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English Literature BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

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Embrace the complexity of writers and other creators, investigating not just novels and poetry but also images and film, pamphlets, speeches, graphic novels and games, drama and memes.

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

Q311

Start date

September 2026

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The information on this page is for 2025-26 entry and should be used as guidance for 2026-27 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Examine classic and contemporary works and encounter diverse voices. Develop the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills needed to prepare for a range of careers.

Key course aims

Dive into diverse literature: explore a range of texts and topics and delve into traditional works like Romanticism and Shakespeare. Venture into the unusual with ghost stories and science fiction, and engage with innovative subjects such as environmentalism, performativity, gender and race studies. From local tales of the Midlands to Anglophone literature from around the world, this course offers a rich and dynamic literary journey.
Skills-focused: develop your critical thinking and the ability to communicate your ideas effectively in written, verbal and visual formats—all of which are assets for a range of careers.
Choose your path: customise your assessments in both topic and format, allowing you to present your work in ways that align with your interests and strengths.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Contemporary curriculum: whether you’re passionate about poetry, novels, film or any other genre, you’ll join a lively learning community to explore topics such as: what makes characters and settings strange in Gothic and speculative fiction; how writers dealt with changes in the environment from the Industrial Revolution in the Romantic period to climate change today; ways that filmmakers have constructed characters and places; and how activists have used words and stories to call for their rights during the Enlightenment, the Victorian era and now.
Project-based learning: we empower you to actively engage in real-world, meaningful projects. Work on complex problems, create tangible solutions and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Assessments are designed to replicate the type of work and tasks carried out by English literature graduates. You could find yourself producing industry-ready portfolios, video presentations, podcasts, reflective and critical writing, documentaries, proposals, news articles, community projects and visual presentations that showcase your expertise and real-world readiness.
Beyond the classroom: explore literature in various settings, not just the traditional classroom. The learning environment will be varied, ranging from digitally immersive spaces to local museums.² Expect lively discussions and group activities, learning from multiple subject experts to gain diverse perspectives.
Academic community: join a community of lecturers and students who are passionate about sharing experiences and ideas on the complexity of all literature and media, and what they mean to communities today.

We create, read and tell stories to connect with others. The study of English literature is fundamental to understanding, interpreting and explaining these stories. So, learning how to read and write about stories across time and cultures gives you the ability to comprehend and communicate a multitude of ideas and concepts in a range of circumstances. These analytical and communication skills are applicable across a number of jobs and our students have gone on to work in TV and video game media, politics, social policy, education and marketing.
Katja Pilhuj, Course Director, BA English Literature, quoted in 2024

Two students talking outside

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first year courses

English Literature BA (Hons)
English Literature and Creative Writing BA (Hons)
Philosophy BA (Hons)

Modules

Aesthetics: Poetry and Songwriting – 30 credits

Explore different genres of poetry and songs and learn the skills and theories used to critique and/or produce a variety of poetic texts. You will have the opportunity to consider the cultural, political and philosophical assumptions of influential poets and artists from the Classical era to the present. This module also introduces you to key perspectives from the Philosophy of Aesthetics.

Compulsory

Stories on Film: Creative and Critical Approaches – 30 credits

This module introduces you to methods and conventions of research, critical thinking and writing (from a film and major genres point of view) that will support your individual and group research projects. Learn to evaluate films (and, by extension, literature) through ‘close reading’ with the help of literary and film terminology. You’ll also be introduced to critical and philosophical theories and their application.

Compulsory

Warped Worlds: Questioning Reality – 30 credits

Using texts that explore how our sense of the world can be altered, fragmented and reshaped, this module familiarises you with literary and creative conventions in general. You will practice the skills of close reading, applying and questioning critical and/or philosophical theories, and writing analytical and creative works that interrogate the nature of reality and how it is represented.

Compulsory

People and Landscapes: Creating Projects – 30 credits

Develop knowledge about and help devise a group project that investigates issues of local interest while you learn skills in research, planning, group work and presentation. For example, you could design a potential workshop promoting literacy, raise environmental awareness about local waterways or learn about local refugee charities that teach language skills.

Compulsory

Modules

Writing for the Media Landscape – 30 credits

Develop your understanding of modern genres of journalistic writing. Explore how print, social and online media content is created and shared, and learn to analyse these forms critically. Gain practical skills to create your own journalism output. By the end of the module, you should be able to evaluate how journalists curate and present information across different platforms.

Compulsory

Creating Worlds in Speculative Fiction – 30 credits

Take part in the analysis and practice of ‘world-building’ by studying the evolution of the science-fiction and fantasy genres in literature and film. Investigate the social, cultural and historical forces which influence its conventions, subjects and themes, grappling with the genre’s questions of what makes us human—or not.

Compulsory

Radical Writing: Literature and Revolution - 30 credits

Learn about the development and expansion of human rights through the writings of the people who fought for them. Following a linear progression, topics and movements may include abolition, suffrage, feminism, civil rights, queer equality and disability rights. Materials will include both written and visual media.

