English
UCAS code Q300
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
The BA English degree programme gives you the flexibility to combine the study of literature and language in a balance that suits you, and offers optional modules in creative writing in the second and final years. The language modules aim to provide understanding of the historical, social and psychological factors that shape the English language used in everyday life, while the literature modules are designed to foster interpretive skills applying to a wide range of genres and historical periods.
Introduction
Through a range of entirely optional modules, you may choose to construct a programme combining English language and literature in equal measures, or to specialise in either part of the subject.
Year one introduces key skills necessary for the advanced study of literature and language, including academic writing and independent learning. You will study the historical developments of the English language and of literatures in English, alongside approaches to textual analysis and interpretation.
In your second and final years, you will have the freedom to plan the specific path that you follow through the programme. Year two focuses on the major periods of English literature and core aspects of English language study. Available modules examine the literatures of specific historical periods – such as the medieval, Victorian, or modernist – and areas of language study including child language acquisition or psycholinguistics.
In the final year, the emphasis is on specialisation within different literary genres and on the social and other contexts of English language. You will develop skills of independent research – for instance, by choosing to write a dissertation on a topic of your own design – and you will also have the option to take a work placement module that will give you workplace experience with an organisation relevant to your degree.
Each year of study is comprised entirely of optional modules, enabling you to tailor the course of your studies. In each year, you will take modules amounting to 120 credits.
Creative Writing modules are offered in years two and three.
Year in industry
This programme is available with an optional year in industry. If you choose this option, year three is spent on a paid placement within an organisation in industry, broadly defined. You will be supported by the School of the Arts and the Department throughout, and your reflexive written account of the experience will contribute towards your final degree result. If you wish to study this programme with a year in industry, please put the option code ‘YI’ in the ‘further choices’ section of your UCAS application form.
Brian Nellist English Attainment Scholarships
We are pleased to offer two attainment scholarships per year to undergraduate students from the UK. The scholarships will cover the entire UK tuition fee for both years two and three (currently £9,250 per annum). Awards will be made by the department at the end of year one, based on performance.
What you'll learn
- Knowledge of one or more specific literary historical periods, and the associated genres and language
- Critical and textual analysis
- Independent research and evaluative skills
- Advanced writing and communications skills
- The ability to write fluent prose
- An awareness of cultural, theoretical and historical contexts of literature and language use
- The ability to construct and support argument in written or spoken forms
- Literary and linguistic analysis
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
Your first year will provide the knowledge and skills required to pursue the rest of your degree. You will take at least 30 credits each of literature and language modules.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In year two, the literature modules give an overview of the major periods and genres of literary history, while the language provision covers theoretical, historical, and sociocultural approaches. You can choose your path through the degree according to your interests: you can choose to maintain an equal balance of literature or language, or you can choose to specialise more in one side of the subject.
- There may be some restrictions on which modules can be taken in conjunction with others, which will be explained during module registration.
- If you are following the year in industry pathway, you will be required to take module SOTA260.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final year
Your final year modules are designed to allow greater specialisation, and many are based directly on the research expertise of academic staff. Modules will explore literary genres; relationships with film and other media; theoretical approaches to language and literature; English in social, legal and educational contexts; and more. You will have the option to write a dissertation on a topic of your choice, or to undertake a work placement.
- If taking the dissertation option, you may choose to take it in semester one (ENGL311), semester two (ENGL379), or over the course of the year (ENGL380).
- Students taking the SOTA300 placement module are not normally permitted to take a dissertation option.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Combined degree
Choosing this subject as a combined degree
In year one, you will take modules aimed at developing the skills necessary for advanced study in English literature and language. From year two, you will choose from a range of literature modules that focus on specific periods, genres or themes, and language modules that develop your understanding of the ways in which language works in the world. You can choose to maintain an even balance of language and literature study, or to specialise in one aspect of the subject.
In each year, you will take 60 credits of English and 60 credits from your other subject choice.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
You will experience a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with no modules being taught entirely through lectures. Alongside independent study and research, some modules require timetabled student group work. We provide an online programme of study skills to help with the necessary standards of referencing and presentation in written work. Tutorials allow for discussion of key readings, concepts and ideas, typically in groups of up to nine students.
Seminar groups are larger, but do not normally exceed 18; they usually last for between one and a half to two hours. Workshops are similar in size but have a more distinct practical element (e.g. in drama or language modules). In addition, in your second and final years, you will participate to a greater or lesser extent in a range of other formative activities: seminar presentations, creative writing and peer teaching.
