4 years with placement
In your final year, you’ll continue to build your knowledge and skills and specialise in your areas of interest. You’ll study how identity, sexuality, violence and death are represented and displayed in a variety of plays from 1580-1642, by both reading the text and analysing live and recorded performances.
You’ll find out the common themes and issues in a range of novels published in the past ten years, and the power and role of literature in society today. You’ll also conduct an independent research project on a relevant topic from inception to completion, with guidance from an appropriate member of academic staff.
Introduction
Explore how literature has reflected and influenced different societies over the centuries by studying for our BA (Hons) English Literature degree in Cambridge.
You’ll study classic literary texts alongside genres including sci-fi and children’s literature, and find out how English literature has been affected by, and influenced, culture, language, technology and economics.
You’ll draw on a range of other subjects, including history, politics, philosophy, religion, psychology and the history of art to develop an all-round understanding of the written works that have shaped our world.
You’ll develop several skills that are valued by employers, including literacy, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and working independently and as part of a team.
Read more
Our wide range of optional modules offer you the opportunity to learn about the publishing industry, develop your creative writing skills, and gain work experience. You could also improve your CV by studying abroad for a semester or learning a new language with our Anglia Language Programme.
Our BA (Hons) English Literature degree course scored 100% overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2017. Our lecturers are experts in their field and will support and guide you throughout your time at ARU.
Outstanding student support
Join our student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Careers
Our BA (Hons) English Literature graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including teaching, journalism, television, radio, the music industry, arts administration, gallery work, fundraising, personnel work, publishing, librarianship, marketing, local authority work, publicity, social work, tourism and IT-related industries.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need; they help us review what we teach and how we teach it. The problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, research, analysis and communication skills our English Literature students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team.
You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research with our Masters degrees in English Literature, Children’s Literature, Science Fiction and Fantasy, or Creative Writing and Publishing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
Main
- 96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent), including grade C in English Language or English Literature.
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above.
Placement year
£1,250Placement year
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.