Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
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Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Discover how literature shapes and is shaped by the world.
- Learn how literature engages with environments and cultural contexts of the past, present and future.
- Develop a professional profile, applying your knowledge in live projects and placements.
- Gain valuable experience in how your knowledge and interests can progress your career.
On this course you’ll develop fresh perspectives on literature. Through innovative modules you’ll explore the literature of different times and places – while discovering the ways it can make a difference to the issues that matter to you.
Student view
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
You'll become an active part of a welcoming academic community that values your experience and contribution. Throughout your course you’ll have a dedicated Academic Adviser, Student Support Adviser and Employability Adviser. You’ll develop critical thinking and creative problem solving skills – and through our network of external partners, you’ll see how these skills prepare you to respond to and participate in the world around you.
You learn through
- workshops
- lectures and seminars
- tutorials with tutors and fellow students
- an innovative range of assessments
- creative problem solving and critical reflection
- small group collaboration and independent work
- blended learning environments
Course leaders and tutors
Annaliese Connolly
Senior LecturerMy main research interests are in early modern literature and culture - Shakespeare, the literature of the 'long 1590s' and the relationship between the theatre and … Read more
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have regular opportunities to showcase your knowledge and skills for our industry and community partners. You’ll bring your ideas to life by working independently and in teams throughout your studies. You’ll have support and encouragement to make new connections and to take your knowledge into the world.
In your second year you’ll focus on how your interests connect with the world beyond the university in our placement module – where you’ll collaborate with external partners, undertake a work placement or develop your own enterprise. In your final year you’ll undertake your own research project, following your interests and supported by a dedicated supervisor.
You’ll also have the option of a full-year placement (a ‘sandwich year’ between your second and third years of study). This option is open to all students – we’ll help you to explore opportunities, make the best of your placement year and choose the best option for you.
Field trips
We’re fortunate in Sheffield to have the Crucible and Lyceum theatres, a wealth of museums, libraries and the incredible Peak District on our doorstep.
Further afield we’ve watched Shakespeare’s plays in Stratford-upon-Avon and considered the context for Gaskell’s novels in Manchester. We’ve taken students across the UK and to destinations abroad. Each year, we provide opportunities for you to experience literature ‘on location’ as part of your studies.
Networking opportunities
Through our vibrant partnerships with Off the Shelf, Doc/Fest, local schools and the cultural life of Sheffield and Yorkshire, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, work on live events and gain work experience.
We also bring scholars, artists, publishers and high-profile writers to Sheffield to work with our students. We have a strong network of graduates – and we encourage you to connect with a variety of external partners to better understand the career and professional opportunities open to you.
Future careers
Studying English literature develops written and oral communication skills and the ability to see different perspectives, critically evaluate information and frame a persuasive argument. You’ll understand the skills you can bring to collaborative projects, as well as the value of creativity.
These are crucial skills in today’s world and can lead to exciting careers in
- media and publishing
- teaching and education
- advertising, marketing and public relations
- the public sector
- independent enterprise and entrepreneurial careers
- a wide range of postgraduate studies
Throughout your course you’ll have a dedicated Employability Adviser to provide tailored guidance on your career options, applications and interview preparation.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- the Humanities Lounge – an open space with flexible desks, large screens, laptop library, individual and collaborative workspaces, and a shared kitchen
- an extensive collection of specialist books, databases and journals
- a nationally and internationally-acclaimed teaching team of English Literature scholars
- Adsetts Library, open 24/7 with study spaces, rooms for small group working, computers and The Skills Centre
- a range of software through Apps Anywhere and bookable laptops
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 112
This must include at least 2 A Levels or equivalent BTEC qualifications. For example:
- BBC at A Level.
- DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels, EPQ and general studies.
GCSE
- English Language or English Literature at grade C or 4
• Access - at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits from level 2 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent
We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff.
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.
The evidence that you provide in your personal statement and references will influence whether you shortlisted, so please take the time to plan and complete your application form.
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Books Matter: Literature And Material Culture | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Local To Global: Literary Explorations | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Reading Communities | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Being Human: Literature And Ethics | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Ideas Into Action | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Imagined Futures: Literature, Time And Hope | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: The Literature Of Things | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year | Credits: - |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Literature Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Changing Lives: Literature And Social Movements | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Counter-Culture And Creativity | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Imagined Communities: Nation And Narration | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Sensational Bodies | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: The Ends Of The Earth: Literature And The Anthropocene | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: The Spectacular City: Exploring Urban Spaces | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for English courses (PDF, 753.1KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
