About this course

At Southampton, English is an interdisciplinary course. You’ll see how literature connects with areas such as film, science, performance and politics. You can study everything from medieval travellers’ tales to modern fictions of globalisation.

English is a degree where studying the rich history and flourishing present of literature opens out into explorations of history, science, and visual media. This provides the critical skills necessary to interpret cultures from the past and shape those of tomorrow.

Our modules allow you to focus on literary genres and specific periods of literary history, with a wide choice of modules informed by the research interests of our academic staff. Your studies will include critical analysis, presentations and group work. These will help you develop your independent conceptual thinking, communication and research skills.

As part of this programme you can:

join one of 40 student-led performing arts groups
take part in Writers in Conversation workshops
use the unique collection of rare books at Chawton House Library and the Parkes Library and Archives
learn a modern language at any level
explore experimental writing with our Entropics events
receive one-to-one tutorials on writing from our Royal Literary Fund Fellow

League table rankings

English at Southampton is a top 10 English department in the UK (Times Good University Guide, 2025).

We're also ranked:

second in the Russell Group for teaching quality and student experience, and satisfaction with feedback (Times Good University and Guardian University guides, 2025).
a top 5 department for professional level graduate outcomes (Guardian University Guide, 2025)

Year abroad

You'll have the opportunity to study abroad, spending a semester, a summer or even a full year at one of our global partner universities.

A year abroad will enhance your understanding of visual arts and let you experience a new culture. You'll be able to choose from a range of exchange programmes with our high-ranking partner institutions around the world.

Apply using:

Course name: English with A Year Abroad
UCAS code: Q301

Year in employment

Enhance your employability by taking this course with a paid industrial placement year. You'll spend this extra year applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

Apply using:

Course name: English with A Year In Employment
UCAS code: 8088

You'll spend this extra year applying the skills and knowledge you've learned so far.

The fee is 20% of the standard annual tuition fee.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Avenue.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Download

ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAB including an essay writing subject

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Essay writing subjects include: History, English Language and Literature, English Language, English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Politics, Geography, Sociology, Latin or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including an essay writing subject and grade A in the EPQ.

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in English Literature or another relevant essay writing subject.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. Essay writing subjects include: History, English Language and Literature, English Language, English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Politics, Geography, Sociology, Latin or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A in an A level essay writing subject or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A in an A level essay writing subject or Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus A in an A level essay writing subject and A in one further A level

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Essay writing subjects include: History, English Language and Literature, English Language, English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Politics, Geography, Sociology, Latin or any other humanities-based essay writing subjects.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A in an A level essay writing subject or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A in an A level essay writing subject or Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A in an A level essay writing subject and A in one further A level

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

ABB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ.

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB from 2 A levels.

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level, or Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from 2 A levels.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Our course structure is exciting and varied. It will encourage you to think about what texts do in the world whilst studying a wide range of writing, from the medieval period to the present day. You'll also have the opportunity to choose from a selection of creative writing modules as part of your English degree.

Each year is made up of a combination of compulsory and optional modules. The first year provides you with a good foundation in the key forms and debates in English literature, with increased choice and opportunities to specialise in Years 2 and 3.

You'll also be able to broaden your degree by choosing:

modules in different subject areas in years 2 and 3
to take a minor subject alongside English
to study abroad for a year or a semester
to spend a year in employment.

Year 1 overview

In the first semester, you'll take four compulsory modules which will give you a solid grounding in literature from the medieval period to our contemporary moment. You'll think about how literature in English has been shaped throughout its history by cross-cultural global exchanges and movements.

You'll study different genres, including:

poetry
the essay
the novel

In the second semester, your core module will allow you to explore the origins of the idea of English literature as we know it today. You'll choose three further modules, including one offered by another discipline or an interdisciplinary subject.

Year 2 overview

You'll take two further core modules to build your knowledge in key areas of English literary study:

Revolutions in English literature (Semester One)
The Worlding of English Literature (Semester Two)

Your other modules in each semester will be optional. The choices will vary from year to year and will always include a range of topics, forms, and genres from different periods. You can replace one module in each semester with another module from the School of Humanities or the wider University, or you can begin to study for a minor in another subject.

If you've chosen to study the year abroad option, you'll be required to take an extra preparation module during semester two.

To be eligible for the year in employment option, you must pass Year 2 on the first attempt.

