English Literature BA (Hons)

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Available with:

  • Foundation Year

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Course Summary

We are passionate about literature, and lecturers at Chester want you to enjoy an exciting, varied and dynamic course. You might find yourself looking for the psychological undercurrents in a fantasy novel, applying feminist theory to a Renaissance sonnet, exploring the motif of the vampire in Gothic fiction, or considering the treatment of love in Shakespeare’s plays or focusing your work on a contemporary short story. We will support your interests through your learning on this course.

You’ll get the chance to write a dissertation on a topic of your choosing guided by a dedicated tutor. Along the way, you’ll develop key skills for your future. Our students learn how to persuade by developing convincing arguments, communicate effectively and analyse writing in all styles and genres. At Chester, we offer an engaging and supportive atmosphere in which we all can share our ideas about literature.

Why you'll Love it

Your tutors are experts in the subject

The English Literature tutors you will meet on this course are researchers who regularly publish books and articles. This means they are all up to date in the latest developments in the subject, so you can be sure that you will learn the latest approaches to the literature you study.

backs of students' heads looking at a lecturer at the front of the class

Tutors listen to students

The learning in this course has been carefully designed to offer students the best possible experience. This is the result of listening to what students say, we regularly ask for feedback and shape the course around students’ needs. In order to do this, we make sure we listen carefully to what you have to say in anonymous feedback or direct comments.

two students sitting in rows behind each other in a lecture theatre

We’re a community

The English team is small and friendly, and students have opportunities to work together in a dedicated common room and contribute to staff projects and activities. You may have the chance to take part in theatre trips, field trips and visits to museums related to your studies.

English students using their mobile phones on an instagram hunt
BA (Hons) English Literature/ English Literature (combined)

BA (Hons) English Literature/English Literature (Combined)

What our Students think

What you'll study

BA English Literature contains core modules at each level of study.

At Level 4, students are introduced to basic principles of English study, with seminars and lectures focusing on the history and theory of literature, and the various forms and contexts that it can exist in. Students will be introduced to a range of different texts including:

  • poetry
  • prose
  • the novel
  • and other forms of writing.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

Level 5 builds upon this foundation with more complex learning that integrates specialist theory and criticism through exploring different literary genres and themes.

At Level 5, students will have the opportunity to tailor their course to their own interests. Where available, modules will provide students with the opportunity to undertake specialist study in many different areas of interest. These include the history and development of different genres of literature:

  • the Gothic
  • Science Fiction
  • Young Adult
  • Children’s Literature
  • specific focuses on certain authors, such as Shakespeare
  • as well as specific period-based study that encompasses cultural and social context, such as the Victorians or the Romantics.

As well as this, students will be able to engage with interdisciplinary concepts from philosophy, history, sociology, psychology and more in Level 5. Modules vary year to year based on staffing availability and responding to developments within the discipline.

Literature students will also be able to engage with interdisciplinary concepts from philosophy, history, sociology, psychology and more. Specialist themed modules available at Level 5 and 6 allow for discussions of Gender, Acts of Resistance, and Crime and Deviance. Across the course of their studies, English Literature students will learn about different modes, methods and forms of storytelling and literary writing, while developing their analytical and research skills through deployment of subject-specific terminology and an engagement with relevant resources and research. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

At Level 6, students will tackle large-scale projects and develop their personal philosophy, integrating all the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their studies with a focus on professional skills and competencies.

Alongside further specialist modules, students will have the option to specialise in a dissertation project of their own choosing, where they will be supported by a team of experienced academics in one-to-one tutorials. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How you'll Learn

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You will be assessed in a variety of ways

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Collaborate with students from related courses on a common first year

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There may be some online learning activities

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This course is designed around in-person study

Students should expect to spend an average of 40 hours per week on their studies which is made up of a mix of lectures, workshops, peer-led seminars, asynchronous learning, tutorial time with staff, using the University’s library, working with peers and preparing work for assessment and independent study.

Teaching will be delivered by experienced academics and practitioners in the subject. This will be supplemented by occasional guest lecturers and speakers.

There will be a broad range of assessment methods so that students are exposed to the different types of tasks they might encounter in subsequent studies or future career development.

