The BA degree in English is meticulously designed to allow you to engage with the broadest range of English literature, while studying the language and acquiring key careers' skills. This comprehensive approach is one of the main strengths of the degree and it ensures that our graduates are unusually knowledgable about their field.

The 30 full-time academic staff provide access to a range of expertise and their internationally recognised research feeds directly into teaching.

In the first year you will study introductory English modules and choose an Option Subject from a range including American Literature, Film Studies, and History. The second year features core modules covering the literature of the medieval period to the eighteenth century, along with the study of critical theory and Old English. In the third year you study literature up to the present day and will specialize at an advanced level through choosing a Compulsory Dissertation and two Special Subjects (one in each semester).

Degree Structure

Please click on the modules to find information on course content, reading lists, and details of assessments.

Please note that some module titles will alter for 2012 and 2013 entrants but course content will be substantially the same.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Every term you will study three modules with the teaching taking two principal forms. Lectures, given by subject specialists, are designed to introduce you to important debates and contexts for understanding an author’s work. Weekly seminars allow you to explore a text in detail with a tutor leading a group of about 12 students in discussion.

For each module you will have one seminar and one or more lectures per week. During the week you also attend additional teaching events, such as workshops on research and study skills, learning groups, and introduced film screenings.

Students are assessed through a combination of essays, examinations, group work, and oral presentations. Coursework greatly predominates over examination as a form of assessment

Option Subject (year one)

As a first year, you take four modules of English (two in each semester) and an  Option Subject which you study for the year.

The current Option subjects include:

• American Literature
• Film Studies
• History
• History of Art
• Modern Languages (French, Italian, and Spanish)

The choice of the Option Subject, which must normally be made before you arrive in Leicester to begin the course, must be approved by the School of English.

Special Subjects and Dissertations (year three)

Special Subject modules give you the chance to pursure a particular interest of your own. The modules are designed to directly reflect tutors' own research interests.

These modules are taught through weekly two-hour seminars. Assessment differs from subject to subject with some being through one or two essays, and others through essay and set exercises.

Dissertations are individual research projects, culminating in a 5,000 word essay. The choice of topic, author and period are up to you. You will receive one-on-one supervision from a member of staff with an interest in your chosen topic.

List of available Special Subjects

Research

The research strengths of each member of staff play a major role in the degree at Leicester. You will benefit directly from the internationally renowned scholarship of your tutors and lecturers on all the courses that make up the programme of study.

For further details of research undertaken in the School see the research section.

Study skills

As a graduate of our English course, you will be skilled in research, analysis, and in communicating  with different audiences. You will gain considerable experience in delivering oral presentations and, of course, in using the written language to argue clearly and eloquently.

Within the degree programme, careful thought has been given to how to prepare you for your future employment. Definable skills are built into every course. In the first year, for example, workshops include sessions on public-speaking, careers planning, and using electronic resources for research. Innovative teaching techniques, such as the use of teamwork and web-based discussion groups, are integral to the programme.

Support

The School of English has an excellent support care system. You will be assigned a Personal Tutor who can offer advice and support throughout your  university life. This system, coupled with the University’s extensive welfare and support facilities, helps ensure efficient and accessible care is available for all students.

Come and see for your yourself

There is no substitute for personal experience. We believe that witnessing what the school, university and campus has to offer first-hand will allow you absorb what it is actually like to be a student; and that is something you cannot get from a book or website.

Book a place on an open day

Entry requirements

For the most recent information on our entry requirements please refer to our online prospectus - link below.

English prospectus