University of Reading United Kingdom

BA English Literature with Foundation

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree With Integrated Foundation Year
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The BA English Literature with Foundation at the University of Reading provides you with a comprehensive pathway to explore the profound impact of literature across diverse cultures and historical periods. This undergraduate degree is ideal if you are passionate about texts and developing sophisticated analytical skills, but may not yet meet the direct entry requirements for a three-year programme. You will delve into the rich tapestry of global literary traditions, examining how narratives shape our understanding of identity, society, and the human condition, all within a supportive academic environment. This course offers a rigorous academic foundation, introducing you to key concepts in literary theory and critical practice.

Studied full-time on campus over four years, including a dedicated foundation year, this programme offers a structured yet flexible learning experience. You will engage with a wide array of literary forms, from poetry and prose to drama and film, exploring modules such as "Environmental Humanities" and "Modernism in Poetry and Fiction." Through seminars, workshops, and a significant independent research dissertation in your final year, you will develop your ability to articulate complex ideas and arguments. You will graduate with enhanced critical thinking, research, and communication skills, prepared for a variety of careers in publishing, education, media, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA English Literature with Foundation program offers a comprehensive exploration of literary traditions and critical approaches. The foundation year equips students with essential academic skills and introduces diverse cultural and environmental themes. Subsequent years delve into various genres, periods, and theoretical frameworks, from medieval storytelling and Victorian literature to modernism, contemporary fiction, and global literary studies. The curriculum culminates in advanced modules and a dissertation, allowing for in-depth research and specialized study across a wide range of literary and cultural topics.

1 FOUNDATION YEAR

Study for Success
Global Identities
Environmental Humanities
Academic Skills
Changing Identities
Film Narrative

2 YEAR 1

Theory and Practice of Writing
Introduction to Drama
Poetry in English
Prose: Writing Identities
Modern American Culture and Counterculture
Shelf Life
What Is Comparative Literature?
Thinking Translation: History and Theory

3 YEAR 2

Myth, Legend and Romance: Medieval Storytelling
Victorian Literature
Contemporary Fiction
Creative Writing: Creative Non-Fiction
Modernism in Poetry and Fiction
Enlightenment Revolution and Romanticism
Writing in the Public Sphere
Writing America: Perspectives on the Nation
The Business of Books
Early Modern Literature
Critical Thinking

4 YEAR 3

Dissertation
British Black and Asian Voices: 1948 to the Present
Lyric Voices, 1340-1650
Utopia and Dystopia in English and American Literature
The Writer’s Workshop: Studying Manuscripts
Literature and Mental Health
From Romance to Fantasy
Psychoanalysis and Text
Shakespeare on Film
James Joyce
Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1890s
Placing Jane Austen
Environment, Ecology and Literature
Literature and Healing
Medieval Otherworlds
The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama
Writing Women: Nineteenth Century Poetry
Global Literatures: Translation as Theme and Theory
Margaret Atwood
Modern and Contemporary British Poetry
American Graphic Novels
Children's Literature

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,978.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,978.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,978.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 33,978.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 135,913.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,126.00 - USD 18,832.00
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 WhiteKnights Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Aerospace Research & AcademiaAmusement & Recreation ServicesBrand ManagementBroadcasting & TelevisionCreative & ContentDefense & Military AviationDigital Media & Online PublishingEdTech & E-LearningMental Health & CounselingSocial Media & Community Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Kings College London

NHS England

Sky Group

University of Birmingham

Why Study BA English Literature with Foundation 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 Literature with Foundation at University of Reading

Can I work while studying?

Students can work up to 20 hours a week during their studies. However, those on a Student visa for a part-time course cannot undertake any work.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Please confirm accreditation details directly with the institution.

What English language score do I need for this course?

Applicants must meet specific English test requirements, such as a minimum Duolingo score of 135 overall. Alternative tests include TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with their respective minimum scores.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers such as Editor, Teacher, Literary Agent, Publisher, and Researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

This four-year program covers diverse literary traditions and examines the impact of narratives on identity and society. Students will engage with poetry, prose, drama, and film while developing critical analytical skills.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The BA English Literature with Foundation program starts in September. Make sure to prepare your application ahead of time to join this enriching course.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️