English Literature

At Brighton, our English Literature degree offers a fresh, modern approach while honouring the rich history of writing.

You will dive into classic topics like Shakespeare and Victorian sexualities, but also explore contemporary issues like Black British literature, identity, and diversity. Our course takes a multidisciplinary, decolonised approach, connecting literature to philosophy, art history, to media, and making it relevant to today’s world.

You will have the freedom to explore your literary passions, from poetry and novels to comics, gaming, and social media, with opportunities for placements and live projects.
At the end of year 1 you can choose a specialist pathway or carry on with the broader English Literature degree.


• English Literature with Sexuality and Gender BA(Hons)



• English Literature with Comics and Graphic Novels BA(Hons)



Both of these pathways are new for 2025 and in the final stages of development.

Our graduates leave us with vital employability skills in critical thinking, project management, and communication.

TOP REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS COURSE


• Staff are active researchers and writers who bring their expertise to your learning.



• Option modules in the second and third years enable you to tailor your degree to your specific career ambitions.



• Scrivener talks give you the chance to speak to a professional writer about their work.



• Extracurricular activities such as the Performance and Community Research and Enterprise Group and the student-led Creative Writing Society.



• Our focus on employability, including a placement, ensures you will graduate with a strong skill set.



• Develop valuable transferable skills as a critical thinker, independent researcher with excellent presentation, written and oral communication skills.



• Excellent student support and a warm and encouraging community.



• Weekly roundup of writing competitions and opportunities to encourage you to promote your work and consider future careers.



• Professional feedback on any aspect of your writing from our resident Royal Literary Fund Fellow.

At Brighton, you'll study in a way that prepares you for your future. Through practical, hands-on learning, you'll graduate with confidence to kick-start your career. Work experience is guaranteed through placements on every course, and other opportunities like study abroad and working on real-world projects will make your CV stand out. Almost 9 out of 10 of Brighton’s UK graduates are working or studying just 15 months after finishing their course (Graduate Outcomes, 2025). And you'll be supported throughout, with Brighton's lifelong career support.

Brighton is a place where everyone belongs, and has been rated one of the most inclusive cities in the world (TimeOut 2025). The music and arts scene is up-and-coming, and the city hosts a full schedule of entertainment and events year-round. In fact, it's the number one creative city in the UK, making it a great place to live and study.

The University of Brighton doesn't just want you to succeed, but to feel good too! From their flexible admissions process to academic and wellbeing support networks, Brighton will help you smoothly transition to university. You’ll be invited to Belong at Brighton events to ensure you have the best start to university. You might also be eligible for elements of their award-winning Brighton Boost support package, including up to £1,000 to help with the cost of halls, travel, equipment and more. In addition to this, five lucky students who enrol with Brighton in the autumn will be in with the chance to win £1,000 – head to their website to find out more.

If you’d like to visit the university to see whether it’s right for you or find your course at Brighton, click Visit Website below.