English Literature (extended degree) BA (single honours)

This engaging BA English Literature degree is for people with a passion for literature.  

The extended degree programmes include a foundation year, which will provide you with a sound introduction to key elements needed for studying English Literature at degree level. Our extended degree programme will provide you with a thorough and supportive academic preparation for study. The foundation year is carefully designed to build confidence in your abilities, develop essential academic and study skills, and provide you with the subject specific knowledge essential for success.

On our English Literature course you will explore topics as varied as children’s literature, the poetics of surveillance, Shakespeare on screen and Victorian novels. You’ll also study classic and modern writing from around the world, including the work of Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Zadie Smith and Neil Gaiman. 

You’ll be taught by world-class researchers and writers, and be part of a department that’s ranked 15th in the country* on the strength of its research. We also run extra lectures and masterclasses with renowned authors, such as our Chancellor, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Kazuo Ishiguro, Anthony Horowitz and Emma Donoghue. 

Develop a range of skills you’ll need in the workplace, including clarity of expression in written work and oral presentation, research skills, and the ability to analyse arguments and ideas. You will be supported to realise your potential through individual tutorials, small group work and lectures. 

Roehampton has thriving partnerships with leading literature festivals and cultural organisations, including Battersea Arts Centre, Wimbledon Bookfest and Barnes Children's Literature Festival. You can volunteer or undertake paid work placements. We also have our own press, Fincham Press, so there’s the chance to have your own work published. 

You can expect to make full use of London's extraordinary range of libraries, museums, galleries and theatre spaces. Built into our modules are guided trips to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Maritime Museum and Shakespeare's Globe, to name just a few. 

According to the latest official survey, 92% of English Literature graduates are working or in further study six months after finishing this course (Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education Survey, 2018 results) and our graduates earn more on average than those from any other modern university in London (Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2017 results, earnings one, three and five years after graduation). This means you'll leave us, not only with a deeper appreciation of literature, but also highly-equipped to succeed in whichever career you wish to pursue.  

You can study English Literature combined with Creative Writing and with Drama, Theatre and Performance.