Compulsory

Stories for Now: 20th and 21st Century Literature - 30 credits

Gain an understanding of a selection of 20th and 21st century literature and media from different national cultures and traditions. This module explores the ways in which writing and other forms of communication of the 20th and 21st century engages with issues of ‘the new century’, for example, environmentalism, decolonialisation and multiculturalism. This module will draw on theoretical perspectives ranging from ecocriticism and spatial theory to postcolonialism and poststructuralism.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

World as Stage: Reading and Writing Drama – 30 credits

Gain a comparative look at plays performed in distinct cultures and periods, exploring how the theatre was used to represent compelling characters, depict new environments and convey often radical ideas. Learn about and write in diverse theatrical traditions that could include ancient Greek plays, medieval mystery cycles, commedia dell’arte, Japanese Noh, Nigerian Yoruba, musicals and expressionism.

Compulsory

Haunted Texts: The Strange on Page and Screen - 30 credits

Through the gothic genre, broadly considered, this module examines text and other media that grapple with questions of identity and community through encounters with the weird, the uncanny and the monstrous. You will cover the historical and social contexts of these texts’/films’ depictions of gothic characters, settings and themes, pairing these elements with consideration of how critical theories can illuminate the ideas of this genre.

Compulsory

Identity, Myth and Nation in Literature and Film - 30 credits

In this module, you'll explore how cultural values and identities gain legendary or mythical status and, in turn, shape your understanding of individuals and nations, space and place, time and climate. You might delve into specific areas such as British imperial identities, the cowboy in the American Wild West, Arthurian tales of English and Welsh chivalric ideals, the post-World War prosperity and cultural revolution in the US and Western Europe, and indigenous narratives of resistance.

Compulsory

Literary Landscapes - 30 credits

This module explores the ‘spaces’ of literature, both in terms of setting and the time and place of textual production. You will consider in depth the effects of the place and era of textual/cinematic creation on depictions of location and beyond, as well as examine how certain critical theories can be used to illuminate the themes in detail. Critical approaches can include ecocriticism, postcolonialism, spatial theory and environmental studies.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

In this course, you'll learn through hands-on activities and real-world examples, using the same approaches professionals use in the field. It’s all about helping you build the skills you need to feel confident and prepared for your future career.

Teaching methods may include:

seminars and workshops with real-time feedback and support from lecturers and peers
project work that can include script development, short film and podcasts
immersive and interactive games that you could solve with critical thinking
visits to local historical and cultural sites²
experiences and knowledge in more than one discipline with shared creative writing and literature modules
opportunities for one-to-one tutorials. These are only a few of the teaching activities in which you can participate. We can also work with you to identify your interests and passions and find ways to integrate those into classes and assessments.

These are only a few of the teaching activities in which you can participate. We can also work with you to identify your interests and passions and find ways to integrate those into classes and assessments.

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

on campus lectures, seminars and workshops
group work
self-directed learning
work placement opportunities².

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course incorporates new and innovative assessment methods aligned with current industry standards, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to advance your professional readiness and career prospects.

Assessment methods may include:

essays: both critical and creative
podcasts
movie and theatre scripts
short documentaries and films
presentations
game narratives and live-action interactive experiences
media articles like reviews, guides and personal experience.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

This course has a multicultural and international outlook, and we use a range of international texts and authors.

You have the opportunity to undertake a Study Abroad Year or International Placement Year after successful completion of two years of study².

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

Studying at Coventry University has been an incredible experience. I have acquired many useful skills and expertise, made remarkable connections and enjoyed myself immensely. The professors have been very forthcoming in providing help and counsel during my studies.
Aksshat Goel, First year English Literature BA (Hons) student, April 2022

Group of 4 students chatting at a table in a coffee shop.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma. Plus GCSE English at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Request fee information
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

You will benefit from studying on our well-equipped, modern campus⁴.

Delia Derbyshire building

Delia Derbyshire Building

The Delia Derbyshire complex offers more space to learn, design and make, including a hyper-studio for students across all disciplines to collaborate on projects together, a gallery space and an events atrium.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

The library is open 24/7, 364 days a year. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

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George Eliot building

Named after one of the leading writers of the Victorian age, the George Eliot building is the city centre home of English studies at Coventry University. Mingle with like minded students, cross the Edible Garden campus to relax at the Hub, or take the few minutes walk to immerse yourself in books at the Lanchester library.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Throughout the course, your academic study will be combined with skills development in a range of areas highly valued by many types of employers. You will have the opportunity to refine your critical thinking and analysis in both written and spoken formats, improving your reading and listening ability to communicate and present ideas.

On successful completion of the course, you should be a graduate with a firm sense of global cultural diversity, ready to make a dynamic difference anywhere in the world. You could find yourself working in the following roles:

Educator
Book/magazine editor
Postgraduate student
Public relations specialist
Marketing content writer
Researcher
Non-profit manager
Archivist/museum curator.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Further study

You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the English Literature MA. You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.

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How to apply

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

UK students

Full-time students will be able to apply for this course through UCAS from September 2025. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
AHU106

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2025/26. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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