English Literature

The BA (Hons) in English Literature at The University of Buckingham offers students an in-depth exploration of the rich and diverse landscape of English literary traditions, from the early periods to contemporary works. This programme is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and a profound understanding of the cultural, historical, and social contexts that have shaped English literature over centuries. Throughout the course, students will engage with a wide array of texts, including poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction works by renowned authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, and many others. The programme emphasizes close reading and interpretative skills, encouraging students to explore themes, motifs, and narrative techniques in depth. In addition to core literary studies, students will have opportunities to undertake modules in literary theory, creative writing, and film adaptations, fostering a well-rounded appreciation of storytelling and communication. The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, providing a stimulating academic environment. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, coursework, and a final dissertation, all aimed at honing students' analytical and academic writing abilities. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped for careers in publishing, education, journalism, media, and any field requiring strong communication and analytical skills. The University’s small class sizes ensure personalized support, while the engaging curriculum and dedicated faculty provide an enriching educational experience. Whether you are passionate about exploring the classics or contemporary works, the English Literature programme at The University of Buckingham prepares students to critically analyse texts and appreciate the enduring and evolving nature of literature.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 11970 Year (EEA)
• EUR 19530 Year (Non-EEA)

July: UK/EU: Year one: £9,610; Year two: £9,800; International: Year one £15,680; Year two £16,000 September: UK/EU Y1, Y2 £11,250; International Y1 £15,840; Y2 £16,000 January: UK/EU £11,250; International £16,000

• English

Course Content

In this department we believe in the surpassing value of the reading, discussing and understanding of great works of literature, not simply as processes that lead to higher levels of employability and the development of valuable critical skills (which they undoubtedly do) but as ends in themselves which are enriching and, ultimately, liberating. Small-group teaching is the key here and we run our programmes through seminars, workshops, tutorials (6 students maximum) and informal one-to-one discussion. The study of English literature can be enhanced by combining it with another humanities subject such as history or a cognitive science such as psychology. It can also be complemented by the study to proficiency level and beyond, of a modern language such as French or Spanish.

Dissertation

In your final year, you are given the opportunity to research, develop, and write a mini-dissertation of 6,000 8,000 words. This sounds daunting, but you have six months to complete it, and plenty of guidance from us, so many of our students have found it one of the most rewarding part of their studies.

Among other outcomes, you should gain from this course:

• In-depth understanding of your chosen field of study.
• Experience of completing an individual piece of research through from conception to final, fully-documented work.
• Understanding of scholarly standards of objectivity, documentation, referencing and citation.
• A more nuanced sense of the complexities of contemporary critical practice.

The final dissertation has to be bound, fully styled and sourced (in other words, a professional piece of report writing in every sense), and is your chance to connect together many of the skills you have acquired on the Literature programme here at Buckingham. Subjects presented recently include The Idea of the Gentleman in Victorian Fiction, Heroes, Anti-Heroes, and Villains in Gothic Fiction, Virginia Woolfs prose fiction in the 1920s, and Sympathy and Alienation in the Plays of Christopher Marlowe. Your bound dissertation makes an ideal accompaniment to your CV if you are applying for jobs where research and report-writing are important

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

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

Requirements

All applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

• 280 UCAS Points or Equivalent, and
• Level of English required

English language requirements

• IELTS: Average of 6.0 (with 5.5 or above in each component)
• TOEFL: (Internet-based) 79-80
• TOEFL: (Paper-based) 550
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): C or higher
• International GCSE English as a Second Language: C or higher on extended curriculum
• London University GCE O level Syllabus B in English Language: C or higher
• Oxford-ARELS Examination Higher Level: Credit or Distinction
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 50-57

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 Buckingham.

Funding

Bursaries and scholarships can be a great way of financing your studies, and enabling you to achieve your potential. If you win a scholarship, you receive a discount on your fees and, most important, a scholarship on your CV will make you stand out to future employers.

How many bursaries and scholarships are available?

A number of scholarships and bursaries are awarded annually by the University which vary from partial fee to full-fee awards. These are thanks to the donations received from supporters of the University, including the Audrey Osborn Trust, The Headley Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Brunner Family Trust, RM & D Gregory, Eranda Foundation and John Desborough Memorial Bequest.

Applications are now closed for July and September 2012 applicants. We will be considering January and April 2013 applicants from Monday 17 September, the deadline for submission will be Friday 2 November.

The following Scholarships have specific entry criteria and / or deadlines:

• Sir Ray Tindle Scholarships
• The Paul E H Davis Awards Deadline for applications: 31 October 2012 for Exhibitions & flexible for Research Scholarship.

Entry requirements & procedure

It is the Universitys policy to ensure that bursaries and scholarships are awarded to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from a University education. In the case of some scholarships, at the request of the donor, academic merit will also be taken into consideration.

All awards are subject to your meeting the Universitys academic entry requirements and abiding by the rules and regulations. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you will need to have been offered a place to study at Buckingham. In the case of UCAS applications, if you are made an award you will need to select Buckingham as your firm acceptance choice.

Please note: these awards are made to new students only, current students are not eligible to apply.

The Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Buckingham offers students a comprehensive and in-depth study of English literary history, theory, and criticism. This programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for the rich literary tradition of English-speaking cultures. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of texts from the medieval period to contemporary works, engaging with poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction. The curriculum emphasizes both classical and modern literature, encouraging students to analyze language, themes, and historical contexts. Students have the opportunity to study influential authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Austen, Dickens, and contemporary writers, fostering a broad understanding of literary evolution.

The programme incorporates various teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, group discussions, and independent research, to promote active learning. It also emphasizes developing communication and writing skills through essays, presentations, and examinations. The University of Buckingham uniquely combines traditional academic rigor with personalized learning experiences, often resulting in smaller class sizes and direct interaction with faculty members. This student-centered approach ensures that students receive tailored feedback and guidance, helping them to refine their analytical and critical skills effectively.

The English Literature degree at Buckingham prepares graduates for diverse careers such as writing, publishing, teaching, media, and communication. The programme's focus on critical thinking and effective communication also benefits those pursuing postgraduate studies or careers in law, public relations, and other fields requiring strong interpretative skills. Additionally, students can participate in various extracurricular activities, such as literary festivals, guest lectures, and writing workshops, enhancing their academic experience and professional development. The programme’s blend of historical perspectives, critical analysis, and creative engagement makes it an ideal choice for those passionate about literature and its impact on society.