These will include:

  • coursework in the form of written essays
  • performed and pre-recorded presentations
  • portfolios of writing
  • creative and reflective pieces (both long and short form)
  • and artifact manufacture.

We continuously review the assessment methods used in order that they adequately prepare students for graduate-level employment, as well as in response to developments within the academic discipline.

Students will be expected to purchase their own textbooks, but there are various schemes that the English programmes have run in conjunction with bookshops in Chester city centre that can help to aid the cost of this. Alongside this, there are opportunities to take part in Division trips and more subject-specific trips both within Chester and further afield.

All teaching is delivered by experienced academics and practitioners, with the fundamental principles of the Chester Future Skills Curriculum at its core - building your subject competence, confidence, and key transferable skills to shape you into a world-ready Chester graduate.

Study a Common First Year

This course shares a common first year with students on English, English Language, and Creative Writing courses.

This means that you’ll learn alongside students studying a similar discipline, helping to broaden your knowledge and exposure to other concepts, perspectives and professions in the first year of your degree.

As you learn and collaborate with students from other courses, you'll not only widen your social and professional network but also learn new skills that will set you up for success in your industry.

In your second and third years, you will progress to studying more specialist modules within English Literature, developing your skills to become a World Ready graduate.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

112 points

GCE A Level

Typical offer – BCC-BBC

The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM

BTEC's are considered for entry, however the Department will also require one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.

International Baccalaureate

28 points including 5 in HL English

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers - H3 H3 H3 H3 H4 (including H3 in English)

Scottish Highers - BBBB (including English)
The Department requires one of the following Higher subjects: English Language, English Literature or English Combined (Language and Literature)

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma (must include a relevant Humanities subject at Level 3), to include 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Merit or above

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: DMM

The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS Points

UCAS Tariff

72 points

GCE A level

72 points overall, including grade D in A level

The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.

BTEC

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP

BTEC's are considered for entry, however the Department will also require one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.

International Baccalaureate

24 points including 4 in HL English

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4  (including English)

Scottish Highers: CCDD  (including English)

Access requirements

Access to HE Diploma – Pass overall (including English or one of the alternative subjects above)

OCR Cambridge Technicals

OCR Extended Diploma: MMP

The Department requires one of the following subjects at GCE A Level: a Humanities-based essay writing subject such as English Literature, English Language, English Language & Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, History or Classical Civilisation.

Extra Information

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

Who you'll Learn from

Prof Deborah Wynne

Programme Leader for English Literature; Research Coordinator for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Prof Deborah Wynne

Associate Professor Sarah Heaton

Head of Art, Design and Innovation
Dr Sarah Heaton

Prof Melissa Fegan

Professor of Irish and Victorian Literature
Melissa Fegan

Prof Emma Rees

Professor of Literature and Gender Studies; Programme Leader, MRes Gender Studies
Prof Emma Rees

Dr Sally West

Senior Lecturer in English Literature
Dr Sally West

Dr Lucy Andrew

Senior Lecturer in English Literature
Dr Lucy Andrew

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Exton Park is close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student. While it is undoubtedly beautiful and packed with history, Chester is also a bustling 21st-century city balancing big-name shopping, eating and living with a thriving independent scene.

Modern learning resources and library

We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library; home to an extensive selection of books, e-books and e-journals, as well as bookable multimedia rooms, video conferencing space, 24-hour access computer labs, and The Hub; a comfortable two-floor study zone, suitable for independent and group study.

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Student Services

Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.

Fitness facilities

Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities, which are used for both competitive and recreational sports. Our facilities include a swimming pool, gym, squash, and tennis courts, running track and two floodlit pitches.

A male student wearing goggles is swimming in the training pool between the red rope lane marker lines.

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services. The University of Chester also has multi-faith spaces across the campus for prayer or quiet reflection.

Accommodation

Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.

Catering

We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors. Term-time Meal Schemes are also available for those students interested in non-residential catering schemes.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

A single honours degree in English Literature brings many transferable skills including written and oral communication, textual analysis, presentation, teamwork, time management and independence.  Our graduates have followed careers in a wide variety of fields including teaching, journalism, marketing, and librarianship, or advanced to postgraduate study on our MA and MRes courses.

Progression options

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

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