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English Literature BA Honours

  • UCAS code: Q306
  • Full time
  • 3 years

Explore the cultural and political power and pleasure of literature across period and genre. From ancient epic to modern tragedy. Study with us to learn how narrative shapes our world.

You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025


Next start date:

  • September 2025

Fees (per year)

  • Home: £9250
  • International: £23800

Entry requirements and offers

  • A-Level: AAB
  • IB: 34 points

UCAS Institution name and code:

  • NEWC / N21

Course overview

Our English Literature BA Honours degree is an ever-evolving course. Our teaching is driven by our original, innovative research which has been formally recognised as the best in the country.

Explore the freshest ideas on literature - whether that relates to Anglo-Saxon epic or the contemporary novel.

Plan your degree based on your interests, with the chance to branch out in new and exciting directions.

Study canonical authors such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Keats alongside modern writers such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Samuel Selvon, Bernardine Evaristo, and Arundhati Roy.

Investigate the literature of medieval warfare, the Gothic, or cultural movements such as Modernism. Study theatre and stagecraft and learn about performance on stage and in real life.

We have special strengths in:

  • Renaissance and Romantic literature
  • Gothic and women’s writing
  • postcolonial and contemporary literature

All complemented by expertise in American literature and in theatre and performance.

You'll gain the practical and theoretical skills needed to analyse these works, develop well-reasoned arguments, and to communicate confidently and persuasively.

We also offer a wide range of assessment options. You'll write many essays, but will also have the option to compose creative responses, or create public-facing work, such as:

  • websites
  • book reviews
  • op-eds
  • theatre programmes
  • exhibitions

Throughout, we'll invite you to think about the impact of literature on the world and your own relation to it.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions  
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation and recognition

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions

This year is all about expanding your skills and knowledge, while supporting you in making the transition to university study.

Our modules introduce you to the history of English Literature, looking at moments of influence, transformation, and revolution.

You'll study the texts that ushered in new forms and ideas and influenced generations of writers and thinkers globally. These range from the classical epics of Greece to the shocks of revolutionary poetry and utopian prose.

We'll help you develop your skills in interpreting poetry, plays, prose and film. You’ll learn new critical and theoretical models to support and strengthen your analysis.

You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge through modules in other humanities disciplines, including:

  • creative writing
  • languages, modern or ancient history
  • philosophy
  • sociology
  • media
  • psychology

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Transformations 20
Doing Criticism 20
Beginnings 20
Revolutions 20
Optional Modules Credits
Introduction to Creative Writing 20
Drama, Theatre & Performance 20

In your second year you'll cultivate your specialised knowledge and independent research skills.

Our modules enable in-depth study of specific literary periods. You'll take at least two pre-19th-century modules and at least two focusing on modern or contemporary topics.

Whether you’re studying early Medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, Victorian, Modernist, or Contemporary literature, we'll introduce you to the most recent and innovative thinking, reflecting your lecturers’ own cutting-edge research.

Your own independent research will grow out of your in-depth period studies. The independent project will teach you how to research, plan and write an essay on a topic of your choice. This will prepare you for your third-year independent work on a subject chosen from your own unique interests.

Modules

Compulsory Modules Credits
Independent Research Project 20
Optional Modules Credits
Career Development for second year students 20
Renaissance Bodies 20
Writing New Worlds, 1688-1789 20
Revolutionary Britain, 1789-1832 20
Victorian Passions: Victorian Values 20
Contemporary Cultures 20
Modernisms 20
Creative Practice 20
Monsters, Misery & Miracles: Heroic Life in Old English Poetry 20
Poetry Workshop 20
Theatre Script Workshop 20
Prose Workshop 20
Screenwriting Workshop 20
Stagecraft in Early Drama 20
Literatures of Decolonisation 20
Overseas Exchange (Semester 1) 60
Overseas Exchange (Semester 2) 60

You only take one of the following modules if you undertake the Study Abroad exchange programme:

Overseas Exchange (Semester 1)

Overseas Exchange (Semester 2) 

This year builds in further opportunities to pursue the topics that interest you. You'll choose at least three specialist modules, all shaped by the research expertise of your lecturers.

