Programme Specification for English Literature (Major, Joint or Minor)
Campus: Docklands
Why study English Literature as part of a Combined Honours degree?
English Literature is the subject for you if you enjoy reading and analysing novels, plays or poetry. At UEL we look at literary texts past and present, both in their historical context and according to questions they raise about culture now. English Literature offers a wide range of transferable skills much in demand among employers today. These include the ability to read and think critically, to formulate persuasive arguments both in written and oral forms, to work as part of a team and to organise materials in order to meet deadlines. On the programme you will also gain a greater appreciation of the techniques used by writers, and what critics have said about them
What will I study?
Over the three years of the full-time degree programme, we look at the development of literatures in English from the time of Shakespeare at the turn of sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to the present. We analyse the development of English through the eighteenth century, Romantic and Victorian eras, before coming up to date with modules looking at the modernists of the early twentieth century, and contemporary post-modern writers. Running alongside this historical brief are thematic questions about class, nation, race and gender, how understanding of such issues has changed and how this change is felt in the literature we study.
Which modules will I study?
You can view a full guide to the modules you have to study as part of your chosen pathway, along with a full range of option modules available by viewing the Single & Combined Honours Programmes Guide for English Literature
Can I study a Combined Honours Programme as a Part-time degree?
All our Combined Honours Programmes can be studied on a Part-time or Full-time basis. As a Part-time student, you will study the same degree programme, but at a slower pace. You will study up to 4 modules per year (instead of 6 as a full-time student).
What career opportunities are open to me if I study English Literature?
An English Literature degree is not directly a vocational qualification. Nonetheless students taking a degree in English Literature are equipped for a wide range of careers and postgraduate opportunities, and our students go on to work and study in many different fields: teaching, arts and media, welfare, administration, business for example. Skills acquired during the degree (such as clarity of expression in written and oral forms, self-management and planning , organisation of time, co-operation with others, attention to detail and ability to grasp the larger picture) will be valuable in whatever you choose to do afterwards, and your years of study will help you to clarify for yourself your own aims and interests.
For students who wish to go on to teach, it is important that you have at least 50% of your degree in a national curriculum subject in order to proceed to the PGCE. This means in most cases that you should be doing English Literature as a Major. Alternatively you can combine it with another national curriculum subject, eg History, as a joint honours degree.
Popular Combinations with English Literature are
- English Literature with Film Studies (Q3P3 - BA/PGph)
- English Literature/Communication Studies (PQ93 - BA/PGPC)
- English Literature/Cultural Studies (LQ63 - BA/PGPF)
- English Literature/International Politics (LQ23 - BA/PGPK)
- English Literature/Law (Q3M1 - BA/PGID)
- English Literature/Media Studies (PQ33 - BA/PGPM)
- Film Studies and English Literature (QP33 - BA/PHPG)
- Film Studies with English Literature (P3QH - BA/PHpg)
- History/English Literature (QV31 - BA/PIPG)
- Human Resource Management/English Literature (NQ63 - BA/DFPG)
- International Development/English Literature (LQ93 - BA/PWPG)
What can I combine with English Literature?
We have over 5000 different combinations and you can choose from over 75 pathways. Please visit this page www.uel.ac.uk/combined/programmes for a full list.
Entry Requirements
240 UCAS tariff points (including two passes at A2 level) plus GCSE English grade C.
How do I apply?
If you wish to study with us full-time from September, you will need to make your application via UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk).
If you wish to study with us part-time you can obtain an application form from our admissions department study@uel.ac.uk or apply on-line.
Other English Literature programmes available
For further information on the range of English Literature programmes available at UEL, please visit the School Page http://www.uel.ac.uk/adi/
Contact Us
If you would like to speak to someone about a Combined Honours Programme, please contact the School of Combined Honours on 0208 223 2575 or email us at combined.honours@uel.ac.uk
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
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