Explore how literature has reflected and influenced different societies over the centuries by studying for our BA (Hons) English Literature degree in Cambridge.
You’ll study classic literary texts alongside genres including sci-fi and children’s literature, and find out how English literature has been affected by, and influenced, culture, language, technology and economics.
You’ll draw on a range of other subjects, including history, politics, philosophy, religion, psychology and the history of art to develop an all-round understanding of the written works that have shaped our world.
You’ll develop several skills that are valued by employers, including literacy, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and working independently and as part of a team.
One famous line, two things you may not realise, from Professor Eugene Giddens.
A 60 second seminar from Dr Tory Young, Principal Lecturer in English Literature at ARU.
Dr Koenraad Claes, Lecturer in Romantic-Period Literature at ARU, discusses John Keats, now many people’s favourite Romantic poet.
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Senior Lecturer and Course Leader
Associate Professor, English Literature
Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature
Professor of English Literature
Professor of English Literature; Admissions Tutor; International Exchange and Study Abroad Partnerships and Erasmus Coordinator
Research Convenor in English Literature
Our BA (Hons) English Literature graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including teaching, journalism, television, radio, the music industry, arts administration, gallery work, fundraising, personnel work, publishing, librarianship, marketing, local authority work, publicity, social work, tourism and IT-related industries.
We work with employers to make sure you graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need; they help us review what we teach and how we teach it. The problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, judgement, research, analysis and communication skills our English Literature students gain are highly valued by employers. You’ll also learn to work well independently and as part of a team.
You could also learn more, develop a specialism or start an exciting career in research with our Masters degrees in English Literature or Creative Writing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
"Studying English Literature... has helped me grow as an individual, helped me develop my ideas and taught me how to communicate them effectively."
Fatima
BA (Hons) English Literature
Fatima: Why I love studying English Literature in CambridgeDo you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
Our friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Our favourite places in Cambridge Did you know...? Facts about Cambridge Watch: Our CambridgeYou have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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