BA (Hons) English Literature at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA English Literature takes a global, contemporary approach, covering literature from ancient epics and medieval classics to contemporary novels, poetry and graphic fiction. Students examine themes including climate change, artificial intelligence, migration, empire, gender, race, technology and social justice, with optional modules in creative writing, film, drama and journalism.

Department: School of Language, Literature, and Media | Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 includes Origins and Transformations in Literature and Drama, Text Up Close: Reading for Criticism and The Humanities Graduate: Future Pathways. Later modules include Criticism: Practice and Theory, final-year literature options and an Independent Literature Project.

Career pathways

Graduates pursue careers in publishing and journalism, education, marketing and communications, public and cultural sectors (Civil Service, museums, libraries, charities, arts organisations) or further study such as master's degrees and teacher training.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UK applicants: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including B in an essay based subject. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Essex accepts A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications that hold UCAS tariff points; acceptability of some non-A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including C in an essay based subject. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or a specified score in an equivalent accepted test; a pre-sessional English pathway is available for those who do not meet the IELTS requirement. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Home/UK tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. International tuition fee per year; fees increase for each academic year of study. Placement year: 20% of the standard tuition fee for that year; full year abroad: 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with an optional placement or study abroad year)

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