Undergraduate Course
BA (Hons) English Literature
Overview
The details
English Literature
Q300
October 2026
Full-time
What is BA English Literature?
BA English Literature is a three-year degree, extendable to four with an optional placement or study abroad year, that explores literature from across the world and across thousands of years, helping you understand how stories shape cultures, societies and the world we live in.
From ancient epics and medieval classics to contemporary novels, poetry and graphic fiction, you'll study texts that have influenced generations alongside the writers redefining literature today. You'll develop critical thinking, communication and research skills while discovering how literature continues to respond to today's biggest social, political and environmental challenges.
Course highlights
English Literature at Essex takes a global, contemporary approach to literary study, connecting classic works with today's most exciting writers and ideas.
- Study literature across time and place: Explore works from Ancient Greece to contemporary global fiction, discovering how literary traditions continue to shape one another.
- Connect literature to today's world: Examine themes including climate change, artificial intelligence, migration, empire, gender, race, technology and social justice.
- Broaden your studies: Choose optional modules in creative writing, film, drama and journalism to tailor your degree to your interests.
- Learn from leading researchers: Be taught by internationally recognised literary scholars whose research informs every stage of your degree.
- Build highly valued graduate skills: Develop advanced communication, research, analytical and critical thinking skills that employers value across many sectors.
Who should apply
- Students who enjoy reading, discussing and analysing literature from different cultures and historical periods.
- Curious learners who want to understand how literature shapes and reflects society, politics and culture.
- Students interested in developing strong communication, research and analytical skills.
- Anyone considering careers in publishing, teaching, journalism, media, marketing, the civil service or the wider cultural sector.
What you'll learn
- Global literary traditions: Study literature from ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary periods across the world.
- Literary criticism: Explore feminist, postcolonial, queer, Marxist, psychoanalytic and ecocritical approaches to literature.
- Contemporary issues: Examine topics including climate change, colonialism, migration, artificial intelligence, gender, identity and social justice.
- Research and communication: Develop advanced analytical, writing, presentation and research skills.
- Interdisciplinary study: Broaden your knowledge through modules in film, theatre, creative writing and journalism.
Your learning experience
- Interactive teaching: Learn through lectures, seminars, discussion-based classes and independent reading.
- Personal academic support: Meet regularly with lecturers during dedicated Academic Support Hours.
- Study abroad or placement year: Gain international experience or build professional skills before graduating.
- Expert teaching: Learn from specialists in Shakespeare, contemporary literature, science fiction, Gothic fiction, postcolonial literature, American literature and many other fields.
- Specialist opportunities: Attend literary events, author talks, research seminars, the Essex Book Festival and contribute to student publications and societies.
Careers and outcomes
Throughout your degree you'll develop exceptional communication, research, critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries.
Graduates from BA English Literature pursue careers in:
- Publishing and journalism: Editorial, writing, publishing and media roles.
- Education: Teaching, academic support and further study.
- Marketing and communications: Public relations, advertising, digital content and brand communications.
- Public and cultural sectors: The Civil Service, museums, libraries, charities and arts organisations.
- Further study: Master's degrees, research, teacher training and professional qualifications.
Where could this degree take you?
English Literature graduates apply their skills across many sectors, including:
- Publishing houses
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Media and broadcasting organisations
- The Civil Service and public sector
- Marketing, communications and creative industries
Why we're great.
- You can respond both critically and artistically to your studies in our unique literary conservatoire.
- You can study a modules across our wider department.
- Our literature and creative writing courses are taught by leading academics and writers.
Course content
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
| Status | What this means |
| Core |
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Core with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Compulsory |
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Compulsory with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Optional |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
| HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. |
The module number. |
The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
|
COMPONENT 01: COMPULSORY
Origins and Transformations in Literature and Drama
(30 CREDITS)
Which writers re-worked Homer’s Odyssey? Or borrowed ideas from Dante’s Inferno? Examine how key literary texts and genres have been used by successive generations of writers up until the present day. Shift from classical text to a more modern example, studying the long cultural traditions that exist.
View Origins and Transformations in Literature and Drama on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 02: COMPULSORY
Text Up Close: Reading for Criticism
(15 CREDITS)
How do you read a text closely? What is involved in close reading? With emphasis on you to active do the close reading, learn how this approach can contribute to your appreciation of meaning and significance in a diverse range of texts.
View Text Up Close: Reading for Criticism on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY
The Humanities Graduate: Future Pathways
(15 CREDITS)
This interdisciplinary module serves several functions. Firstly, you will develop an understanding of your degree in the context of the wider world and specifically the graduate jobs market. You will come to understand the employability and career-development opportunities that are available to you during and after your time at Essex, and you will begin the life-long process of continuous professional development with a firm grounding in the practical skills and reflective practice involved. The module is divided into two parts: career-development learning; and Speaker Weeks, when a member of staff will interview guest speakers about their careers in fields that are allied to the arts and humanities. These will cover a range of career areas that may be of interest to humanities graduates in general: from media, arts, journalism, education, publishing, to entrepreneurship in related areas. These weeks are intended to be inspiring but also full of practical tips and ideas, with an emphasis on showing how careers develop over time, and what pathways students can explore to get to where they want to be; as well as what kinds of extra-curricular activities students can engage in now to open more doors professionally before and after graduation. In the career-development learning part of the module, you will cover topics such as the Graduate Labour market, the Humanities graduate, self-reflection and personal development, and how to research and apply effectively for jobs. Skills such as CV writing and interview technique will be covered. Two-hour interactive lecture/seminars will introduce students to careers resources and ideas, but will also include discussion and group work.
View The Humanities Graduate: Future Pathways on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 03: COMPULSORY
Criticism: Practice and Theory
(30 CREDITS)
How can texts be read and interpreted using the thinking of Marx? What about Freud or de Saussure? Or Derrida and Said? Study literature, theatre, and film using these key thinkers. Analyse their approaches both historically and institutionally, and understand the importance of theoretical and methodological material to your studies.
COMPONENT 04: COMPULSORY
Independent Literature Project
(30 CREDITS)
What fascinates you? Pursue a topic that you are enthusiastic about and have chosen, with support and guidance from our expert academic staff. Gain invaluable training for future graduate work, as you learn how to sustain a written argument over 10,000 words.
Entry requirements
Clearing entry requirements
We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers expected to be made at CCD - CDD (88 - 80 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. A complete breakdown of expected Clearing entry requirements, by course, is available on our Clearing entry requirements page.
We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please still get in touch if your grades are below those outlined.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
If you’re an international student, but do not meet the academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£9,790 per year
International fee
£21,500 per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:
Placement year
20% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Study abroad
Full year abroad
15% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Single term abroad
Standard tuition fee
Scholarships and financial support
There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.
Fees and funding guide
What's next
Open Days
Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:
- tour our campus and accommodation
- find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.
2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)
How to apply during Clearing
Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.
If you already hold an offer from Essex
Please don't reapply through Clearing. We'll review your existing application using our Clearing entry requirements. If you're worried about meeting your offer or would like to change course, please contact our Admissions Team on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
Interviews
We don’t require an interview for most of our courses that are available through Clearing, however there are some courses such as those in our School of Health and Social Care and East 15 Acting School where an interview (or audition) may be required. If this is something that’s required for the course you have applied for, we’ll email you with all of the details.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
Virtual tours
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.
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