German, English and American Literature

The BA in German, English, and American Literature at the University of Kent offers students an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the rich literary traditions of these three vibrant cultures. This multidisciplinary programme is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness through a diverse range of modules focusing on literary history, theory, and contemporary works. Students will gain a deep understanding of the historical contexts that shaped German, English, and American literature, as well as the ability to compare and contrast different literary movements and genres. The programme encourages active engagement with texts through close reading and analytical essays, fostering skills applicable across many careers. In addition to core modules, students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of optional modules, allowing them to tailor their studies to their interests, whether that be modernist literature, postcolonial narratives, or cultural studies. The programme benefits from the department’s renowned teaching staff, who are experts in their fields, and provides access to extensive resources including dedicated libraries, digital archives, and cultural events. Students will also develop language skills in German and improve their ability to interpret literary texts across different linguistic and cultural contexts. The programme prepares graduates for careers in areas such as publishing, teaching, journalism, cultural management, and further academic research. With its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and cross-cultural analysis, the BA in German, English, and American Literature at the University of Kent offers a unique opportunity to explore the literary arts in a vibrant, supportive academic environment.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Computing

Most modules run for a single 12-week term, and usually include a combination of lectures, seminars, private study and practical sessions. Assessment is by a combination of coursework and end-of-year examination and details are shown in the module outlines on the web. Project modules are assessed wholly by coursework.

Italian

Teaching is by lectures and seminars. We have extensive technical facilities, including three satellite TV channels, video and DVDs and computer-assisted language learning.

Depending on the modules you select, assessment throughout all stages of the course varies from 100% coursework, to a combination of examination and coursework, in the ratio 50:50, 60:40, 70:30 or 80:20.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

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

Requirements

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.

• A level: ABB

• GCSE: C in a modern European language other than English

• 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 points overall or 15 points at HL including HL Italian A1/A2/B at 4/5/5 or SL Italian A1/A2/B at 5/6/6 (if taken) and also HL English A1/A2/B at 4/5/5 or SL English A1/A2/B at 5/6/6 (if GCSE English Language not taken)

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.

The University of Kent offers a comprehensive degree program in English and American Literature, designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the literary traditions of England, North America, and beyond. The programme explores a wide range of texts spanning from the medieval period to contemporary literature, enabling students to develop critical analysis skills, contextual understanding, and a nuanced appreciation of literary history and theory.

Throughout the course, students engage with major literary movements, including Romanticism, Modernism, Postmodernism, and contemporary literary trends. They examine works by renowned authors such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, and many others. The curriculum emphasizes not only the texts themselves but also their cultural, social, and historical contexts, fostering a holistic approach to literary study.

The program combines lectures, seminars, independent research, and dissertation work, encouraging active participation and intellectual independence. Students are supported by experienced academic staff who are experts in their fields, providing mentorship and facilitating engaging discussions. Additionally, the programme offers opportunities for international exchange and study abroad, allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse literary cultures and enhance their global perspective.

Students in the programme also gain vital transferable skills including academic writing, critical thinking, research methodology, and presentation skills, which are highly valued in various careers such as publishing, teaching, journalism, cultural management, and beyond. The university’s facilities include extensive libraries with rich collections of literary texts, digital resources, and dedicated study spaces.

The programme’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, with options to specialise in specific periods, genres, or themes within English and American literature. Overall, the programme aims to cultivate not only literary expertise but also cultural awareness and communication skills, preparing graduates for diverse professional pathways and lifelong intellectual engagement.