English Literature

English literature is the sustained, critical study of writing in English across the full range of its historical periods, forms and cultural contexts. From medieval manuscripts to contemporary fiction, from Renaissance poetry to postcolonial drama, English literature examines how texts produce meaning, what they reveal about the societies that created them, and why they continue to matter to readers across time and place. It is a discipline that develops close reading, precise argumentation and the capacity to write with clarity, nuance and intellectual confidence.

At Northumbria, this four-year extended programme gives you additional time to develop the literary and critical skills at the heart of English study before tackling the more advanced work of the later years. The extended format is designed for students who will benefit from a stronger academic foundation, or who wish to engage more broadly with the subject before specialising. The programme includes a sandwich year, a year abroad and work placement opportunities, giving you professional experience in publishing, media, education, arts administration or other relevant sectors alongside the chance to study English in an international academic context.

The typical entry tariff is 120 UCAS points.

English literature graduates move into careers in publishing, journalism, copywriting, content creation, education, public relations, arts administration, the civil service, law, marketing and many other fields where strong writing and analytical ability are valued. Northumbria's applied approach and the professional and international experience available through the programme give graduates a competitive edge in careers that require both literary sensibility and practical professional competence. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in English literature, creative writing, journalism, education or related disciplines.