What do students actually study in an English literature degree?
An English literature degree involves close reading and discussion of novels, poetry, drama, and other forms of writing. Students may study literature from different periods, countries, and cultural contexts, alongside literary history, critical theory, language, and research methods. Assessment can include essays, presentations, exams, and creative or independent projects.
Key points
- You may examine how texts use form, style, language, narrative, and symbolism.
- Courses can address themes such as gender, race, class, politics, identity, and historical change.
- Some programmes offer optional modules in areas such as film, publishing, adaptation, or creative writing.
- Independent reading, research, and constructing evidence-based arguments are important parts of the degree.
Things to check
- The balance of periods, regions, theory, creative work, and assessment varies by university, country, and programme, so check the official course structure.