English Literature
Q300The study of English Literature is unique in that it introduces you to any and every aspect of Anglophone culture that interests you, so it does not tie you down to any particular career pathway. To help set you up to do what you choose in the future, and to help you make the choice of what field you want to work in, we offer a wide range of literature from which you can learn. From Renaissance to rap poetry, you will work with almost 500 years of the best writing in English on a course that fires your imagination, sharpens your own written and communication skills and allows you to think critically about literature.
Course overview
Guided by our supportive teaching staff, who are all part of the university’s thriving literary research culture, you will study the ideas of the most exciting literary writers and critical thinkers involved in contemporary cultural debates, using innovative learning and teaching methods.
Year 1 provides the foundations for your studies of literature with modules designed to develop your skills in reading efficiently, critical analysis, research and writing. This is achieved through the study of a wide range of fiction, poetry and drama from across the historical periods. You will study both literature in its context, as well as the latest literary theories, as two different ways of finding out what and how a text means.
In Year 2, you will study what literature is 'out there' in three modules devised to furnish you with a clear overview of the range of the literary periods. Unless you know how literature changed and developed from the beginning, then you cannot understand why it became what it is now. You will learn how and why the dominant literary form, the plays of William Shakespeare and others, turned to the novel as the next dominant literary form. You will explore the Romantic era which changed everything, and was thought to be the highest point of literary achievement.
You will discover why in the twentieth century, once again 'everything changed,' as the Modernists and Postmodernists challenged the expectations of what literature could be. Alongside the coverage modules, you will have a chance to choose two modules which will introduce you to thematic concerns in modules such as Horror Fiction, Victorian Literature, Literature and the Body and Children’s Literature.
In Year 3, you will write a dissertation on the topic of your choice – based on what you’ve learned from the coverage and thematic modules in your second year. This will be a piece which you will work on with your chosen tutor, and will take the whole year to write. Alongside this, you will study Fantasy and Science Fictions, the most popular, but the most complex and difficult of literary genres. With these, you will choose two further modules closely related to the research interests of teaching staff and engage with cutting-edge developments in the discipline.
A degree in English Literature opens many doors. Developing a range of highly transferable skills, including analytical thinking, evaluative and research skills, self discipline, and effective written and spoken communication, will enable you to excel in a variety of fields not just confined to the arts world. Graduates have gone on to become teachers, lecturers, journalists, writers, actors, publishers and producers.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Apply
Q300
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Join a community passionate about the study of literature and the broad subject of English
- Benefit from small class sizes and individual attention
- Attend the University of Winchester Writers' Festival — an opportunity to meet authors, publishers and agents
- Use the transferable skills of analysis and writing to enter the career of your choice
- Add an extra string to your bow by taking your English degree further with an MA or even a PhD
Course details
Study abroad
Our BA (Hons) English Literature course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad at one of our partner universities in the United States of America or Canada. For more information see our Study Abroad page.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the range of available learning resources.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
Independent learning: 1008 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
Independent learning: 1008 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Teaching Hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
87% coursework
13% written exams
0% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
74% coursework
13% written exams
13% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
100% coursework
0% written exams
0% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
It is important to remember that not every text written in English was written by an English person. As a major world language, English has many forms, and has been produced in many different cultural climates. There is a special emphasis in this module on African American Literature.
The contextual and intertextual method of understanding texts is the second way of understanding English literature. This module helps you understand a text in the context in which it was produced.
One of the first skills you will need to develop, is how to research and write an undergraduate level essay, as this will be the basis of your degree. You will also learn how to debate and present academic information orally.
There are two major ways of understanding English Literature, and this is the first. The critical theories which began in the 1950s and have developed through major changes in the 1980s, and are still important today.
Modules
In Shakespeare's time, plays and poetry were the major form of literature consumed by the public. By the end of the eighteenth century the novel was at its height, but at the same time Shakespeare had become the national bard. The period covered in this module marks a major shift in the understanding of what literature is.
On this module you delve into the Romantic era's revolutionary expressions in literature, art and music, analysing its themes of individualism, nature and emotion, and the era's lasting influence on culture and intellectual thought.
This module explores pivotal shifts in art, literature, philosophy and society from Modernism to Postmodernism, examining their impacts on culture and thought.
In semester one, students can choose from:
Victorian Literature - 15 credits
Study in detail the rich tapestry of Victorian literature, examining its complex social, political, and cultural contexts. Analyse key texts, authors, and themes, exploring the era's innovations and enduring literary legacy.
OR
Children's Literature and Young Adult Fiction - 15 credits
Survey the dynamic landscape of children's and young adult fiction, exploring diverse genres, themes, and cultural representations, and analyse influential works, authors, and sociocultural impacts within evolving literary traditions.
In semester two, students can choose from:
Medieval Literature - 15 credits
Travel with Chaucer and other writers on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Medieval literature, exploring its rich tapestry of myths, legends, and religious narratives. Analyse texts, authors, and themes within their historical and cultural contexts.
OR
Gothic Literature - 15 credits
Embark on an exploration of Gothic literature's dark and mysterious realms, examining its themes of fear, the supernatural, and the sublime, while tracing its evolution and enduring impact on literature and culture.
Modules
Undertake an independent research journey in English literature, crafting a dissertation under academic supervision. Explore diverse topics, employ rigorous methodologies, and contribute original insights to the scholarly discourse.
Explore the realms of imagination in fantasy and science fiction literature. Analyse themes, tropes and cultural significance in speculative narratives, tracing their evolution and impact on literature and society.
Literature and Film - 30 credits
Examine the dynamic relationship between literature and film, analysing adaptations, intertextuality and narrative techniques. Explore how visual storytelling complements and diverges from literary traditions, enriching our understanding of storytelling mediums.
Consuming Pleasures - 30 credits
Explore the intersection of consumer culture and romantic narratives in literature. Analyse how love and desire are shaped by commercial influences, examining representations of romance in media and literature.
Women's Writing in the Long Eighteenth Century - 15 credits
Explore the vibrant landscape of women's writing during the long eighteenth century, examining its societal, political and literary significance. Analyse key texts, authors and themes within their historical and cultural contexts.
Tales from the Inside - 15 credits
Study the diverse spectrum of prison literature, analysing its portrayal of confinement, injustice, and redemption. Examine how authors use the carceral experience to explore themes of power, freedom and human resilience.
Globalisation and Contemporary Fiction - 15 credits
Examine the interplay between globalisation and contemporary fiction, analysing how literature reflects and critiques global interconnectedness. Explore diverse narratives, authors and cultural contexts shaping the contemporary literary landscape.
Literature and Psychoanalysis - 15 credits
Explore the fascinating dialogue between literature and psychoanalysis, unravelling the unconscious motivations, desires and fears within literary texts. Analyse key theories and apply psychoanalytic lenses to interpret canonical and contemporary works.
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
T Level: Merit in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSEs are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the optional costs for this course:
Optional
Overseas trip
Students have the option to attend a trip to a Film Festival throughout the duration of the course. Indicative cost: £375 per academic year.
Technology
It is recommended that students purchase their own hard-drive storage at the beginning of the course. Indicative cost: 2TB devices cost £80.
Disclosure and Barring Service
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates have gone on to become teachers, lecturers, journalists, writers, actors, publishers and producers.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
"Studying English Literature was invaluable to me as it taught me the importance of deep research, how to carefully analyse something and also how to consider multiple points of view on a single topic to make sure you are getting all sides of the argument."
