English Literature BA

On this varied and wide-ranging course you’ll encounter the rich diversity of texts, concepts and themes within English Literature. From novels to poetry, drama to non-fiction you'll undertake in-depth textual study, gaining advanced skills in interpretation, critical analysis and reasoning.

You'll also explore the historical, social and cultural contexts of the texts you study. You'll trace the development of English Literature though time, exploring changes in narrative techniques and discursive practices used by writers.

You could study literature from Old English to contemporary and postcolonial narratives, from Jane Austen and Shakespeare to African literature and world theatre. Medieval romances, Renaissance humanism, Romantic poetry and the digital humanities are just some of the specialist areas in the variety we offer.

This flexible degree offers you broad knowledge of literature in English and allows you to specialise in topics that interest you – all while you develop transferable skills that employers seek.

Facilities

Leeds has fantastic facilities for literature students. The world-class Brotherton Library has an array of archive, manuscript and early printed material in its Special Collections, alongside other extensive library resources. All of this will be valuable for your independent research, and the University Library offers training programmes to help you make the most of our resources.

In your first year, you’ll study core modules introducing you to literary theory, criticism and research, whilst exploring a range of poetry and prose texts. You’ll be able to choose from our exciting option modules, including topics such as race, writing and decolonisation and the creative essay, and to choose discovery modules from subjects across the university.

In the following year, you’ll choose from core modules focusing on different historical periods to give you a sense of how literature has evolved over time. You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules, from medieval Scandinavian sagas and Arthurian legends to African literature, creative writing and children’s literature.

This balanced approach will continue into your final year, when you’ll choose from further period-based core modules alongside options such as Byron and the Shelleys, Refugee Narratives, and Millennial Fictions. You’ll also showcase the skills you’ve acquired throughout your degree when you complete an independently researched final year project on a literary topic of your choice. For this research project, you could choose to write a traditional dissertation, to try your hand at textual editing, or to produce a creative writing portfolio.

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.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from our tutors’ expertise. These include lectures, workshops and seminars as well as one-to-one tutorials and supervisions, group work and online learning through the Virtual Learning Environment.

Independent study is also a vital element of this degree, since it enables you to develop your research and critical skills and form your own ideas.

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

You’ll be assessed using a range of methods too, including exams, essays and shorter written assignments. In some modules this may also extend to online exercises such as wikis or podcasts, library exercises or oral presentations. We do offer plenty of support throughout your time at Leeds, such as extra classes on exam technique and public speaking if you need them.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA including English (Language, Literature or Language and Literature).

Other course specific tests:

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be AAB at A Level including A in English (Literature, or Language and Literature) and grade A in the EPQ.

We welcome applications from mature students with Access qualifications, and from students with a wide range of qualifications.

• 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 follow a Humanities pathway and/or include English modules. An interview and a piece of written work may be required.

• BTEC

  We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, D3, M2 including D3 in English.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall with 17 at Higher Level including 6 in English at Higher Level

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 including H2 in English

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AA in Advanced Highers including English and AABBB in Highers or A in Advanced Highers English and AAABB in Highers

• 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: 85% with 8.5 in English.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s 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: ABB including A in English (Literature or Language and Literature) at A Level and pass Access to Leeds.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information contact the School of English admissions team.

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 Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,250 (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.

A degree in English equips you with a range of valuable, transferable skills in addition to your subject knowledge.

You’ll be an excellent communicator who can present well-reasoned arguments and conclusions clearly, whether verbally or in writing. You’ll have strong organisational and time management skills from managing your own workload. Crucially, you’ll be able to conduct thorough research, interpret and analyse complex information and then think critically about what you find to draw your own conclusions.

All of these qualities are very attractive to employers, and our graduates have gone on to find success in diverse careers within and beyond the arts. They include the creative industries, advertising and marketing, education, journalism, law, publishing, radio and television as well as administration, business and finance, charity work, the civil service, management, management consultancy and social welfare. Many have also progressed to postgraduate study.

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

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 about studying abroad.

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 and work placements.