks from published writers, industry professionals, and world-renowned researchers



Shape your future potential
From the day you join, you’ll start thinking about where your degree can take you. You’ll explore career options early on, shaping your path as you progress. During your second and third years, you can choose modules that feature live brief learning challenges – real-life projects designed by employers – as well as work placement opportunities to gain valuable industry experience.

Study in a city of stories
Based in Leeds – the Northern heart of culture and the arts – you’ll be surrounded by creativity. From museums, theatres, and galleries to independent publishers and festivals, the city becomes an extension of your classroom. You’ll connect with a thriving creative scene through partnerships with local organisations and major cultural events, including the Ilkley Literature Festival and Leeds West Indian Carnival.

Industry connections
Our strong links with the cultural and creative industries across the region mean you can gain valuable insight and experience before you graduate. Students have previously completed placements with organisations such as Hallmark Studios and Peepal Tree Press, a globally recognised independent publisher based in Leeds.

Why study the BA English Literature course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Exceptional student satisfaction – 100% of students on BA (Hons) English Literature were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*


- Get hands-on with the opportunity to take an applied humanities practical module


- Learn from experts as you work with practising writers and active researchers


- Gain industry insights during guest lectures delivered by visiting professionals


*National Student Survey 2026

Curiosity needs thinkers, makers, and dreamers. It needs you!

Leeds Beckett believes that when unlike minds come together, incredible things happen. That’s why they don’t just teach; they collaborate, challenge and inspire.

Their courses are meticulously designed, combining practical experience through work placements with a vibrant location at the heart of one of the UK’s largest student communities. Boasting a top 10 UK ranking for both course quality and student life (Uni Compare 2026) and a prestigious five-star QS rating, LBU sets the standard for excellence.

The university prioritises student wellbeing and stands among just seven universities nationwide to earn the University Mental Health Charter Award - proof of their unwavering commitment to advancing mental health and wellbeing.

All of this is why 98% of Leeds Beckett students and graduates would recommend studying at the university to a friend (Uni Compare, 2026 reviews).