Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

The programme starts with a Foundation Year that focuses on academic skills, introductory literary study and, where required, English language support. Topics typically covered in the foundation year include study skills and critical thinking, introduction to narrative and genre, basic approaches to poetry and prose, and research and presentation techniques that prepare students for degree-level work.

Level 4–6 (Honours degree)

On successful completion of the foundation stage, students progress to the three-year honours programme. Core and typical modules cover a mixture of historical survey modules and thematic or theoretical approaches. Examples include:

• Literary History: surveys of major periods such as Renaissance drama, Romanticism, Victorian fiction and twentieth-century literature
• Close Reading and Genre Studies: focused work on poetry, the novel, drama and short fiction
• Literary Theory and Criticism: introductions to critical approaches from formalist to contemporary theory
• Research Methods and Dissertation: practical training in research and an extended independent dissertation in the final year
• Optional modules: creative writing, adaptations and film, postcolonial literature, gender and sexuality studies, children’s literature, environmental humanities, and digital approaches to literature
• Work-based learning and employability modules: opportunities to undertake placements, community projects or publishing-related experience where offered

Teaching methods typically combine lectures, small-group seminars, workshops and one-to-one supervision for long essays and the dissertation. Assessment is through essays, portfolios, practical projects and presentations.

Entry requirements

The foundation year is designed for applicants who do not yet meet standard entry requirements for direct entry to the honours degree. Applicants should have qualifications broadly equivalent to UK secondary education and demonstrate potential for degree-level study. Typical evidence includes school-leaving certificates, vocational qualifications, or relevant professional experience.

For progression from the foundation year into the honours programme, students must meet the universitys progression criteria, which will be communicated during enrolment. International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised qualifications or tests. All applicants will be considered on the basis of their whole application, including personal statement and references.

Career prospects

Graduates in English Literature pursue a wide range of careers. The degree develops skills in critical analysis, research, written and verbal communication, and project management that employers value.

• Publishing, editing and literary agent roles
• Journalism, copywriting, content creation and digital communications
• Teaching and education (including routes into postgraduate teacher training)
• Museum, archive and heritage sector roles
• Public relations, marketing and cultural management
• Further academic study at MA or PhD level in literature, creative writing or related humanities disciplines

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes combines small-group teaching with a practical, career-focused approach. English Literature students benefit from seminars and workshops led by academic staff who are active researchers and practitioners, and there are opportunities for one-to-one supervision on substantial projects such as the final-year dissertation.

The universitys location in Oxford provides access to a rich range of cultural resources, libraries and literary networks. Brookes also emphasises employability, offering dedicated support for placements, internships and career planning that help students build professional experience while they study.

Overall the programme is suited to students who want a supportive entry route into higher education, followed by a flexible honours degree that balances historical knowledge, critical theory and practical literary skills.