English

Summary

English is more than reading books. We study how stories make and remake the world and how writing can be an expression of curiosity, a source of comfort, a site of resistance.

At Southampton, you will explore literature across time and place, from medieval travellers’ tales to contemporary fiction and environmental writing. You will question how literature engages with issues such as social justice, gender, climate change and globalisation, and consider how it reflects and reshapes society.

As you study, you will develop the skills to think critically, communicate clearly and see the world from new perspectives. You will learn to analyse, question and create, building a deeper understanding of culture and what it means to be human.

An English degree opens up a wide range of possibilities. Our graduates go on to careers in publishing, journalism, marketing, teaching, heritage and more, while others move into areas such as law, business or further study. Many find roles in copywriting, PR, editorial, or media, while others succeed in law, business, or further study. Southampton English graduates are highly employable, with 100% in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, Published in 2025). Employers value the research, communication, and analytical skills you’ll gain.

Key features of the course

Study in a top 12 English department in the UK, according to the Times and Sunday Times 2026.

Shape your degree through a wide choice of modules, from medieval poetry to contemporary drama, from Austen's predecessors to Atwood's successors.

Take advantage of the comprehensive collection of physical books and journals, as well as extensive digital collections and rare volumes that make us one of the UK's best resourced institutions for the Humanities. We also have established links with Chawton House, God's House Tower, Mayflower Studios, and the John Hansard Gallery, bringing new perspectives to your learning.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore literature through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning and immersive audio visual spaces.

Get involved in Writers in Conversation workshops and a vibrant creative community and over 40 student led performing arts groups.

Choose to study abroad at one of our global partner universities.

Student support

You will be taught by supportive experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Through small group seminars and support from your personal tutor, you will build confidence in your ideas and your voice.

Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community. Our English programmes are shaped by our students' feedback and input.

Further information

BA English is a three year full time course based at Avenue Campus. You can choose to extend your degree with a year abroad or a placement year.

Find out more on our course page.

Course Modules

Over the three years of this English course, you will be encouraged to think about what texts do in the world whilst studying a wide range of writing, from the medieval period to the present day. You'll also have the opportunity to choose from a selection of creative writing modules as part of your English degree.

Year 1: Explore how literature in English has been shaped and what are the origins of English literature as we know it today.
Year 2: Build your knowledge in key areas of English literary study - Revolutions in English literature & The Worlding of English Literature, as well as having the opportunity to explore other topics of your interest.
Year 3: Build on the subject and methodological expertise you developed in Years 1 and 2 to independently research and write your dissertation, as well as customising your degree according to your interests.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through student-selected units and an elective placement.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/english-degree-ba#modules

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as blogs, creative projects, dissertations, essays, individual and group projects, module journals, portfolios, self-assessment, teamwork, written exams.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.