How you're assessed
The main modes of assessment are through a combination of essay and examination, but depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and portfolios of creative work or specific tests focused on editing, translation or etymological tasks.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC (including English: B) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
DDM and grade B in A level English. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Diploma DM plus grade B at English A level; BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus grade B in English at A level and grade B in another A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
Grade C, plus A level grades BB including grade B in English. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit. Requires level 3 credits at Distinction in English. |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Semester abroad
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Year in industry
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
- Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
- Experience and understand workplace culture and discipline
- Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
- Begin your professional network
- Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
Learn more about year in industry
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Combine this subject
With a combined degree, you can study two subjects as part of the same degree programme.
- Choose from 30 subjects and over 300 combinations
- Choose joint or major minor subjects
- Adjust the weight of your subjects at the end of your first year
- Same number of credits as single honours students
- Same classes as single honours students
- Appeal to a wide range of employers
Study as part of XJTLU 2+2
Students studying English Studies BA at XJTLU can study this course at the University of Liverpool. Read more about English BA (Hons) as part of the 2+2 programme .
The natural next step for ambitious XJTLU students who want to build a brilliant career.
- Spend two years at the University of Liverpool campus
- Improve your prospects of progressing to postgraduate study at a top 100 university
- Receive two degrees: one from XJTLU, one from the University of Liverpool
- Get support with visas, accommodation and your career.
Your experience
The Department of English is based in the School of the Arts, although teaching will take place across the campus. We are committed to small group teaching, which encourages a more rewarding learning experience, where ideas are shared and explored with your peers and tutors.
Explore where you'll study
Inside English
What’s it like to Study English at Liverpool? A conversation between Alex Carabine and Dr Natalie Hanna.
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
An exciting place to study English
- The Department of English is in the top 100 English Language and Literature departments in the world according to QS Top Universities rankings
- We are internationally renowned for advancing the study of language, literature, and creative writing and have a strong research ethos
- Our programmes offer opportunities to study creative writing and literature from a wide range of periods, as well as a range of approaches to understanding the way in which the English language works
- We have a reputation for radical thinking, as exemplified by our success rate in the BBC and Arts and Humanities Council’s ‘New Generation Thinkers’ scheme. In total, five members our academic staff have been selected since the scheme was established in 2010
- We are committed to small group teaching. This encourages a more rewarding learning experience, where ideas are shared and explored with peers and tutors
- Ranked 10th in sector for research impact classified as outstanding (4*) (REF 2021)
- We are host to Europe’s largest collection of science fiction materials which includes the John Wyndham Archive and home to the annual Liverpool Literary Festival.
The staff are the best thing about the English department. They’re enthusiastic, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable about their fields.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
A day in the life of English student Scarlett Wager-Leigh
A day in the life of English student Scarlett Wager-Leigh.
Careers and employability
As a student in the School of the Arts, you will be supported to maximise your employability from day one. Our English degree programmes are valued by employers who recognise the skills our students develop, including teamwork, project design, critical thinking, proficiency in text analysis and communication and presentation skills.
The School has its own Placements and Employability Officer, and you will have the opportunity to undertake a semester-long work placement or a year in industry. We offer a popular poetry publishing placement through the SOTA300 work experience module, and you can read about the experiences of students who have undertaken this placement – and since found employment in the publishing industry – here.
Our graduates leave to take up a very wide range of careers, including in the following areas:
- Teaching
- Media: journalism; broadcasting; the arts
- Publishing
- Business: marketing; management trainees in a variety of businesses; accounting
- Librarianship
- The Civil Service
- The legal sector
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Victoria Derbyshire, BA (Hons) English Language & Literature 1989
The main reason I had an amazing time was that I made some wonderful friends, some I am still very close to now. My course opened my eyes to so many novels and plays and texts that I would never have read otherwise. And that’s one of the points about university.
Emma Watkinson, BA (Hons) English Language & Literature 2008
My advice to students or budding entrepreneurs would be this: work hard on things that interest you; get as much experience and on-the-ground learning as possible; and build a network of mentors around you as early as possible. I truly believe that if you treat everything as a learning experience, anything can happen.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Year in industry fee - £1,905
Year abroad fee - £12,050 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 11 July 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions