English Literature

Explore powerful stories, ideas, and voices across time. Develop your critical thinking, creativity, and confidence by studying an English literature degree.

Explore the fascinating world of literature. From Shakespeare's stage to the digital page, this course invites you to explore how literature has challenged ideas, reflected society, and sparked change throughout history.

You won’t just read texts, you’ll interrogate them, debate them, and reimagine them. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your thinking, refine your writing skills, and develop the confidence to express your own ideas with clarity and impact.

Guided by expert tutors who are active researchers and writers, you’ll build your own distinctive voice, whether analytical, creative, or both.

As part of this course, you’ll:

• Study a variety of poetry, drama, and prose, exploring how they respond to their historical, social, and cultural moments

• Debate bold interpretations and challenge established readings

• Experiment with a wide range of critical and theoretical perspectives

• Discover diverse global literatures, from Romanticism to contemporary writing, including postcolonial voices from the Caribbean, South Asia, Africa, and Australia

• Develop your own creative and critical style through close collaboration with leading literary researchers

Find out more

As well as studying literature, this course also teaches you how to think differently. You’ll graduate with highly sought-after transferable skills in writing, research, communication, and critical thinking, opening doors across a wide range of careers.

You’ll benefit from:

• Inspired, research-led teaching that brings cutting-edge ideas and debates into the classroom

• A culture of lively intellectual debate, where your perspective matters

• Opportunities to interact with award-winning authors and playwrights

• A dynamic, rolling programme of guest talks from published writers, industry professionals, and world-renowned researchers

Shape your future potential

From the day you join, you’ll start thinking about where your degree can take you. You’ll explore career options early on, shaping your path as you progress. During your second and third years, you can choose modules that feature live brief learning challenges – real-life projects designed by employers – as well as work placement opportunities to gain valuable industry experience.

Study in a city of stories

Based in Leeds – the Northern heart of culture and the arts – you’ll be surrounded by creativity. From museums, theatres, and galleries to independent publishers and festivals, the city becomes an extension of your classroom. You’ll connect with a thriving creative scene through partnerships with local organisations and major cultural events, including the Ilkley Literature Festival and Leeds West Indian Carnival.

Industry connections

Our strong links with the cultural and creative industries across the region mean you can gain valuable insight and experience before you graduate. Students have previously completed placements with organisations such as Hallmark Studios and Peepal Tree Press, a globally recognised independent publisher based in Leeds.

Why study the BA English Literature course at Leeds Beckett University?

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

• Get hands-on with the opportunity to take an applied humanities practical module

• Learn from experts as you work with practising writers and active researchers

• Gain industry insights during guest lectures delivered by visiting professionals

*National Student Survey 2026

Course Modules

Year 1 Core Modules:

• Shakespearean Drama

• Contemporary Literary Studies

• Short Stories

• The Novel

• Adaptation: Textual Afterlives

• Poetry

Year 2 Core Modules:

• 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.

Year 3 Core Modules:

• 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.

https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/courses/english-literature-ba/?modules=true