Ready to discover the power of literature and language?

Do you have a love of both language and literature? On Northumbria University’s English language and literature course, you will study fantastically stimulating and distinctive modules that range from Shakespeare to contemporary fiction, and from the fundamentals of grammar and syntax to their definition of what the ‘English’ language is.

Northumbria University aspire to help you as you help yourself in becoming a ‘citizen scholar’ who is able to think independently and make your own contribution to the world. As part of this, we ensure that you engage with advanced linguistic concepts and literature from around the world. We also offer options to broaden your experience and cultural sensitivity by studying abroad for a semester in your second year, usually in North America or mainland Europe.

Why should you choose an English degree?

This English degree is for you, if you are passionate about understanding language, literature, and how the two connect. Enthusiastic, research-active staff ensure you will study a stimulating, distinctive, and wide range of modules, covering topics, issues, texts and concepts in both language and literature, from canonical figures like Shakespeare, to cutting-edge contemporary fiction and theory, from the fundamentals of grammar and syntax to the redefinition of what the ‘English’ language is. Students will develop the transferable skills in analysis, interpretation, communication, argument and research they need to excel at university, and after, as we aspire to help you help yourself become a confident, independent, critical and active learner able to think and thrive as you make your contribution to the world.

Why choose Northumbria to study English Language and Literature?

• 90% of our research outputs are rated as internationally excellent and world-leading (REF, 2021).

• English at Northumbria is ranked 21st for research power in the UK, out of 92 institutions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 5 places since 2014.

• 100% of students studying English Language at Northumbria believed their course was intellectually stimulating and well organised. They also thought that their course had the right balance of direct and independent study and believed that their course introduced subjects and skills in a way that built on what they’d already learned (NSS, 2023).

How will I learn during the English Language and Literature BA (Hons) degree course?

English at Northumbria enjoys international recognition for the quality of teaching and research, and our modules are routinely praised by external examiners. Our publications in English and Creative Writing are ranked 21st in the country for their quality, by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Our staff actively explore and shape what the disciplines of linguistic and literary study mean in the 21st century, and our expertise and enthusiasm feed directly into what we teach and what you learn.

In linguistics, Northumbria has wide-ranging expertise in cognitive linguistics, semantics, pragmatics and English grammar. In literature, our staff research topics from Shakespeare to the modern graphic novel.