You'll take modules that cover both pre-19th-century and post-19th-century topics.

Current options include modules that feature:

  • Gothic literature
  • Renaissance drama
  • Romantic poetry
  • Utopian writing and science-fiction
  • Global Anglophone Literature
  • Country house literature
  • Early feminist writing
  • American literature
  • Popular and genre fiction

Literatures of the North and North East of England

In our capstone, ‘dissertation’ modules you'll complete a final-year research project either as a long essay, a digital exhibition, or as a digital edition.

This will draw on everything you have learnt during your degree, will be on a topic you are passionate about, and demonstrate your skills in researching, writing and thinking.

Modules

Optional Modules Credits
Career Development for final year students 20
Sex and Money: Economies of the Victorian Novel 20
Documentary Storytelling: Theory and Practice 20
Documentary Storytelling: Theory and Practice 20
Dissertation: Long-Form Essay 40
Independent Essay I (English Literature) 20
Independent Essay II (English Literature) 20
Landscapes of American Modernism 20
Enlightened Romantics: A Revolution in Feeling 20
Time, Change, and the Life Course in Literature of the Long Nineteenth Century 20
American Poetry Now 20
Prose Portfolio 40
Theatre Script Portfolio 40
Poetry Portfolio 40
Screenwriting Portfolio 40
Dissertation: Digital Exhibition 40
Planetary Imaginations: Literature in the Time of Environmental Crisis 20
Writing Liberty in the Romantic Era 20
Dissertation: Digital Edition 40
Fiction and the Philosophy of Terror: From the Supernatural to the Sublime 20
Freedom and Imagination: US Literature 1850-1900 20
Deep North: Modern Literature of the North East 20
Popular Romance and Contemporary Political Discourse 20
Making Young Adult Literature 20
War Writing: Heroic and Hostile Discourses in Medieval Literature 20
Envious Show: Wealth, Power and Ambition in Narratives of the Country House, 1550-2000 20
Exposing Ourselves: Privacy, Contemporary Performance and the Public Sphere 20
Devolutionary Fictions: Literature, Politics, and the British State since 1960 20
Border Fictions: Migration, Memory, and Transgressions in Global Anglophone Literatures, 1900-Present Day 20
Keats and Romantic Epic 20
Shakespeare and Company: Gender, Power, Theatre 20

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You can normally expect to spend around 10 hours per week attending lectures, seminars, workshops and film screenings. You'll also spend around 25 hours per week on class preparation, reading, writing, and other kinds of independent research recommended by your tutor.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

  • Assignments – written or fieldwork

  • Coursework

  • Dissertation or research project

  • Essays

  • Examinations – practical or online

  • Group work

  • Presentations

  • Exhibitions

    Exhibitions

  • Websites

    Websites

Skills and experience

Practical experience

Many of our modules offer practical experience. For literary studies, this might include:

  • archival visits
  • editing work such as transcribing and coding
  • script-in-hand readings
  • masterclasses with outside professionals
  • debates

The School has a longstanding relationship with a local primary school, where our students have the opportunity to work with teachers and children on an annual creative arts or history project.

When you study English Literature at Newcastle, you'll also enjoy regular field trips organised by the School.

Depending on the module these include visits to:

  • The Wordsworth Trust (Dove Cottage)
  • City theatres such as Northern Stage, Live Theatre, and Theatre Royal, and the Tyneside Cinema
  • Seven Stories (the National Centre for Children's Books)
  • National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
  • Country Houses and Estates

Business skills

Our module assessments develop a wide range of skills. These can be applied to many different tasks you might be employed to do.

Your strong communication, writing and reasoning skills, coupled with the creativity of your degree, can be used in:

  • writing reports and developing policy for public services and private companies
  • journalism and public writing
  • constructing marketing briefs and drafting website copy
  • curating exhibitions and programming events
  • teaching and training

Beyond our modules, there are plenty of extracurricular opportunities to gain work experience or develop your portfolio.

These range from writing for Newcastle’s student newspaper, to paid internships in the department, including working as a student ambassador in public-facing roles.

The Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts hires students to work on everything from event management to app design. 

