English (with Foundation Year)

Interpret the world differently on an English degree that explores our understanding of ourselves and other cultures, past and present.

You’ll learn from internationally-renowned researchers as you take on real-world projects covering a wide range of genres and forms: English and American poetry, fantasy and science fiction, Ancient Greek to contemporary British drama, and more.

Our literary scene is buzzing. Sign up to our student-led English Society and join author readings, book clubs and socials. Get involved in showcases and podcasts with HUWrites, and publish your own work in our in-house magazines, Document 1 and Hull Scribbler. Along the way, you’ll meet like-minded people and broaden your career-ready skills.

The Foundation Year is an extra year of study at the start of your degree. It’s designed to boost your academic skills and knowledge of your specialist area. When you successfully complete it, you can transfer seamlessly into the full degree programme.

Why study at Hull?

• Top 10 in the UK for Student Experience¹: We’ve been teaching English for nearly 100 years. You’ll learn from published poets, fiction writers, scriptwriters and internationally-renowned scholars.

• 1 million books on your shelf: Access an incredible trove of materials in our seven-storey library, home to over one million books and extensive digital resources.

• An inspirational literary legacy: Follow in the footsteps of household names from Andrew Marvell to Philip Larkin and J.R.R. Tolkien to Winifred Holtby, who all have ties to the University and the city.

Where could this take me?

Poets Douglas Dunn and Roger McGough are just some of the University of Hull’s notable alumni. But a literary career is not the only route available to our English graduates.

High-level analysis, research and communication skills are very much in demand today. You could become a teacher, librarian or archivist with this degree. Being able to translate concepts into written or spoken forms also puts you at an advantage in occupations like management or communications.

¹ (Joint 5th, English) The Complete University Guide 2024.

Core modules include:

Exploring English
Young Worlds: Literature of Childhood
The Power of Words: Stylistics
Drama, Conflict and Identity
Secrets, Scandals and Rebellions
All the World’s Stage: Shakespeare and Early Modern Theatre

Optional modules include:

Travel, Encounters and Conflict
Dystopian Fiction
Making it New
Unruly Subjects: Voices from the Margins
Intercultural Shakespeares
Writing Britain Now
Gothic Imagination

Foundation Year Modules:

Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
Introduction to Study in the Humanities
Research in the Humanities, Social Science and Education
Group Challenges (Humanities)
Foundation in Data Analysis
Academic Writing Skills

You'll be assessed through a combination of written, practical and coursework assessments throughout your degree.

Written assessment typically includes exams and multiple choice tests.

Practical is an assessment of your skills and competencies. This could include presentations, school experience, work experience or laboratory work.

Coursework typically includes essays, written assignments, dissertations, research projects or producing a portfolio of your work.