BA (Hons) English

This course takes an innovative, modern approach to literature, focusing on drama, prose, fiction and poetry from the 17th century to the present – balancing the traditional with the modern. 

Flexibility is key to our approach and as your course progresses you’ll be able to choose course units to suit your own particular interests, such as creative writing, film and cultural theory. Or why not focus geographically and culturally on writing from the USA, Ireland, Africa, India and the Caribbean.

If you choose the placement route, you will spend Year 3 of your studies on an industry placement. A placement is a key element of the course as it allows you to apply university based knowledge, skills and understanding to the real world of work. It also gives you an advantage when you begin looking for your first job upon graduating. And in your final year, you’ll get a chance to spread your wings with a substantial piece of project work that presents a thesis, building on the skills you’ve been developing over previous years. 

Our lively department is home to internationally renowned writers and critics, and there’s a strong research culture, creating a learning environment that is both supportive and intellectually challenging. And with our extensive cultural links both in Manchester and further afield, you’ll be in the right place to begin building a creative network for your future.

Our English degree also provides you with the opportunity to spend a year expanding your horizons, studying with one of our partner universities overseas.

This course takes a comparative and contemporary approach to the study of literature and focuses on the major genres of drama, prose, fiction and poetry. In historical terms our curriculum covers the 17th century to the present, with strong emphasis on the literature of the last two centuries. You will learn strategies for reading and interpreting, not only books, but other forms of text and the world around you. We pride ourselves on our excellent teaching, highly positive student feedback and strong research culture.

What is the length of the course?

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with placement
• 4 years with study abroad