Contemporary Literature (subject to Approval)

Contemporary Literature (subject to Approval) at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive exploration of the most influential and innovative literary works from the late 20th century to the present day. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the evolving landscape of modern writing, critically engaging with texts across genres, regions, and cultural contexts. Throughout the course, students will encounter a diverse range of authors, themes, and literary movements that have shaped contemporary literature and continue to influence global cultural discussions.

The programme emphasizes critical analysis, close reading, and theoretical engagement, preparing students for careers in writing, publishing, media, education, and other fields that value strong communication and analytical skills. Students will study a variety of texts including novels, poetry, drama, and non-fiction, gaining insights into narrative techniques, stylistic innovations, and socio-political commentary embedded within these works. The curriculum also encourages students to consider the significance of identity, postmodernism, digital culture, and globalization in contemporary writing.

In addition to core modules, students have the opportunity to tailor their learning through optional courses that delve into specific themes such as gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, technological impacts on literature, and the role of fiction in social change. The programme fosters a vibrant academic community with seminars, workshops, and guest lectures from leading scholars and contemporary writers, enriching the educational experience.

Lecturers are committed to providing personalized support, mentoring students through their research projects and dissertation, which allows for in-depth investigation of particular interests within the field of contemporary literature. Access to extensive digital resources, archives, and regularly updated reading lists ensures students stay engaged with the latest developments in literary studies.

Graduates of this programme will possess the critical skills, cultural awareness, and theoretical knowledge necessary for diverse professional paths or advanced research. Whether aiming to become a literary critic, author, cultural commentator, or pursue further academic study, students will benefit from the rigorous academic environment and the university’s strong connections to publishing and media industries. Join the Contemporary Literature (subject to Approval) at the University of Kent to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of modern writing and its ongoing dialogues with society.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee Visit Programme Website Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 180 ECTS
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

Teaching & Assessment

Modules are taught by weekly seminars. Core modules include a weekly lecture, plus individual supervision is offered for the Long Essay. Assessment at Stage 1 is by a mixture of coursework and examination. Some modules may include an optional practical element.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• introduce you to a wide range of literatures (particularly British and American) and encourage you to develop your own interests and expertise in fields of literary study
• enable you to develop an historical awareness of literary traditions
• develop your understanding and critical appreciation of the expressive resources of language
• offer opportunities for you to develop your potential for creative writing
• develop your ability to argue a point of view with clarity and cogency, both orally and in written form
• offer you the experience of a variety of teaching styles and approaches to the study of literature
• develop your independent critical thinking and judgement
• provide a basis for the study of English or related disciplines at a higher level
• provide a basis in knowledge and skills for those intending to teach English literature, including a broad frame of cultural reference.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• a wide range of authors and texts from different periods of literary history, from 1350 to the present day, in both British and American literature
• the principal literary genres, fiction, poetry, drama and of other kinds of writing and communication
• literatures in English from countries outside Britain and America
• traditions in literary criticism
• the challenges of creative writing
• terminology used in literary criticism
• the cultural and historical contexts in which literature is written, transmitted and read
• critical theory and its applications, understood within its historical contexts
• the study of literature in its relation to other disciplines.

Intellectual skills

You develop intellectual skills in:

• applying the skills needed for academic study and enquiry
• evaluating of critical interpretations
• synthesising information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding of critical theory and general methodology
• making discriminations and selections of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
• how to exercise problem-solving skills
• the ability to organise and present research findings.

Subject-specific skills

You gain the following subject-specific skills:

• enhanced skills in the close critical analysis of literary texts
• informed critical understanding of the variety of critical and theoretical approaches to the study of literature
• ability to articulate knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories relating to English studies
• sensitivity to generic conventions in the study of literature
• well-developed language use and awareness, including a grasp of standard critical terminology
• articulate responsiveness to literary language
• appropriate scholarly practice in the presentation of formal written work, in particular in bibliographic and annotational practices.
• understanding of how cultural norms, assumptions and practices influence questions of judgement
• appreciation of the value of collaborative intellectual work in developing critical judgement.

Transferable skills

You develop the following transferable skills:

• developed powers of communication and the capacity to argue a point of view, orally and in written form, with clarity, organisation and cogency
• enhanced confidence in the efficient presentation of ideas designed to stimulate critical debate
• developed critical acumen
• the ability to assimilate and organise substantial quantities of complex information of diverse kinds
• competence in the planning and execution of essays and project-work
• enhanced skills in creative writing (where the relevant modules have been taken)
• enhanced capacity for independent thought, intellectual focus, reasoned judgement, and self-criticism
• enhanced skills in collaborative intellectual work, including more finely tuned listening skills
• the ability to understand, interrogate and apply a variety of theoretical positions and weigh the importance of alternative perspectives
• research skills, including scholarly information retrieval skills
• IT skills: word-processing, email communication, the ability to access electronic data.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level:AAB including English Literature or English Language and Literature grade B
• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
• International Baccalaureate:34 overall or 17 at HL, including HL English A1/A2/B at 5/6/6 OR English Literature A/English Language and Literature A (or Literature A/Language and Literature A of another country) at HL 5 or SL 6

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

Contemporary Literature at the University of Kent is an innovative and dynamic programme designed to engage students with the latest trends, theories, and critical approaches in modern literary culture. This course offers an in-depth exploration of literature from the late 20th century to the present day, emphasizing diverse voices, new media, and interdisciplinary perspectives. Students will examine a broad range of genres, including fiction, poetry, drama, and multimedia texts, to develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary literary practices and their societal impacts. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, fostering a nuanced appreciation of issues such as identity, globalization, technology, and social change as reflected in contemporary writing. Throughout the course, students will have opportunities to engage closely with literary texts through seminars, workshops, and independent research. The curriculum may include modules on digital literature, experimental writing, postcolonial narratives, gender studies, and cultural critique, enabling students to tailor their studies to their interests. Students will also be encouraged to participate in internships, conferences, and collaborative projects to gain practical experience and professional skills relevant to careers in publishing, media, education, and cultural industries. The programme benefits from the university’s active research community and excellent library resources, providing students with access to a wide array of contemporary texts and scholarly materials. Graduates of this programme are well equipped for careers in writing, editing, arts management, academia, journalism, or further postgraduate research. The programme aims to produce graduates who are not only proficient in literary analysis but also critically aware of the evolving landscape of contemporary culture and capable of contributing thoughtfully to ongoing debates in literature and society.