Literature and Myth

Literature and Myth at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of literary texts and mythological stories from a diverse range of cultures and historical periods. This interdisciplinary program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a profound understanding of how myths and literature shape human culture and society. Students will study classic and contemporary literature, engaging with works from ancient mythology to modern narratives, and examine themes such as heroism, identity, power, and morality through various theoretical lenses. The programme provides a solid foundation in literary analysis, close reading, and contextual understanding, equipping students to interpret texts with insight and confidence. Additionally, the course explores the role of myth in the arts, folklore, and popular culture, demonstrating its enduring relevance and influence across different media. Students will have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects, fostering a vibrant academic community and encouraging independent scholarly inquiry. The curriculum includes modules on myth and storytelling across civilizations, the evolution of literature from oral traditions to digital media, and the intersections between myth and contemporary issues. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for careers in education, publishing, media, cultural analysis, and beyond, or for further academic research. The programme emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to compare mythic and literary traditions worldwide, thus broadening their cultural awareness and analytical skills. With experienced faculty members specializing in literature, mythology, and cultural studies, students will benefit from expert guidance and innovative teaching methods. The University of Essex provides a supportive learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth. Whether you're fascinated by ancient myths, modern stories, or the ways in which narratives influence society, this programme offers a rich and rewarding educational experience designed to inspire curiosity and critical engagement.

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;
Close Reading Skills;
one option; and
one half-option

Year 2

Literature and Myth;
two from: Early Modern Literature, Versions of Modernity, US Literature Since 1850 or Approaches to Text; and
one option or year abroad in Europe (ERASMUS programme)

Year 3

Four literature options (at least two in myth)

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 Literature and Myth programme at the University of Essex offers students an in-depth exploration of classic and contemporary literary texts alongside the rich tapestry of mythologies from around the world. This interdisciplinary degree combines critical analysis, cultural studies, and creative thinking, allowing students to examine how myth influences literature, art, and society. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse selection of texts, including ancient myths, modern novels, poetry, and drama, fostering a comprehensive understanding of storytelling traditions and their evolution over time. The programme also emphasizes developing skills in analytical writing, research methodologies, and comparative analysis, preparing students for careers in academia, publishing, media, and creative industries. In addition, students have opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops, and possibly field trips to relevant cultural sites, enriching their learning experience. The course curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies towards particular interests such as classical mythology, contemporary literature, or cultural studies. The faculty comprises experts in fields related to literature, mythology, cultural studies, and related disciplines, providing a supportive academic environment. Graduates from this programme are equipped with critical thinking skills, a nuanced understanding of literary and mythological narratives, and the ability to interpret texts within their cultural and historical contexts. The programme also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to draw connections between literature, mythology, history, philosophy, and other humanities. The University of Essex’s modern facilities, extensive library resources, and strong emphasis on research contribute to a stimulating academic environment. The degree aims to produce well-rounded, culturally aware individuals capable of engaging with complex texts and ideas, fostering intellectual growth and creative expression. Whether students are interested in pursuing postgraduate study or entering fields such as education, journalism, cultural analysis, or the arts, the Literature and Myth programme provides a solid foundation for a variety of careers.