Introduction
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.
Course options
Key facts
Accents
A 60 second seminar from Dr Bettina Beinhoff, Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics and English Language at ARU
Wherefore Art Thou Romeo?
A 60 second seminar from Professor Eugene Giddens, Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature at ARU
Entry requirements
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Fees and paying for university
Facilities and showcase
Outstanding student support
Join our student community and:
- benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources
- learn from expert staff who will guide your research interests and career development
- access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Take a closer look
Our Creative Showcase shines a spotlight on what makes ARU creative and cultural – our spaces, places and people. Find out more about our community, the difference we make, the stories we tell, and the things that inspire us.
Meanwhile, Present is an exhibition that you curate for yourself. Explore the work of our graduating students in this eye-catching virtual degree show.
Cassie Gorman
Senior Lecturer and Course Leader, BA English Literature
Tory Young
Associate Professor, English Literature
Eugene Giddens
Skinner-Young Professor of Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature Course Leader, MA Children's Literature
Sarah Annes Brown
Professor of English Literature Course Leader, MA Science Fiction and Fantasy
John Gardner
Professor of English Literature; Admissions Tutor; International Exchange and Study Abroad Partnerships and Erasmus Coordinator
Jeannette Baxter
Research Convenor in English Literature
Careers
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, Children’s Literature, Science Fiction and Fantasy, or Creative Writing and Publishing. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Fatima
"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 CambridgeWant to talk to someone?
Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. We're here Monday-Thursday 8.30am-5pm, and Friday 8.30am-4.30pm. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
Life in Cambridge
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 CambridgePlacement year available
You 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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