What skills do I need before starting an English literature degree?
Before starting an English literature degree, it helps to have strong reading comprehension, close-reading and critical-thinking skills. You should be able to analyse language and ideas, build an argument using textual evidence, write clearly, discuss interpretations, and manage independent reading and deadlines. Curiosity and openness to unfamiliar texts are also valuable.
Key points
- Practise identifying themes, structure, narrative choices, imagery and historical or cultural context.
- Develop essay planning, accurate referencing, proofreading and the ability to evaluate different interpretations.
- You do not necessarily need advanced prior knowledge of literary theory, but willingness to learn and revise is important.
Things to check
- Expected preparation and any formal entry requirements vary by course and country, so check the specific programme’s official information.