(Full time) 2020 start
English and Social Policy BA
Overview
This course offers you the opportunity to explore a broad range of literature from poetry to novels, drama to non-fiction whilst also gaining an understanding of key issues in Social Policy, historically and in the present day.
By studying texts from across historical periods, cultures and societies, you will develop an understanding of how English literature has developed over time. You'll also gain advanced analytical and communication skills, exploring key themes across texts and considering the impact of context on discourse.
You'll explore the impact of housing, health, poverty, education and other key issues on governments and society, and gain an understanding of how social policy has evolved both in the UK and internationally, from the establishment of the welfare state in the 1940s through to contemporary debates in social democracy.
Academic staff in the School of English and the School of Sociology and Social Policy have expertise in a broad range of specialisms, this is reflected in a large number of optional modules available for you to choose from. From Shakespeare to Crime, Medieval Literature to Education and the Romantic Period to Gender.
Specialist facilities
The world-class Brotherton Library boasts unique manuscript, archive and early printed material in its Special Collections – valuable assets for your independent research. Our additional library resources are also excellent, and the University Library offers a comprehensive training programme to help you make the most of them.
Take a look around our libraries:
Course content
By studying this course, you'll be able to split your time studying English Literature and Social Policy in equal depth. The core modules you study in each of the subjects will be the same as on our single honours courses in order to ensure you gain a thorough grounding in each subject.
In your first year you’ll gain the key skills you need for studying and researching in English whilst gaining an understanding of the fundamental questions, concepts and practices which underpin textual analysis. You'll choose from core modules exploring poetry, prose and drama through time. In Social Policy, you'll develop knowledge of the social, political, economic and cultural influences that have shaped the welfare state since the 1940s, as well as some of the key debates surrounding welfare today.
Over the next two years you’ll develop your knowledge and skills through a choice of core modules focusing on different literary periods from the medieval period to today and some of the major issues in social policy. In addition, our wide range of optional modules allow you to shape your degree course to suit your skills and interests. You'll choose optional modules from across both disciplines providing you with a broader academic experience, topics you study could range from the power of language to disability rights and from Renaissance Literature to crime.
In your final year you'll also complete a research project or dissertation in a subject area of your choice in either English Literature or Social Policy, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your independent skills.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Learning and teaching
Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.
We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds for example, youll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
including A in English (Literature, Language or Language and Literature).
GCSE: Grade 4/C in Mathematics
Other course specific tests:-
Access to HE Diploma
Pass diploma with 60 credits overall, including at least 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. The Access course must include English modules. Grade 4/C in Mathematics at GCSE is also required. An interview and a piece of written work may also be required. -
BTEC
We will consider this qualification in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information. -
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M1, M1 including D3 in English.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in English at Higher Level and 5 in Mathematics at Standard Level
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including H2 in English
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AB in Advanced Highers including A in English and AABBB in Highers, or A in English in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers
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Welsh Baccalaureate
The Welsh Baccalaureate is not typically included in the academic conditions of an offer made to you for this course. If you choose to undertake the Welsh Baccalaureate we would strongly encourage you to draw upon these experiences within your personal statement, as your qualification will then be taken into account both when your application is initially considered by the selection panel and again when reviewed by the admissions tutor at the time your A-level results are passed to us. -
Other Qualifications
European Baccalaureate: 80% including 85% in English.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer: BBB at A Level including English and pass Access to Leeds.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. Contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £19,500 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
A degree in English and Social Policy will prepare you well for a range of diverse careers from social research, local government, and the civil service to journalism, public relations and education. You'll develop your career prospects by developing key skills including research, reporting, presentation, analysis and critical thinking.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.