University of Reading United Kingdom

BA English Language and Literature

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

Explore the intricate relationship between language and literature with the BA English Language and Literature from the University of Reading. This undergraduate degree is ideal for those fascinated by how words shape our world, from the nuances of grammar and phonology to the power of poetry and prose. You will delve into the history of English, examine its social contexts, and analyse diverse literary traditions, developing a critical understanding of communication and culture. This course provides a robust academic foundation for anyone passionate about the expressive and analytical potential of the English language.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over three years, engaging with compulsory modules in areas such as English grammar, sociolinguistics, and literary theory, alongside a wide array of optional subjects. Your learning experience will include in-depth textual analysis, the study of linguistic data, and the opportunity to undertake a significant independent dissertation in your final year, either in English Language and Linguistics or English Literature. You will graduate with highly transferable skills in critical thinking, research, and communication, preparing you for careers in fields such as publishing, education, marketing, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA program in English Language and Literature offers a comprehensive exploration of both linguistic and literary studies. Across three years, students will engage with core compulsory modules covering poetry, writing theory, grammar, and the societal aspects of language. The curriculum also provides a wide array of optional modules, allowing for specialization in areas such as sociolinguistics, medieval storytelling, Enlightenment literature, contemporary fiction, and various advanced language topics. The final year culminates in a compulsory dissertation, offering an opportunity for in-depth independent research in either English language or literature.

1 YEAR 1

Poetry in English Compulsory
Theory and Practice of Writing Compulsory
Sounds, Grammar and Meaning Compulsory
English Language and Society Compulsory
Introduction to Drama Optional
Modern American Culture and Counterculture Optional
Shelf Life Optional
Globalisation and Language Optional
Optional Language Modules
What is Comparative Literature? Optional
Thinking Translation: History and Theory Optional

2 YEAR 2

English Grammar and Phonology Compulsory
Sociolinguistics Compulsory
Myth, Legend and Romance: Medieval Storytelling Compulsory
Early Modern Literature Compulsory
Enlightenment Revolution and Romanticism Compulsory
Victorian Literature Compulsory
Contemporary Fiction Optional
Language and Gender Optional
Analysing Speech Optional
Modernism in Poetry and Fiction Optional
Writing in the Public Sphere Optional
Optional Language Modules
The Business of Books Optional
Language and New Media Optional
Introduction to English Language Teaching Optional
Critical Thinking Optional
Language, Literature and Education Optional
Writing America: Perspectives on the Nation Optional

3 YEAR 3

Language in Professional Communication Compulsory
Dissertation in English Language and Linguistics Compulsory
Dissertation in English Literature Compulsory
Lyric Voices, 1340-1650 Optional
British Black and Asian Voices: 1948 to the Present Optional
Child Language Development Optional
Literature and Mental Health Optional
Issues in Bilingualism Optional
Optional Language Modules
Teaching the Language Skills Optional
James Joyce Optional
From Romance to Fantasy Optional
Language and Migration Optional
Corpus-based Approaches to Language Description Optional
Multilingualism and Impairment Across the Lifespan Optional
Introduction to Speech and Language Pathology Optional
Writing Women: Nineteenth-Century Poetry Optional
Placing Jane Austen Optional
Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1890s Optional
Children's Literature Optional
Modern and Contemporary British Poetry Optional
Virginia Woolf Optional
The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 34,941.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 104,824.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 467.00 - USD 1,787.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,222.00 - USD 8,200.00
Transport USD 903.00 - USD 935.00
Utilities & Bills USD 2,093.00 - USD 2,616.00
Estimated Total USD 6,218.00 - USD 11,228.00

Living cost estimates are based on London Road Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Creative & ContentFilm & Television ProductionJournalism & ReportingMarketing Analytics & Data ManagementMedia Production & EditingMedia Research & AnalyticsMusic & Performing ArtsPublic Broadcasting & DocumentarySports & AthleticsTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

British Council

NHS

Sky Group

Why Study BA English Language and Literature at University of Reading

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Reading in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BA English Language and Literature at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

International students in degree courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English proficiency, you can use tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, with specific score requirements for each. Make sure to meet the minimum scores to qualify.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include English teacher, content writer, editor, linguist, and literary analyst.

What will I actually study in this course?

This program focuses on understanding English as a dynamic global language and studying a diverse range of literary texts. You'll learn about grammar, phonetics, and the influence of media on language use.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA English Language and Literature program accepts new students every September. Make sure to apply early to secure your spot!
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