BA English Language and Literature
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UCAS code
Q301 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
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Year of entry
2023/24 See 2024/25 entry -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
On our BA English Language and Literature programme, develop your understanding of English as a living and dynamic global language whilst exploring a diverse range of literary texts from Britain, America and beyond.
Our teaching in English language places a strong emphasis on applying theory to real-life situations, and on transferable skills such as problem-solving, team-working and data-analysis. You will learn about how to research issues in the social sciences and how to conduct fieldwork. You will enhance your knowledge of grammar and phonetics as well as learning about how language is used in different social settings, how language is acquired by children and adults, and how our uses of English are being re-shaped by the media. Reading’s Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics has more than 50 years of excellence in the field, and we’re in the top 150 universities in the world for these subjects (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2023).
You will study the same number of modules in English literature as in English language. Our literature curriculum has everything you would expect from a department with a century-long reputation for innovative research. You will read more of major authors like Shakespeare and Dickens, Sylvia Plath and Samuel Beckett, but you will also be able to explore the most exciting contemporary writing in English from around the globe. Whether your interests are in creative writing, publishing studies or children’s literature, you will be able to develop your own interests with expert help. 92% of students agreed that our staff are good at explaining things in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics (2022 National Student Survey).
For more information, please visit the websites for English Literature and English Language and Applied Linguistics.
In your first year, you study six modules, three in English language and three modules in English Literature. Your second year modules in English Language build your skills in grammar, phonology and sociolinguistics. In Literature, you choose modules that range from Renaissance lyric poetry to contemporary fiction.
In the third year, your module choices are more diverse and specialised. You will also research a dissertation on a subject of your choosing, in either English language or English literature, with one-to-one advice and support from your supervisor. Alternatively, if you are more focused on the practical sense of your degree, you may choose to carry out a Professional Communication Project. By the end of your three years with us, you will be an independent learner and a confident communicator.
Placement
Throughout your degree you will be thinking about the career choices that will enable you to thrive after graduation: we will help you put in place the skills and experience that you need to launch that career. Our innovative placement scheme gives you the chance to undertake an academic placement in commerce, industry or the arts. You can also take a placement module on languages and literature in education and in the media. Our students have been very successful at winning places on the University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, and have worked on real research projects on multilingualism, child language development, digital editing and archive studies.
Overview
On our BA English Language and Literature programme, develop your understanding of English as a living and dynamic global language whilst exploring a diverse range of literary texts from Britain, America and beyond.
Our teaching in English language places a strong emphasis on applying theory to real-life situations, and on transferable skills such as problem-solving, team-working and data-analysis. You will learn about how to research issues in the social sciences and how to conduct fieldwork. You will enhance your knowledge of grammar and phonetics as well as learning about how language is used in different social settings, how language is acquired by children and adults, and how our uses of English are being re-shaped by the media. Reading’s Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics has more than 50 years of excellence in the field, and we’re in the top 150 universities in the world for these subjects (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2023).
You will study the same number of modules in English literature as in English language. Our literature curriculum has everything you would expect from a department with a century-long reputation for innovative research. You will read more of major authors like Shakespeare and Dickens, Sylvia Plath and Samuel Beckett, but you will also be able to explore the most exciting contemporary writing in English from around the globe. Whether your interests are in creative writing, publishing studies or children’s literature, you will be able to develop your own interests with expert help. 92% of students agreed that our staff are good at explaining things in the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics (2022 National Student Survey).
For more information, please visit the websites for English Literature and English Language and Applied Linguistics.
Learning
In your first year, you study six modules, three in English language and three modules in English Literature. Your second year modules in English Language build your skills in grammar, phonology and sociolinguistics. In Literature, you choose modules that range from Renaissance lyric poetry to contemporary fiction.
In the third year, your module choices are more diverse and specialised. You will also research a dissertation on a subject of your choosing, in either English language or English literature, with one-to-one advice and support from your supervisor. Alternatively, if you are more focused on the practical sense of your degree, you may choose to carry out a Professional Communication Project. By the end of your three years with us, you will be an independent learner and a confident communicator.
Placement
Throughout your degree you will be thinking about the career choices that will enable you to thrive after graduation: we will help you put in place the skills and experience that you need to launch that career. Our innovative placement scheme gives you the chance to undertake an academic placement in commerce, industry or the arts. You can also take a placement module on languages and literature in education and in the media. Our students have been very successful at winning places on the University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, and have worked on real research projects on multilingualism, child language development, digital editing and archive studies.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB, including grade B in A level English Literature or related subject.
Related subjects: English Language, English Language and Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies and Creative Writing.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall including 5 in English at higher level.