Year 3 overview

In Year 3 you can customise your degree according to your interests. You can choose from a range of optional modules or teaching creative writing in schools, which includes a voluntary work placement.

In your second semester, you'll build on the subject and methodological expertise you developed in Years 1 and 2 to independently research and write your dissertation. Your dissertation allows you to research and write about, in detail, any aspect of literary study that interests you.

With guidance from a supervisor you'll:

formulate a research question
explore your own literary or creative topic
develop a distinctive argument or creative project.

If you're taking the year abroad option, you'll take your year away in Year 3, and return to do your ‘third year’ modules in your fourth year. You'll also be required to complete the 'Residence Abroad Portfolio' module. To pass this you'll need to complete a series of blogs and a final report. Both these modules are assessed on a pass/fail basis.

The year in employment requires you to complete a minimum of 30 weeks of work (not including holidays) during your third year and submit a final reflective report. You'll return to complete your ‘third-year’ modules and dissertation in your fourth year.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

English on the Move

English has always been on the move. As a literary language, it has not only travelled from and back to England; lines of influence between texts, authors, publishers, editors, book technologies, and readers traverse the globe in multiple directions, bet...

Poetic Language

How do we read poems, and what language can we use to describe our readings? This module will provide a detailed introduction to the particular qualities your ear, eye and brain will need to read poetry more effectively. You will study key features of poe...

The Act of the Essay

This module focuses on the essay as a critical practice and a literary form. The essay is fundamental to literary criticism, and basic to assessment across your degree. But the essay is also a literary and popular-cultural genre in its own right: one that...

The Invention of English Literature: Medieval to Early Modern

Where did the idea of ‘English Literature’ as we know it today come from? When and how did writers first start thinking of themselves as English authors? How did the mechanisms of book production and the material forms of books shape readers’ understandin...

The Novel

‘A novel does not assert anything; a novel searches and poses questions’. The contemporary novelist Milan Kundera describes the novel as an exploratory and engaging form, a way of telling stories that involves readers both in its searches and in the quest...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Literary Transformations

Why have some stories gripped the imagination of writers, musicians, and artists across cultures and centuries? And what does the emergence and constant re-emergence of such stories tell us about ourselves and others, past and present? What do readers and...

Theory & Criticism

The module asks big questions. What do we do when we interpret literature and culture, and how can we analyse our practices of interpretation? Can anything be a text, and if so what do we understand by ‘literature’? How does literature shape our identity,...

World Dramas

In this module, you will learn how to approach dramatic texts in a way that takes into consideration their place in the world as a complex political, economic, and cultural network. We will focus on questions such as: • What is the difference between r...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

16%

Scheduled learning & teaching

84%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

blogs
creative projects
dissertations
essays
individual and group projects
module journals
portfolios
self-assessment
teamwork
written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

94%

Coursework

6%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Alice Hunt is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Self-management
Confidence
Communication
Creativity
Problem solving
Resilience

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Book sellers and publishers,

Local Council Libraries,

universities,

Education Providers,

media groups,

magazine and newspapers,

local and national government.

Careers directly related to this course:

Digital copywriter
Editorial assistant
Journalist
Copy editor
Proofreader
Secondary school teacher
Web content manager
Writer
Social media content creator
English as a foreign language teacher

Wider career opportunities:

Academic librarian
Advertising copywriter
Arts administrator
Education consultant
Information officer
Marketing executive
Media researcher
Primary school teacher
Public relations officer
Social media manager

Example job titles of Southampton BA English graduates*:

Editorial assistant
Customer experience adviser
Campaign planner
Content coordinator
Copy writer
Editor
Public relations and communications analyst
Publishing assistant
Sales and marketing assistant
Human resources management trainee

Job prospects for BA English graduates

£28.5k

Average professional salary

86%

In a skilled profession or further study

97%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £24,200.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: Q300
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

English (BA) is a course in the English subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

e

BA

English with Creative Writing

f

BA

Film and English

BA

Film and English with Year Abroad

l

BA

Liberal Arts

p

BA

English (BA)

About this course

League table rankings

Year abroad

Year in employment

Learn more about this subject area

English

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

English on the Move

Poetic Language

The Act of the Essay

The Invention of English Literature: Medieval to Early Modern

The Novel

Literary Transformations