English Literature BA (Hons)

Our English Literature BA gives you an opportunity to study English literature in its wider social, cultural, and historical contexts.<br/><br/>Youll be able to engage with an exciting variety of texts, both traditional (such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens) and non-traditional (such as queer fiction, graphic novels, and new forms of digital content) alongside other kinds of cultural works such as films, museums and art. Youll become a sophisticated reader of texts in their wider cultural contexts, at the same time as sharpening your skills in research. This training in critical and creative reading is particularly suitable if you are considering English teaching, the publishing or journalism industries, or any career that involves sophisticated communication skills and an advanced level of language use. It is of particular interest to those wishing to develop their skills as a writer. Our degree is strong in promoting the transferable and cognitive skills that employers value, and that contribute to lifelong personal and professional development. <br/><br/>We begin the course with an examination of what literature is, what tools we use to discuss it, and how texts are related to the historical contexts from which they emerge. As you progress through the course, youll be introduced to a wide variety of literature from Shakespeare to the Gothic, American fiction, Modernism and contemporary writing. Youll study different forms including poetry, prose, and drama, looking at texts from diverse periods and places.<br/><br/>We make the most of our central London location in the midst of galleries, museums, cinemas and theatres, and use the urban landscape as a resource for studying the social and theoretical issues relating to literature.

The University of Westminster is a global university in London with a supportive and welcoming community of over 20,000 students from over 160 countries. <br/><br/>Students receive tailored support through personal tutors, mentoring from industry professionals and access to Zone29 - a nine-storey hub for enterprise and career success offering placements, events and one-to-one advice. You can also look forward to opportunities for UK and international travel and free perks like breakfast, gym membership and a wide range of student clubs to support your wellbeing. <br/><br/>Westminster was ranked number 1 in the UK for work-based learning (Forage UK University and Educator Awards 2023) and shortlisted for Best Entrepreneurial Initiative at the London Higher Awards in 2024. They were awarded TEF Silver in the 2023 teaching excellence framework. They have been rated Silver for Student Experience and Student Outcomes, indicating a very high standard in these areas.