English Literature (Extended Degree)

Ready to discover the power of literature?

As our world hurtles from political upheaval to medical and climate emergencies, our English Literature degree helps you understand the stories that underpin our contemporary crises.

From society and race in classics like Shakespeare or Austen to modern American culture, and from twenty-first century gothic to love and criminality in the eighteenth century, our literature degree is relevant, vibrant, and inspiring. Through our innovative assignments and our close work with cultural partners, you'll learn how to apply the skills learned in literary study in the world beyond the university.

Your voice is vital in our seminar groups and small discussions. We bring students together to read and talk about texts and stories from day one. We introduce you to themes of huge relevance today, such as gender and equality, or the power of poetry to capture a cultural moment or a new social obsession. All your work leads up to your major project, a dissertation where you make your own mark in the world of literary studies.

Students will also have the option to extend their studies, either taking a placement year in industry or opting to study abroad in the likes of mainland Europe or North America.

Extended Degree
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year where you will explore a wide range of topics taken from across the real-world subject areas such as history, literature, language and linguistics, creative writing and American studies.

What will I learn in my Foundation Year?
Immersed in a stimulating and challenging learning environment, in your foundation year you will explore a wide range of key areas, including history, literature, film, philosophy, and politics, as well as the digital humanities. Teaching methods include lectures, workshops and seminars, guided study and self-directed learning. You will learn to share ideas with your peers and work as a productive member of a team. Guest speakers from across the humanities will put what you have learnt into context and give you a real-world perspective.

The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.

Joining the Northumbria means joining a business-focused, professional university with a global reputation for academic excellence. Northumbria are currently ranked Gold for student outcomes and Silver for overall teaching excellence (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023).

Located in Newcastle, Northumbria University is home to an enormous student population of 31,170, and consequently, some of the best nightlife scenes in the country! Newcastle also has one of the lowest costs of living in the country (We Buy Any Home, 2024), so you don't have to break the bank to have fun either!

There's truly something for everyone at Northumbria! You can make use of the fantastic facilities including the £30 million flagship Sports Central. And if exploring is more your thing? You're never far from beaches, stunning countryside and local history.

Find out more about Northumbria and get in touch today!