English Literature and Politics (Study Abroad)

Immerse yourself in a dynamic exploration of two complementary disciplines: Our English Literature and Politics degree at Lancaster gives you an exciting opportunity to engage with a wide range of literary texts while considering power dynamics and societal issues that govern daily life in the modern world.

In this interdisciplinary course, you will explore the literary greats as well as the voices that history has overlooked. Read widely, closely, and deeply, experiencing literature in a host of new and immersive ways.

Together with our expert lecturers you will analyse current global issues, such as social injustice, climate change, migration and the declining trust in democracy. Graduate with a strong skill set in critical thinking that will prepare you for various career paths.

Why Lancaster?

• Study a wide range of genres from both ancient and modern literatures

• Develop your own critical (and even creative-critical) voice

• Be part of Literary Lancaster

• Network with external partners, policymakers, and guest speakers who can provide valuable insights into the key political issues of the moment

• Join the only university to have both a parliamentary studies module, run in conjunction with UK Parliament, and a dedicated Politics Policy School with the HM Government Open Innovation team

• Take advantage of our annual internship opportunities, where you can work on live research projects with NGOs, think tanks and charities

What will I study in English Literature?

Literary study at Lancaster offers a rich engagement with the very best of literature from classical and medieval to the modern and contemporary.

We are pioneers in experimental or creative forms of literary criticism, as well as encouraging established forms of literary scholarship, such as archival work, historicism, close reading, and literary theory.

To enhance your experience, we run many special literary events, often in spectacular locations such as Lancaster’s medieval Castle, the awe-inspiring Priory, or the archive-rich Wordsworth Grasmere in the nearby Lake District.

What topics will I cover in Politics?

You’ll be taught by academics who regularly collaborate with government bodies such as UK Parliament, on important issues such as racial injustice, voter rights, and migration. You’ll develop a deep understanding of politics across the globe.

Key themes could include:

• The crisis in democracy

• Global issues

• Voting behaviour and political movements

• Power, politics and public policy

• Global capitalism and economic inequality

You will learn through interactive sessions such as policy labs and mock select committees, citizens assembly and PMQs. You will have the opportunity to meet politicians and engage with local issues, to analyse evidence and find out what strategies and campaigns really work.

To present your work, you could be creating a policy brief, podcast, reflective diary, blog, research portfolio, or policy memo and evaluation.

As you progress though the course, you will be able to choose modules from either subject, depending on your own interests.

How can I enhance my career prospects?

If you are interested in writing, publishing, and editing you could choose to get involved in one of our four student-run literary journals: Cake, Flash, Lux and Errant.

You could also volunteer to help at Litfest, Lancaster’s annual literature festival which attracts well-known authors from around the world.

You may also apply for an internship with Lancaster’s Richardson Institute for Peace Studies and gain valuable experience working on a project for an organisation such as an NGO, think tank or charity.

Study abroad

The study abroad option is an exciting opportunity for anyone who is thinking of working abroad during their career or who simply wants the experience of living and studying overseas as part of their degree.