English Literature

Learn to write about, discuss and investigate the history and culture of English.

Explore the world of literature, Shakespeare's stage to the digital page.

As part of your course, you’ll:

• Study poems, plays and prose narratives in their historical and cultural contexts

• Discuss and debate the different ways texts can be interpreted

• Embrace a wide range of theoretical approaches

• Cover a diverse range of texts, from the literatures of Romanticism through to the contemporary, and British and American Literature of the twentieth century to the postcolonial literatures of the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia

• Work directly with leading literary researchers to develop your own creative and critical voice

Find out more

You’ll graduate with highly valued transferable skills in writing, research and critical thinking.

You’ll benefit from:

• Inspired teaching

• Intellectual debate

• Interaction with award-winning authors and playwrights

• A rolling programme of visiting media industry professionals, including published lecturers and world-renowned researchers

Building your future potential
As a student in the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, you’ll be encouraged to think about your future career right from the start of your learning journey. Information and advice about relevant future career options will be built into the first year of your degree. During your second and third years of study, you’ll be able to choose modules with live brief learning challenges (real life projects designed by employers) and work placement opportunities.

Heart of culture
Leeds is the Northern heart of culture and the arts. Your campus sits in the very centre of the city, surrounded by museums, art galleries, theatres, film production companies and recording studios. We work directly with Leeds museums and galleries and many regional events, including the Ilkley Literature Festival and the Leeds West Indian Carnival.

Industry links
Our location has enabled us to develop relationships with employers and cultural industries in the city and across the region. Past students have completed placements in the editorial team at Hallmark Studios and with Peepal Tree Press, an internationally-renowned publisher based in the city.

Why study the English Literature course at Leeds Beckett University?

• 100% of students on BA (Hons) English Literature were positive about the way teaching staff explain things*

• 100% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation**

• Applied humanities practical module option

• Work with practising writers and active researchers

• Guest lectures delivered by industry professionals

*National Student Survey 2025

• • Percentage of respondents from this course, HESA Graduate Outcomes 22-23

<strong> Year 1 Core Modules: </strong>

• Shakespearean Drama
• Contemporary Literary Studies
• Short Stories
• The Novel
• Adaptation: Textual Afterlives
• Poetry

<strong> Year 2 Core Modules: </strong>

• The 18th Century: Revolutions in Writing
• The 20th Century: Alienation & Dystopia
• Postcolonial Literature
• Theory into Practice
  In addition, choose from a list of Year 2 option modules. Please check our website for a full and up-to-date list.

<strong> Year 3 Core Modules: </strong>

• English Literature Dissertation (40 credits)
  In addition, choose from a list of Year 3 option modules. Please check our website for a full and up-to-date list.