English Literature

This course considers English literary texts against their background in the history of ideas, the other arts and British culture. It aims to make the most of our central London location – in the midst of galleries, museums, cinemas and theatres, and the urban landscape – as a resource for studying the social and theoretical issues relating to literature. The course is of interest to those whose first language is English and who have some prior experience of literature, as well as international students wishing to take or complete a degree in the UK. You could go on to a career in professional and/or creative writing, teaching, journalism or publishing; employers across a range of professions and businesses value the cultural knowledge, communication and critical thinking skills of English graduates. The course will also equip you with the transferable and cognitive skills necessary for lifelong personal and professional development. You will have the opportunity to examine literary and non-literary works of all periods, from Shakespeare to the present day, taking in a wide range of authors and themes, and gaining a detailed and coherent sense of the current priorities and debates in the discipline. The course offers a full and balanced coverage of dramatic, poetic and prose works, including many from outside the usual literary canon. In the first year you will gain a strong grounding in literary studies through modules that cover major movements and authors; in the second and third years you will extend and deepen your critical skills and your knowledge of the forms, history and context of literature. Our individual tutorial system gives you the opportunity to develop your own understanding and skills through working closely with your tutor. You will develop a thorough understanding of British society and literature's place within it. You will also be able to relate the study of English literature to the broader context of Western history and thought. In