Aberystwyth University United Kingdom

BA English 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

The BA English Literature at Aberystwyth University invites you to explore the rich tapestry of human expression across centuries and cultures. This undergraduate degree is ideal for those fascinated by how literature shapes our understanding of history, society, and ourselves. You will delve into diverse texts, from classical epics and medieval narratives to contemporary fiction and poetry, developing critical analytical skills. This programme at Aberystwyth University provides a robust grounding in literary theory, equipping you to engage deeply with complex ideas and diverse literary traditions.

You will study this degree full-time on campus over three years, engaging with core modules such as 'Critical Practice' and 'Literary Theory: Debates and Dialogues', alongside a wide array of optional modules like 'Contemporary Writing and Climate Crisis' or 'Writing Women for the Public Stage'. Your learning journey culminates in an undergraduate dissertation, offering a significant opportunity for independent research. You will graduate with advanced analytical, research, and communication skills, prepared for careers in publishing, education, journalism, and the cultural sector.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA English Literature program offers a comprehensive exploration of literary works across various periods and genres. Students will engage with foundational texts from classical epics and drama to contemporary speculative fiction, while also developing critical practice and academic writing skills. The curriculum delves into diverse literary traditions, including American, Greek, Roman, and Medieval literature, alongside thematic studies on topics like climate crisis, literary geographies, and the representation of women and animals. Advanced modules explore literary theory, modernisms, and specific authors, culminating in an undergraduate dissertation.

1 YEAR 1

Ancestral Voices
Critical Practice
Academic Writing: Planning, Process and Product
American Literature 1819-1925
Contemporary Writing
Greek and Roman Epic and Drama
Introduction to Poetry
Language Awareness for TESOL
Literature and the Sea
Peering into Possibility: Speculative Fiction and the Now
Re-imagining Nineteenth-Century Literature

2 YEAR 2

Literary Theory: Debates and Dialogues
A Century in Crisis: 1790s to 1890s
Contemporary Writing and Climate Crisis
Effective Academic and Professional Communication 1
Literary Geographies
Literary Modernisms
Literature and Climate in the Nineteenth Century
Literature since the '60s
TESOL Approaches, Methods and Teaching Techniques
Classical Drama and Myth
In the Olde Dayes: Medieval Texts and Their World
Place and Self
Writing Women for the Public Stage, 1670-1780

3 YEAR 3

Reading Theory / Reading Text
Undergraduate Dissertation
Ali Smith and 21st Century Fiction(s)
Effective Academic and Professional Communication 2
Haunting Texts
Literatures of Surveillance
Remix: Chaucer In The Then and Now
Romantic Eroticism
TESOL Materials Development and Application of Technologies
The Mark of the Beast: Animals in Literature from the 1780s to the 1920s
Victorian Childhoods
Writing in the Margins: Twentieth-Century Welsh Poetry in English

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

10% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 23,256.00 USD 25,939.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 25,939.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 75,134.00 USD 77,817.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 689.00 - USD 1,322.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penglais campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Accounting & AuditingAccreditation & Assessment ServicesCorporate Finance & TreasuryCurriculum & Instructional DesignFisheries & AquacultureFood Science & TechnologyNutrition & DieteticsSupply Chain & Food LogisticsVocational & Technical TrainingWealth Management & Financial Advisory

Top Employers Hiring for this course

BT Group

British Council

Deloitte UK

Sainsbury's

Why Study BA English Literature at Aberystwyth University

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at Aberystwyth University 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 Literature at Aberystwyth University

Can I work while studying?

International degree students in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without a separate work permit. Diploma or certificate students have different restrictions.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can choose from tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, with specific minimum scores for each component. For example, TOEFL requires an overall score of 93 with specific sub-scores as well.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as literary critics, editors, content writers, and teachers, among others.

What will I actually study in this course?

Studying English Literature at Aberystwyth gives you access to world-leading faculty and the chance to explore literary theory and cultural history. You'll also benefit from a writing retreat in your final year and the proximity to the National Library of Wales.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA English Literature program is September. Make sure to apply before the deadlines to secure your place.
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