University of Leicester

What you'll study

The BA English is a three-year honours programme (with options for an integrated placement year or study abroad where available) that balances core skills with specialist options. In the early stages you will build foundations in close reading, literary history and basic critical approaches; later years let you choose from period- and theme-based modules and undertake a substantial independent project.

• Core skills and methods: introduction to English studies, close reading, research skills and an introduction to literary and cultural theory.
• Periods and genres: modules commonly cover medieval and early modern literature (including Shakespeare), the long nineteenth century, modernism and twentieth-century literature, contemporary fiction and drama, and the novel, poetry and short fiction across historical periods.
• Themes and contexts: you'll find option modules on gender and sexuality, race and postcolonial writing, ecocriticism, print and book history, popular culture, and the relationship between literature and other media.
• Theory and interdisciplinarity: critical theory, cultural studies, digital approaches to literature and modules that connect literature to philosophy, history and visual culture.
• Independent research: a final-year dissertation or extended project gives you supervision to pursue a sustained piece of research on a topic of your choice.
• Optional practical elements: creative writing workshops, placements, internships and opportunities to engage with the university's special collections and archives are often offered.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically based on successful completion of secondary qualifications such as A-levels, an international equivalent, or a recognised access programme, alongside any specific GCSE requirements the University may set (for example in English). Typical conditional offers for this kind of programme are in the mid-range of A-level grades; applicants with BTEC, access diplomas or other qualifications should check equivalence and provide a strong personal statement. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or life experience are welcome; international applicants should meet the University's English language requirements.

Career prospects

An English degree from Leicester develops transferable skills in critical thinking, written and oral communication, research and project management. Graduates go into a wide range of professions, including:

• secondary teaching (often following a postgraduate teacher training qualification such as a PGCE)
• publishing, editing and literary agency roles
• journalism, copywriting, PR and marketing
• heritage, museums, libraries and archive work
• policy, research and roles in the civil service or non-profit sector
• further academic study at master's and doctoral level in literature, cultural studies or related disciplines.

Why study at University of Leicester

Leicester combines research-active staff and a supportive undergraduate teaching environment. The School of Languages, Cultures, History and Anthropology hosts active research groups that inform teaching, while students benefit from small-group seminars, dissertation supervision and access to the University's Special Collections and archives. Careers and employability services provide support with placements, internships and applications, and the campus setting encourages a close-knit student experience. The degree's flexibility allows you to shape your pathway through options, practical modules and an independent final project.