BA English at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

Students explore literatures in English in the widest sense, from Anglo-Saxon writing to contemporary Irish, British and global literatures, studied in their historical, cultural and material contexts. Language modules cover the history, structure and function of English, and creative writing modules allow specialisation in prose fiction, poetry and scriptwriting. The programme is linked to the Seamus Heaney Centre.

Department: School of Arts, English and Languages | Duration: 3 years full-time (optional full-year study abroad can extend to 4 years) | Intake: Academic year 2027/28 (UCAS) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules include English in Transition, Issues in Contemporary Fiction: Gender, Race, Ecology and Introduction to English Language; optional modules include Introduction to Creative Writing, Writing from 21st Century Ireland and Adventures in Shakespeare (20 credits each). A work-based learning module offers placements in schools, business, the media and the arts.

Career pathways

Students can progress to cognate taught postgraduate degrees such as MA English Literary Studies, MA Linguistics, MA Media and Broadcast Production, MA Poetry, MA Creative Writing, MSc Software Development (conversion), MLaw (conversion) or a PGCE, or to the MRes in Arts and Humanities. Queen's Degree Plus award accredits extra-curricular skills.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A level: ABB including A-level English (AS-level English at grade A is acceptable in lieu for applicants who have not studied A-level English). A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate counts (Distinction* = A, Distinction = B). Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H3H3/H2H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level H3 in English. Access Course: average 70% including average 65% in Literature modules. International Baccalaureate: 33 points including 6 in English and 5,5 at Higher Level. Graduate entry: minimum 2:2 Honours degree provided subject requirements are met. GCSE English Language grade C/4 required; typically five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above including English Language (last year's intake). BTEC Extended Diplomas and HNC/HND can be considered if subject requirements are met. Offers are normally based on three A-levels; candidates are not normally interviewed. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 4,985 a year (2026/27). NI/ROI residency, full-time undergraduate tuition; 2026/27 rate Source

International applicants: GBP 24,600 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other rate for 2027/28 entry. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (optional full-year study abroad can extend to 4 years)

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