English Literature

In your first year you’ll study core modules exploring the main genres of poetry, drama and prose and introducing you to literary theory and criticism. You’ll also be able to choose discovery modules from subjects across the University.

In the following year, you’ll choose from core modules focusing on different historical periods to give you a sense of how literature has evolved over time. You’ll also choose from a wide range of optional modules, from medieval Scandinavian sagas and Arthurian legends to African literature, creative writing and children’s literature.

This balanced approach will continue into your final year, when you’ll choose from further period-based core modules alongside options such as T. S. Eliot, Refugee Narratives, and Folklore & Mythology. You’ll also showcase the skills you’ve acquired throughout your degree when you complete an independently researched final year project on a literary topic of your choice. For this research project, you could choose to write a traditional dissertation, to try your hand at textual editing, or to produce a creative writing portfolio.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Studying and Researching English 5 credits
• Prose: Reading and Interpretation 20 credits
• Poetry: Reading and Interpretation 20 credits
• Drama: Reading and Interpretation 20 credits
• Foundations of English Studies 20 credits

Year 2

Optional modules

• Medieval Literature 20 credits
• Eighteenth Century Literature 20 credits
• Literature of the Romantic Period 20 credits
• Renaissance Literature 20 credits
• Disposable Lives? 20 credits
• Quiet Rebels and Unquiet Minds: writing to contemporary anxiety 20 credits

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Final Year Project 40 credits

Optional modules

• Modern Literature 20 credits
• Postcolonial Literature 20 credits
• Queens, Vikings, poets and dragons: Old English and early medieval Britain 20 credits
• Refugee Narratives 20 credits
• American Words, American Worlds, 1900-Present 20 credits
• Medical Humanities: Representing Illness, Disability, and Care 20 credits

For more information on typical modules, read English Literature BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

We use a variety of teaching and learning methods to help you benefit from our tutors’ expertise. These include lectures, workshops and seminars as well as one-to-one tutorials and supervisions, group work and online learning through the Virtual Learning Environment. However, independent study is a vital element of this degree, since it enables you to develop your research and critical skills and form your own ideas.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of methods too, including exams, essays and shorter written assignments. In some modules this may also extend to online exercises such as wikis or podcasts, library exercises or oral presentations. We do offer plenty of support throughout your time at Leeds, such as extra classes on exam technique and public speaking if you need them.