University of Hertfordshire United Kingdom

BA (Hons) 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

Embark on a transformative academic journey with the BA (Hons) English Literature degree at the University of Hertfordshire, designed for those passionate about the power of narrative and critical inquiry. You will delve into a rich tapestry of global literary works, exploring how texts shape and reflect our understanding of identity, culture, and history. This course is ideal for students eager to develop sophisticated analytical skills, engage with diverse literary traditions, and understand the enduring relevance of literature in contemporary society. You will be taught by research-active academics who bring cutting-edge perspectives to classic and modern texts, fostering your growth as a discerning reader and insightful critic.

This full-time, on-campus degree is studied over three years, offering a dynamic learning experience that balances foundational knowledge with specialised exploration. You will engage with compulsory modules such as "Texts Up Close: Reading and Interpretation" and "Make it New: Literary Tradition and Experimentation," alongside a wide array of optional subjects that allow you to tailor your studies, from "Renaissance Tragedy" to "Children's Literature." In your final year, you have the opportunity to undertake a significant "Literature Project," enabling in-depth independent research. You will graduate with highly transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, and analysis, prepared for diverse career paths in publishing, education, media, and beyond.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) English Literature program offers a comprehensive exploration of literary works across various periods and cultures. Students will engage with foundational texts, critical theories, and diverse literary traditions, from ancient epics to contemporary global narratives. The curriculum encourages close reading, analytical interpretation, and an understanding of literature's relationship with history, society, and other art forms. Optional modules provide opportunities to specialize in areas such as specific literary periods, genres, or the study of foreign languages and cultures.

1 Level 4 Modules

Texts Up Close: Reading and Interpretation Compulsory
Make it New: Literary Tradition and Experimentation Compulsory
Journeys and Quests: Adventures in Literature Compulsory
Border Crossings: Modern Literature from around the World Compulsory
Identity and Contemporary Writing Compulsory
American Voices: Introduction to US Literature and Culture Compulsory
Romantic Origins & Gothic Afterlives Compulsory
History on the Page, Stage, and Screen Compulsory
French Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Compulsory
French Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
German Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
German Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Spanish Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
Spanish Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Japanese Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
Japanese Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Mandarin Stage 1A - General language for work and leisure Optional
Mandarin Stage 1B - General language for work and leisure Optional
Advanced French C4a - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced French C4b - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C4a - Culture and Society in Spain Optional
Spanish Route C4b - Advanced Spanish - Challenges in Spanish Society Optional

2 Level 5 Modules

Ways of Reading: Literature and Theory Compulsory
Age of Transition: the Victorians and Modernity Compulsory
A Nation of Readers: British Identity and Enlightenment Culture Compulsory
Revisiting the Renaissance Compulsory
Twentieth-Century US Literature and Culture Compulsory
Studies in Twentieth Century Literature, 1900-1945 Compulsory
American Literature to 1900 Optional
Images of Contemporary Society: British Literature and the Politics of Identity Optional
Literature at Work Optional
Employability Skills Optional
French Stage 2A - Technology, networking and the future Optional
French Stage 2B - Wellbeing, sustainability, internationalism Optional
German Stage 2A - Culture, education & study abroad Optional
German Stage 2B - Living and working in German-speaking countries Optional
Spanish Stage 2B - Food, study abroad and job applications Optional
Japanese Stage 2A - Daily life, travel and culture Optional
Japanese Stage 2B - Jobs, business and accommodation Optional
Mandarin Stage 2A - Language, culture & history Optional
Mandarin Stage 2B - Language, culture & history Optional
Advanced French C5a - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced French C5b - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C5a - Latin American Society and Culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C5b - Spanish at Work Optional

3 Level 6 Modules

Literature and the Visual Arts Compulsory
Renaissance Tragedy Optional
Eighteenth Century Bodies Optional
Literature Project Optional
Between the Acts: Late Victorian and Edwardian Literature 1890-1920 Optional
Postmodern Genders Optional
Children's Literature: Growing up in Books Optional
Native American Literature Optional
East End Fictions: Interdisciplinary Studies of London's East End Optional
Worlds Apart 1: Utopian & Dystopian Writing Optional
Texts and Screens: Studies in Literary Adaptation Optional
The Golden Age: Victorian Children's Literature Optional
Generation Dead: Young Adult Fiction and the Gothic Optional
Twenty-first Century American Writing Optional
Euro-Crime on Page and Screen Optional
The Literary Professional Optional
French Stage 3A - Modern families, cybersociety & heritage Optional
French Stage 3B - Culture, multiculturalism & challenges in society Optional
German Stage 3A - Historical contexts and the world of work Optional
German Stage 3B - Changes and challenges in society Optional
Spanish Stage 3A - Family life and leisure Optional
Spanish Stage 3B - Immigration & integration, cultural heritage and citizens of Optional
Japanese Stage 3A - People and society Optional
Japanese Stage 3B - Traditions and trends Optional
Mandarin Stage 3A - Business Chinese & the world of work Optional
Mandarin Stage 3B - Business Chinese & the world of work Optional
French Stage 4A - Francophone society and culture Optional
French Stage 4B - Francophone society and culture Optional
German Stage 4A - Society and culture in German-speaking countries Optional
German Stage 4B - Society and culture in German-speaking countries Optional
Spanish Stage 4A - Culture and Society in Spain Optional
Spanish Stage 4B - Challenges in Spanish Society Optional
Japanese Stage 4A - Japanese culture and society Optional
Japanese Stage 4B - Japanese culture and society Optional
Advanced French C6a - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced French C6b - Francophone society and culture Optional
Advanced Spanish C6a - Current Affairs in Spain and Latin America Optional
Advanced Spanish C6b - Current Affairs in Spain and Latin America Optional
Ecological Futures: Utopias, Dystopias and Nature Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

9% off
First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 19,551.00 USD 21,579.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,579.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 21,579.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 62,710.00 USD 64,739.00

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

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,126.00 - USD 1,559.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,095.00
Estimated Total USD 4,351.00 - USD 8,539.00

Living cost estimates are based on College Lane Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

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

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAgricultural Services & ExtensionAnimation & Visual EffectsApparel Manufacturing & ProductionCurriculum & Instructional DesignFashion Marketing & Brand ManagementMusic & Performing ArtsSocial Media & Content StrategyTheme Parks & LeisureVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Framestore

National Farmers'​ Union

Sainsbury's

Tesco

The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)

University of Hertfordshire

Why Study BA (Hons) English Literature at University of Hertfordshire

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Fast Application response time

University of Hertfordshire typically responds to applications within a week, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Hertfordshire 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 (Hons) English Literature at University of Hertfordshire

Can I work while studying?

As a Degree student in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is needed.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Yes. This course is accredited by Chartered Engineer.

What English language score do I need for this course?

You need to meet specific English language requirements. Accepted tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, each with varying score criteria.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Possible job titles include Literary Editor, Copywriter, Content Specialist, Teacher, and Researcher.

What will I actually study in this course?

Studying English Literature allows you to evolve from a passionate reader to a critical thinker and literary scholar. You'll explore diverse literature, including works from both international and contemporary writers.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The intake month for the BA (Hons) English Literature program is September. Make sure to apply in advance to secure your place.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️