The Centre also runs workshops with professionals in the creative industries to support students eager to develop a writing or publishing career. We also offer work placement modules in partnership with the careers service in Stage 2 and 3.

Find out more about the Newcastle Centre for Literary Arts

Research skills

In Stage 2, you'll undertake an independent research project, and in your final year, you'll write a dissertation.

These introduce you to finding and understanding original sources for your own research.

The high point of your degree is your own personal research project which you complete at Stage 3. This project can be a long essay, a digital exhibition or a digital edition.

All of these projects develop your research skills in:

  • searching catalogues and databases effectively and efficiently
  • finding original sources
  • compiling secondary literature and key references
  • researching context
  • writing up your findings in an organized and cogent manner
  • meeting project milestones and deadlines

The digital exhibition also introduces you to:

  • writing for public-facing audiences
  • using an industry-standard platform to create digital stories
  • copyright law and intellectual property
  • the principles of online exhibition design (via an industry masterclass)

The digital edition develops additional skills in:

  • transcription
  • editing
  • coding

You can also apply for a paid vacation scholarship and work alongside researchers on a shared project.

You'll have first-hand experience working on a project and this will add to your existing skills by teaching you to:

  • work on a research project as part of a team
  • explore archival collections

Opportunities

Study abroad

You can study abroad for one semester in your second year as part of this degree. In Europe we have links with:

  • Ghent University, Belgium
  • Leipzig University, Germany
  • Groningen University, Netherlands
  • Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands

We also have links with universities in other parts of the world, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and the USA, including, but not limited to:

  • Monash University, Australia
  • University of Sydney, Australia
  • McGill University, Canada
  • University of Hong Kong
  • University of Vermont, USA

Find out more about Study Abroad.

Work placement

During your degree, you’ll have multiple opportunities to undertake a meaningful work placement. In your second and third years, you may choose to take the Career Development Module which offers academic credit for 50 hours of placement. You can choose to carry out your placement via part-time work, volunteering or in a local school. You will be assessed through a mixture of written work, presentations, and professional skills assessment.

In addition, you'll have the option to spend 9 to 12 months on a work placement with University support from our dedicated Careers team to help you secure your dream placement in the UK or abroad. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice, and developing your professional expertise. Previous placements have been in a range of sectors, including:

  • Journalism and Broadcasting
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Politics
  • Digital Media and Marketing
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Museum and Heritage
  • Travel and Tourism

If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements.

Facilities and environment

Facilities

You'll be based in the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics. The School is located in the Percy Building, which is at the heart of our city-centre campus. You'll join a lively community of students, academics, writers, and professionals.

You'll have access to:

  • a digital media lab – for students with documentary and film-making modules
  • a PC cluster
  • a student-led café
  • plenty of spaces to work and socialise

You will have exceptional library provision from our award-winning Library Service. It houses over one million books and a huge range of electronic resources.

Our literature and creative writing teaching is linked to the Newcastle Centre for the Literary Arts (NCLA) programme. This will give you regular contact with leading creative artists. You'll also have access to a diverse programme of events, including spoken-word events and creative writing courses.

Find out more about the School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics.

Support

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a Personal Tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues affecting your academic progress.

Peer Mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer questions you may have when starting university.

Your future

Industry links

Our alumni include:

  • Peter Straughan (screenwriter of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy)
  • Andy Bird (former chairman of Walt Disney International)
  • Neil Astley (writer and founder of Bloodaxe publishing house)
  • Teresa Graham, CBE (policy maker, government advisor and advocate for women in business)
  • Ruth Sunderland (Business Editor, Daily Mail)
  • Pippa Crerar (Political Editor, The Guardian)
  • John Yorke (former head of Channel 4 drama and former Controller of BBC Drama Production)

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Careers support

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry. 

A-Level
International Baccalaureate

Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications

Contextual Offers

Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.

What is a contextual offer? Find out more and if you’re eligible for this or our PARTNERS Programme supported entry route.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Entrance courses (INTO)

International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO. 

Find out more about International Pathway Courses

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed.

Qualification: BA Honours

Home students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

9250

International students

full time 3 years

Tuition fees (per year)

23800

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Find out more about:

Open days and events

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

  • the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
  • the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
  • the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages

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