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EN1PE | Poetry in English | PROF Steven Matthews |
EN1RC | Research and Criticism | DR Nicola Abram |
LS1ELS | English Language and Society | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS1SG | Sounds, Grammar & Meaning | PROF Jane Setter |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EN1COMP | What is Comparative Literature? | DR John McKeane |
EN1CW | Introduction to Creative Writing | PROF Peter Robinson |
EN1GC | Genre and Context | DR Chloe Houston |
EN1SL | Shelf Life | DR John Scholar |
EN1TRANS | Thinking Translation: History and Theory | DR Claire Ross |
LS1GL | Globalization and Language | DR Tony Capstick |
LS1TAL | Techniques and Skills for Applied Linguistics | DR Natalia Kampakli |
AR1REV | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present | PROF Steve Mithen |
AR1REV10 | Revolutions in Human Behaviour: 4 Million Years BC to the Present [10 credits] | PROF Steve Mithen |
CL1GH | Greek History: war, society, and change in the Archaic Age | PROF Amy Smith |
CL1SO | Ancient Song | PROF Ian Rutherford |
EC110 | The Economics of Climate Change | DR Stefania Lovo |
FA1MM | Modernisms & Mythologies | DR Jenny Chamarette |
FT1CSS | Comedy on Stage and Screen | DR Simone Knox |
IL1GICC | Intercultural Competence and Communication | MS Joan McCormack |
ML1GEC | Greats of European Cinema | PROF Julia Waters |
ML1IL | Introduction to Linguistics | MR Federico Faloppa |
PO1INE | Inequality | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO1IPI | Introduction to Political Ideas | DR Andrew Reid |
PP1RA | Reason and Argument | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP1RP | Radical Philosophy | PROF Maximilian De Gaynesford |
PY1IPY | Introduction to Psychology | DR Katie Barfoot |
TY1PRI | Printing and printmaking | DR Rob Banham |
TY1WTF | What the font? Making and using typefaces | DR Rob Banham |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS2EG | English Grammar | DR Natalia Kampakli |
LS2EP | English Phonology | PROF Jane Setter |
LS2SLG | Sociolinguistics | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EN2BB | The Business of Books | DR Nicola Wilson |
EN2CF | Contemporary Fiction | PROF Bryan Cheyette |
EN2CMN | Chaucer and Medieval Narrative | DR Aisling Byrne |
EN2CRI | Critical Issues | DR Stephen Thomson |
EN2CWJ | Creative Writing: Non-fiction and Long-Form Journalism | MS Shelley Harris |
EN2CWP | Creative Writing: Poetry | PROF Peter Robinson |
EN2CWS | Creative Writing: The Short Story | MS Shelley Harris |
EN2MOD | Modernism in Poetry and Fiction | DR Mark Nixon |
EN2OEL | Introduction to Old English Literature | DR Eleni Ponirakis |
EN2RP | The Romantic Period | DR Matthew Scott |
EN2RTC | Renaissance Texts and Cultures | PROF Michelle O'Callaghan |
EN2SH | Shakespeare | PROF Lucinda Becker |
EN2VIC | Victorian Literature | DR Lucy Bending |
EN2WA | Writing America | DR Sue Walsh |
EN2WGI | Writing, Gender, Identity | DR Cato Marks |
EN2WPS | Writing in the Public Sphere | DR Mary Morrissey |
LS2ANS | Analysing Speech | PROF Jane Setter |
LS2DAN | Discourse Analysis | DR Diana Ben-Aaron |
LS2LAG | Language and Gender | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS2LAM | Language and the Mind | DR Fraibet Aveledo |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LLE | Literature, Language and Education | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
LS3LPC | Language in Professional Communication | DR Sylvia Jaworska |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
EN3AGN | American Graphic Novels | PROF David Brauner |
EN3AH | Hitchcock | DR Neil Cocks |
EN3BBF | Black British Fiction | DR Cato Marks |
EN3CL | Children's Literature | PROF Karin Lesnik-Oberstein |
EN3DD | Decadence and Degeneration: Literature of the 1880s and 1890s | DR Lucy Bending |
EN3DIC | Dickens | PROF Andrew Mangham |
EN3DIS | Dissertation | DR Stephen Thomson |
EN3HT | Holocaust Testimony: Memory, Trauma and Representation | PROF Bryan Cheyette |
EN3LMH | Literature and Mental Health | DR John Scholar |
EN3MAT | Margaret Atwood | DR Madeleine Davies |
EN3MCP | Modern and Contemporary British Poetry | PROF Steven Matthews |
EN3MO | Medieval Otherworlds | DR Eleni Ponirakis |
EN3OW | Oscar Wilde and the World of Art | DR John Scholar |
EN3PC | Publishing Cultures: Writers, Publics, Archives | DR Nicola Wilson |
EN3PSY | Psychoanalysis and Text | PROF Karin Lesnik-Oberstein |
EN3RF | From Romance to Fantasy | DR Mary Morrissey |
EN3SHF | Shakespeare on Film | PROF Lucinda Becker |
EN3TBS | The Bloody Stage: Revenge and Death in Renaissance Drama | DR Chloe Houston |
EN3UTD | Utopia and Dystopia in English and American Literature | DR Chloe Houston |
EN3VW | Virginia Woolf and Bloomsbury | DR Madeleine Davies |
EN3WWP | Writing Women: Nineteenth Century Poetry | DR Lucy Bending |
LS3CBL | Corpus-based approaches to language description | DR Diana Ben-Aaron |
LS3DCL | Child Language Development | DR Fraibet Aveledo |
LS3DI | Dissertation | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LS3LMG | Language and Migration | DR Tony Capstick |
LS3LST | Teaching the Language Skills | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS3PCP | Professional Communication Project | DR Christiana Themistocleous |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
The interdisciplinary scope of this degree prepares you for a wide variety of professions. As an English graduate, you will enter the job market with highly developed research and communication skills. You will know how to access reliable information on any topic and how to present your findings in clear and persuasive language: valuable assets in today’s economy, where information and communication skills are vital. You will have the critical and cultural awareness necessary for working in the public sector and the media. Our innovative placement modules will ensure that you have the complete package that employers are looking for: a good degree, workplace skills and experience.
In the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-20, overall, 100% of graduates from English Language and Applied Linguistics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation*. Our graduates work in publishing and the media, (Oxford University Press, the BBC and ITV). They also work as communication experts in large organisations like the NHS, in banks and in government; others are now working as teachers in the UK and as teachers of the English Language in China and Japan (among other places). Many of our students decide to continue their studies at postgraduate level too.
Your communications skills, your ability to research a problem thoroughly, to manage data and documentation, and to present ideas and policies clearly and persuasively, will equip you for the career you want.
*Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes all English Language and Applied Linguistics responders.