English and United States Literature

The BA in English and United States Literature at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of the literary traditions, cultural contexts, and historical developments of English and American literary works. This programme is designed for students passionate about literature who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of literary texts, authors, and movements from different periods and regions. Throughout the course, students will engage with a diverse range of literary genres, including poetry, prose, drama, and criticism, gaining critical skills essential for analyzing texts in their cultural and historical contexts. The programme emphasizes developing essential skills such as close reading, critical analysis, academic writing, and research methodologies, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in publishing, education, media, and beyond. Students will have the opportunity to study influential writers such as William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Emily Dickinson, Toni Morrison, and contemporary voices, exploring themes of identity, race, gender, and social change. The programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, supported by the university’s excellent resources, including extensive libraries and digital collections. Additionally, students can participate in study abroad options, internships, and research projects to enhance their academic and professional experience. The diverse faculty members are experts in their fields, providing personalized mentorship and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Upon completing the programme, graduates will possess a critical appreciation of the literary canon of the English-speaking world and the analytical skills necessary to interpret and critique texts effectively. The BA in English and United States Literature prepares students not only for further academic pursuits such as postgraduate study but also for careers in journalism, writing, historical research, cultural analysis, and other fields where strong communication and analytical skills are valued. This course offers a vibrant, engaging environment for students eager to delve into the rich worlds of English and American literature and their cultural significance.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11950 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

The special characteristics of our courses are flexibility and choice. In your first year, you usually take four or five modules that include pre-requisite(s) for your course but, in many cases, mean you can try subjects you have not come across before. If you are taking a humanities or social science, then you have the greatest choice, as most of our first-year modules do not assume any specialist knowledge.
With a small number of exceptions, if you successfully complete the first year of your BA, then you are qualified to enter the second year of that course and a range of other courses: for example, if you take economics, politics, philosophy and sociology, then you have a choice of at least nine possible single or joint honours courses at the end of your first year. This means you can change your course, providing you have taken the appropriate pre-requisites and places are available. We offer a range of optional modules in your second- and final-years and most courses allow you to undertake a final-year project, an individual piece of research on a topic that interests you.
We operate a credit framework for our awards, which is based on principles widely used across the UK university sector. Each module has a credit rating attached and our standard three-year course consists of 360 credits (120 credits in your first year, and 240 credits across your second and final years).
Please note that module information on our course finder provides a guide to course content and may be subject to review on an annual basis.

Year 1

The Enlightenment;
Introduction to Literature;
Introduction to US Literature;
Close Reading Skills; and
one half-option

Year 2

United States Literature since 1850;
Approaches to Text;
Early Modern Literature or Versions of Modernity; and
one option

Year 3

Four literature options (at least one in US literature) (at least one into US literature)

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6

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

Requirements

A-levels: ABB-BBB, including at least one A-level in a humanities subject (or equivalent)
GCSE English: C
IB: 32-30 points (we consider IB certificates at the Higher Level on a case-by-case basis)
Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 6 level three credits at distinction and the remainder at merit (or above) or achievement of the Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 45 level three credits at merit (or above).
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component (or equivalent). Different requirements apply for second year entry.

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 Essex.

Funding

For up-to-date information on funding opportunities at Essex, please visit: www.essex.ac.uk/studentfinance.

The BA in English and United States Literature at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of the literary traditions and cultural histories of England and the United States. This programme is designed to develop critical reading, analytical thinking, and scholarly writing skills through the study of a diverse range of texts spanning different genres, periods, and authors. Students will examine classic and contemporary works, engaging with themes such as identity, society, and political change, and exploring how literature reflects and influences cultural dynamics. The curriculum includes modules focusing on major movements and periods like Romanticism, Modernism, and Postmodernism, as well as specialized topics such as American poetry, American novel, and transatlantic literary relations.

Throughout their studies, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical context in which texts were written, enhancing their ability to interpret literature critically. The programme also emphasizes developing research skills and the capacity to undertake independent study, preparing students for careers in education, publishing, journalism, or further academic research. Students benefit from the university’s excellent facilities, including access to extensive literary archives, online resources, and a vibrant academic community.

Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, encouraging active participation and discussion. The programme can include opportunities for placements and internships, providing practical experience alongside academic learning. By the time of graduation, students will have a well-rounded knowledge of English and American literary traditions and the ability to analyze and interpret complex texts. The university’s supportive environment aims to foster intellectual curiosity and professional development, making this course ideal for those passionate about literature and interested in understanding the cultural fabric of the English-speaking world.