English and American Literature

The BA in English and American Literature at the University of Kent offers an in-depth exploration of the rich literary traditions of English-speaking countries. This programme provides students with the opportunity to study a diverse range of texts from the medieval period to contemporary works, analyzing their historical contexts, thematic concerns, and stylistic features. Students will engage with classic and modern literature, gaining critical insights into the development of literary forms and genres, as well as understanding the cultural and societal influences that shape literary production. The course emphasizes critical reading, analytical writing, and fair-minded discussion, equipping students with essential skills for careers in writing, publishing, education, journalism, and beyond.

Throughout the programme, students can choose from a variety of modules that cover key areas such as literary theory, comparative literature, gender studies, postcolonial studies, and creative writing. The curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of literature while encouraging independent research and original thought. Students will have the chance to participate in seminars, workshops, and lectures led by distinguished academics and industry professionals, providing valuable perspectives and networking opportunities.

The university’s strong emphasis on employability and transferable skills ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market. Additionally, opportunities for study abroad and work placements allow students to broaden their horizons and gain practical experience. The programme supports students in developing a nuanced appreciation for literary art and enhances their communication, analytical, and research skills—valuable assets in any career. Whether you are passionate about literature, aspire to become a writer or teacher, or are interested in cultural studies, the BA in English and American Literature at the University of Kent offers a comprehensive and stimulating academic experience that nurtures your intellectual growth and prepares you for a wide range of professional paths.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

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

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

EN333 - Romanticism

EN302 - Early Drama

EN331 - Readings in the Twentieth Century

EN332 - Writing America

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

EN681 - Novelty, Enlightenment and Emancipation: 18th Century Literature

EN692 - Early Modern Literature 1500-1700

EN694 - Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama

EN697 - Chaucer and Late Medieval English Literature

EN695 - Empire, New Nations and Migration

EN677 - The Contemporary

EN689 - Modernism

EN672 - Reading Victorian Literature

EN675 - Declaring Independence: 19th Century US Literature

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

EN676 - Cross-Cultural Coming-of-Age Narratives

EN684 - Clouds, Waves & Crows: Writing the Natural, 1800 to the Present

EN687 - Poetry and Crisis, from the First World War to Occupy

EN580 - Charles Dickens and Victorian England

EN583 - Postcolonial Writing

EN586 - Language and Place in Colonial and Postcolonial Poetry

EN588 - Innovation and Experiment in New York, 1945- 1995

EN604 - The Unknown: Reading and Writing

EN623 - Native American Literature

EN633 - Bodies of Evidence: Reading The Body In Eighteenth Century Literature

EN637 - Unruly Women and Other Insubordinates: the dramatic repertoire of the Q

EN646 - Image, Vision and Dream: Medieval Texts and Visual Culture

EN655 - Places and Journeys

EN656 - Heroes and Exiles: An Introduction to Old English Poetry

EN657 - The Brontes in Context

EN658 - American Crime Fiction

EN659 - Contemporary Irish Writing

EN660 - Writing Lives in Early Modern England: Diaries, Letters and Secret Selv

EN661 - The Stranger

EN666 - From Book to Blog: Geoffrey Chaucer and his Afterlives

EN667 - Harlem to Hogan's Alley: Black Writing in North America

EN668 - Discovery Space: New Theatres in Early Modern England

EN669 - Marriage, Desire and Divorce in Early Modern Literature

EN670 - Lyric, Ballad and Popular Song

EN701 - The Global Eighteenth Century

EN702 - Thomas Hardy

EN703 - The 'Real' America: Class and Culture in the American Gilded Age

EN704 - Discord and Devotion: Society & Spirituality in Middle English Literatu

EN705 - The Contemporary Memoir

EN707 - The British Novel in the 1860s: Sensing Modern Life

EN708 - Virginia Woolf

EN709 - Animals, Humans, Writing

EN710 - Victorian Aestheticism and Decadence

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.

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.

The University of Kent offers a comprehensive program in English and American Literature designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of literary history, theory, and critical analysis from both English and American contexts. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills, encouraging students to engage with a wide range of texts spanning from the medieval period to contemporary literature. Students have the opportunity to study classic authors such as Shakespeare, Milton, and Jane Austen, alongside modern writers like Toni Morrison, Don DeLillo, and Jhumpa Lahiri, fostering a broad appreciation of diverse literary traditions.

Throughout the course, students explore various genres including poetry, prose, drama, and digital media, enabling them to understand the evolution of literary forms and themes across different periods and cultures. The curriculum integrates historical and cultural contexts, helping students to interpret texts within their social and political frameworks. Critical and theoretical modules enhance students' ability to engage with different schools of thought, such as formalism, post-colonialism, feminism, and psychoanalysis, enriching their analytical toolkit.

The program also places significant emphasis on developing communication skills, both written and verbal, preparing students for careers in education, publishing, media, and further academic research. Practical components such as essay writing, presentations, and collaborative projects are integral parts of the course, ensuring students gain real-world skills applicable across various industries. Moreover, students have access to a range of optional modules, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests, whether that be Victorian literature, contemporary American fiction, or literary theory.

The University of Kent's strong links with cultural institutions and publishing houses provide valuable opportunities for placements and internships, offering students practical experience in literary fields. The program is typically delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, fostering an interactive learning environment. Graduates of the program have successfully pursued careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, arts administration, and academia, among others. Overall, the English and American Literature program at the University of Kent aims to cultivate critical thinkers, articulate communicators, and culturally engaged individuals equipped to navigate and interpret the rich landscapes of English and American literary traditions.