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English Language and English Literature

Course details
  • Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Our BA English Language and English Literature joint honours course will enable you to delve into the science of language while exploring a wide range of texts dating from a variety of periods.

You will be taken on a broadly chronological journey of English Literature from the Anglo-Saxon period through to the present day.

In addition, you will investigate the sounds, words and grammar of the English language, and you will discover where English comes from, how it developed over time, how it varies across the UK and further afield, and how it is used in different situations.

You will acquire the skills required for analytical language study alongside the means to apply those skills to the study of historical and present-day English.

You will practise key transferable skills such as essay writing and how to give a presentation.

You can also broaden the scope of your studies to investigate the interaction between psychology and language (psycholinguistics), child language development, and explore a range of methodological approaches used in study of English Language and English Literature.

You will become part of a thriving community of students, lecturers and writers at The University of Manchester, based in the heart of a UNESCO City of Literature that has produced some of the world's greatest writers and has a thriving literature and arts scene, including major events like Manchester Literature Festival.

Modules

Assessment method

Our courses are assessed in various ways, for example, written examinations, oral presentations and different types of coursework.

Coursework may include library research, linguistic fieldwork and data collection, or web-based research.

In your final year, you can choose to write a dissertation.

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
QQ10
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB

AAB including A in English Literature or English Language & Literature.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

Typical Contextual Offer: ABC including A in English Literature or English Language and Literature

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

Advanced Highers English at grade A plus ABBB in four additional Highers in distinct subjects.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 39 Merit: 6

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are a minimum of 39 credits with a Distinction grade, plus6 credits with a Merit grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in English Literature.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Advanced Highers English at grade A plus ABBB in four additional Highers in distinct subjects.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C/ Intermediate 2 grade C/ Standard Grade Credit level grade3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

We consider the National Diploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade A in English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone).

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer. For this course it would be ABB plus the Extended Project at Grade A.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DD

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone).

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 35

35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects including English Literature.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry,preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades Dist, Dist, Dist, plus one A-level at Grade A in English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade A in English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone), PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades AA; one of which must be in English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone).

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
DD

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade A in English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone), PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AB, one of which must be in English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone).

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme. Please contact us for further advice.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)77.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency.The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: GCSE/iGCSE English Language gradeC/4 or; IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or; An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

International entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.

Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.

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