English and American Studies BA
Over the course of our English and American Studies BA you will discover the unique identities of English and American literature, and how the history and culture of each country has affected its written heritage. Leicester is ranked as one of the top ten places in the UK for teaching American Studies*, and you will benefit from our expertise across a wide range of areas.
English studies will begin in the Renaissance, advancing your knowledge of the period's drama and poetry, before moving through to the literature of the twenty-first century, with stops along the way in the Victorian, Romantic and Modernist periods. Your American Studies modules will introduce you to a history and literary tradition characterised by independence and growth.
Our modules offer a thorough introduction to each topic, and complement each other with a stimulating mix of English and American literature and American history and film. The English courses offer a full history of English from Shakespeare to the present day, as well as firm grounding in a variety of critical approaches, drawn from politics, psychoanalysis and philosophy. The American courses offer an exciting combination of American literature, film and history.
The breadth of the modules that we offer will take you in unexpected directions and allow you to focus on your own areas of interest – particularly in your third year when you will be able to choose from a vast range of option modules. You will have the opportunity to study vital complementary disciplines, including literature, history, film and visual culture, and critical theory.
We understand the importance of experience for both academic and personal growth; as a result, our English and American Studies degree can be taken as either a three-year programme or as a four-year programme, with a year abroad at one of our 35 partner universities in the USA or Canada (subject to academic performance in your first and second years).
*The Guardian University Guide 2020
Careers and employability
The University’s annual Festival of Careers is a four day event that attracts graduate employers from across a wide variety of sectors and industries. This is the perfect opportunity for you to think about where your degree will take you and gain face-to-face time with employers.
The growth of the global market means that many jobs in the public and private sectors have an international and often a transatlantic dimension. Employers are looking for independence, creativity, maturity and a broad cultural outlook, all of which are provided through the course.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have found work with companies such as:
- Allegis Group
- Aceville Publications
- The Mills Archive Trust
- PPL PRS Music Licensing
- Dennis Publishing
- Miyazaki City Board of Education
Career Development Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Career Development Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.