BA (Honours) English Literature

UCAS code

Q320

Attendance

Full-time

Three years full-time

At a glance

Study literature from the Renaissance to the present day on this well-established course. You learn how to analyse texts using philosophical frameworks such as psychoanalysis, feminism and existentialism. You have the opportunity to gain professional experience through work-based modules and benefit from access to excellent library facilities, including special collections.

Key points
ХаStudy both canonical and less traditional texts.
ХаChoose from optional modules that reflect your interests and career aims.
ХаPrepare for your career with work-based modules.
ХаBenefit from excellent library facilities including special collections.

What is English literature?
The study of English literature can cover a huge variety of texts and there are real differences in the historical periods that a course might cover, and in the critical emphasis of an award.а At Sheffield Hallam, we cover poetry, prose and drama from the early modern period (around 1550) to the present day.а We look at literature written in English from the UK and from around the world, including American and post-colonial literatures.

About this course

Study canonical and less traditional texts from the Renaissance to the present, as well as a range of US, Canadian and post-colonial works on this well-established literature course.

You learn theoretical and philosophical approaches to literature, from existentialism to queer theory. This helps you to develop your analytical skills to their full potential. You are taught through lectures, seminars, and individual supervisions.

With its wide selection of optional modules, this course allows you to choose the subjects that are of most interest to you. Optional modules include Х tragedy of blood Х children's literature Х race, slavery and empire Х post-colonial Britain Х writers, readers, spectators. A distinctive feature of this course is a module which focuses on the short story.

As you study you develop valuable transferable skills including Х writing extended prose Х presenting immaculate copy to tight deadlines Х communicating ideas in a clear and persuasive manner.

As part of your course, you can study abroad at an American, Canadian or European university. You can also complete a work-based project, in an area such as literary editing, feature journalism or publicity, to develop your professional skills and further enhance employability.

This course is part of a long-established English programme.а You benefit from being part of a large department of over 30 staff, who offer you many specialist options in your second and third years.

We support your development by helping you to pursue independent study projects. For example, you could edit a Renaissance play, work with texts from our unique Readerships and Literary Cultures collection, or produce a dissertation on authors or texts of special interest to you.

Key areas of study
Alongside canonical texts you study a range of new literatures, including literature from North America, postcolonial and diasporic cultures. For example, you complete a module called American and Canadian Literature Pre-1900.аThis introduces you to nineteenth century literary texts including novels, poetry and short stories by authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, James Fenimoore Cooper, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman.

Associated careers

Many of our graduates go on to take further qualifications in English at masters or PhD level. Alternatively, you can take further professional qualifications in teaching, social work, law or psychology and then begin a career in one of these areas.

Other employment opportunities for English graduates include Х the media and journalism Х marketing Х editing and publishing Х management.

Course content

Year one modules

Х reading literature Х introduction to English studies Х introduction to critical theory Х American and post-colonial short stories Х pre-1900 American and Canadian literature

Year two core modules

Х Renaissance literature Х literature of the eighteenth century and romanticism Х literary theory and philosophy of literature Х post-1900 American and Canadian literature

Year two options

Choose two from Х gothic Х children's literature Х modern drama 1880Ц1990 Х race, slavery and empire Х work-based project Х Sheffield Hallam University English introductions Х libertines and devils Х post-colonial literatures

Year three core modules

Choose two from Х Victorian literature Х twentieth century literature Х Shakespearean drama Х post-colonial Britain

Year three options

Choose at least two from Х dissertation Х writers, readers, spectators Х special study: theory Х tragedy of blood Х fiction between the wars Х contemporary poetry Х existentialism and literature Х digital fiction Х history and the historical novel Х kiss and tell Х censorship, conflict and scandal

Assessment

Х essays Х seen and unseen examinations Х seminar presentations

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

GCSE English language at grade C or above. We do not accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following

Х 300 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, including 100 points from A2 Level English literature. We accept AS levels and general studies, and consider Key Skills.

Х Access Ц at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course

If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS average score of at least 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.5 in all skills.

We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.

Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.

2013 entry requirements

GCSE English language at grade C or above. We do not accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically г10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically г11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk