English Literature

Course summary

At its most basic, English Literature is the study of texts. In practice, though, it means the study of language, ideas, philosophy, history, and sociology and how all of these come together to create great works of literature. Successful English students vary hugely in character, personality and interests, but they all have one thing in common: they are enthusiastic readers who read widely, far beyond the confines of the syllabus and pursue their literary interests through extensive exploration of literature. English students need tenacity and willingness to grapple with difficult language and ideas. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room, but a willingness to engage with others and discuss ideas is crucial. An English degree is the obvious next step, but English is also a useful facilitating subject for any course or future employment which requires strong communication and analytical skills. Employers love English students because they are analytical and empathetic to the nuances of language. Common destinations for English students are publishing, law, journalism or teaching, but English is great for keeping your options open. The English@University group meet once a week to explore and discuss new literature. English Society meets every half term to hear speakers and engage in discussion groups about relevant literary issues. The English department offers a huge amount of individual support to their students – do avail yourself of this.