Key information
For:
starting September 2026
UCAS code:
Q312
Typical offer:
104-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Explore how language shapes everything from social justice to personal identity, and how stories help us make sense of it all.
This degree blends the best of both subjects. You’ll dive into literature from Shakespeare to the present day, engaging with powerful voices from around the globe and across genres. Study how stories respond to and reflect the world, tackling issues like inequality, identity, and the power of persuasion. You'll learn to analyse texts critically, analysing their rhetorical techniques and assessing the validity of their claims, a crucial skill in an age of ‘fake news’.
In the English Language component, you’ll gain a strong foundation in how language works — from rhetoric and pragmatics ,to accents and dialects. Explore how language shapes society and how its analysis can be applied in real-world contexts, from identifying criminal suspects and diagnosing speech impairments, to building rapport and spotting ideological bias. These modules also connect closely with your literary studies, as you examine how language evolves, how context shapes meaning, and how we communicate across different settings.
This course develops your ability to think deeply, write clearly, and communicate with purpose — skills that open doors in fields from publishing and media to education and beyond.
This is a new course and we're finalising the detailed information for this page.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
Entry requirements​
Entry requirements (September 2026 start)
Typical offers BA (Hons) English Language and Literature
- A levels - BBB-BCC
- UCAS points - 104-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 24
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs -
English language requirements
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
This combined degree sets you up for careers where communication, cultural insight and analytical thinking make a difference. Employers across a wide range of sectors value the unique blend of skills you'll develop through studying both language and literature. Your CV will demonstrate:
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a deep understanding of how language works in different social, cultural and political contexts
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the ability to critically analyse complex information and communicate it clearly
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confidence in interpreting diverse perspectives and engaging thoughtfully with global issues
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strong written and spoken communication skills, tailored for different audiences
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collaborative working skills and the ability to build inclusive, respectful dialogue
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cultural sensitivity and an awareness of how words shape the world around us
What areas can you work in with an English Language and Literature degree?
After the course, you could work in areas such as:
- advertising and marketing
- copywriting
- film and television
- journalism
- lexicography
- publishing
- research
- speech and language therapy
- teaching
You could also study at postgraduate level.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
After your second or third year of study, you can choose to do a paid work placement year in the UK or overseas. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers.
It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs after graduation.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. Mentoring and support throughout your placement will help you to get the most from the experience.
You could also choose to set up your own business, take a voluntary placement or study abroad.
Course-related projects and blogs
ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Literary Map
Explore ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's rich literary heritage and contemporary literature scene through an interactive map and blog
Writing Literary ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Blog
Our blog explores the literary depths of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, featuring local and famous authors and their relationships with the city.
Modules
Please note, modules for courses starting in September 2026 will be confirmed soon.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
Assessment
There are no exams on this course. You’ll be assessed through:
- essays
- reports
- textual analysis
- presentations
- a dissertation
- real-world projects
- creative assignments
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your English Literature degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 8-10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Take a literary history tour of ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú with us
From Charles Dickens to Sherlock Holmes, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is steeped in lively literature. Join two of our students for a tour around our literary city.
Chibuzor and Holly: Welcome to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
Chibuzor: Our island city has a really rich history of literature and culture.
Holly: Come and join us for a tour.
Chibuzor: One of our most famous literary residents is Charles Dickens, who was born here on Old Commercial Road. It is now home to the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum.
Holly: ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is also the birthplace of another famous figure. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote his first Sherlock Holmes story while practising as a doctor here in Southsea. Now you can walk in his footsteps while doing a spot of shopping on Elm Grove.
Chibuzor: Thinking of shopping, our popular Gunwharf Quays features in Graham Hurley's DI Faraday crime novel, The Take. Graham Hurley is a friend of the English Literature programme. If you study with us here at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, you may get a chance to work with him in class.
Chibuzor: As an island city, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú has had a huge influence on authors both from home and abroad. Jane Austen often visited here to see her brothers, who were stationed here with the Royal Navy. She was inspired to include ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú in her novel, Mansfield Park.
Holly: Stephanie Norgate's poem, Ferries at Southsea, was inspired by the view of ferries here on Clarence Parade Pier. Her poem is strongly rooted in the local area, but also tackles global issues of immigration.
Chibuzor: ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s naval history means we can't shy away from the topics of race and slavery. The first slave narrator, Ukawsawa Gronniosaw, visited our city, while John Jea, another former slave, was a prominent preacher near the docks. Their memoirs movingly reveal the city's black history.
Holly: As we move into modern day, we have authors and poets tackling issues both big and small. Poet laureate Simon Armitage studied at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. Local poet Denise Bennett has written on ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Jewish history, and Fatima Bhutto featured ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú in her contemporary novel on Islamic culture. As well as its fabulous literary history, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú also has a really vibrant, creative writing community, and you can be a part of it if you decide to study here.
Chibuzor: Our final stop is Milldam building. Originally a mill pond, it was featured in a long forgotten novel by Walter Besant, who was a contemporary of Charles Dickens. The Navy drained the pond and built officer quarters here. Then it changed hands and became home to the English Literature team at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
Holly: Which means ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú is home to the next generation of writers, thinkers and world shapers.
Chibuzor: We hope you join us.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from Student Wellbeing, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
​Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2026 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £10,300 a year (including EU Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,900 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget around £40 a year for photocopying, printing charges, binding and specialist printing - while we try to keep files and content electronic, there may be some paper and printing to be undertaken.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You’ll need to cover additional costs, such as travel costs, if you take an optional placement or placement abroad.
These costs will vary depending on the location and duration of the placement, and can range from £50–£1000.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,430 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,430 a year (including EU Scholarship - may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £3,000 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
September 2026 start
To start BA (Hons) English Literature in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – Q301
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our .
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.