- UCAS course code
- Q320
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA English Literature
Explore traditional English literature alongside post-colonial literatures, cultural theory, creative writing, and film.
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: ABC including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL including specific subjects
Overview
Course overview
- Study at a university ranked sixth in the UK for English language and literature (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- Explore the rich literary history and current creative scene of Manchester, recently designated UNESCO City of Literature.
- Study more than 1,000 years of English writing. Engage with literary and cultural theory, study texts in their historical contexts and reflect on different cultures and traditions.
- Gain insight into a breadth of written forms, from illuminated manuscripts to graphic novels and poetry to postmodern fiction.
Open days
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0161) 509 2871
- ug-eac@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/english/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Related courses
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- American Studies BA (4 years)
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Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
Grades AAA including English Literature, or English Language and Literature (ie. not English Language alone). General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer. AS-levels are not accepted in place of an A-level.
The standard offer will be made in all cases, unless the applicant is studying for an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). These applicants will be made a dual offer with alternative conditions of AAB including A in English Literature or English Language and Literature (not English Language alone), plus a Grade A in the EPQ.
Contextual offer
Refugee/care-experienced offer
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects to include English Literature (or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone).
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country
We may also require applicants to complete a short assessment, in order to make an informed judgment on your application.
For further advice please contact ug-eac@manchester.ac.uk
Scottish requirements
We normally require require grade A in English at Advanced Higher and grades AABB in Scottish Highers in distinct subjects.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification please contact ug-eac@manchester.ac.uk
Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require 85% with a mark of at least 8.0 in English Lit (or Lang & Lit, but not Eng Language alone)
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme. Please contact us for further advice.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we consider the National Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus one A-level at Grade A in English Literature ( or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone ).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade A in English Literature ( or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone ), PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades AA; one of which must be in English Literature ( or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone ).
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades Distinction, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A in English Literature ( or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone ) .
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades Distinction*, Distinction, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level/A Level at min. Grade A in English Literature ( or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone ), PLUS an EPQ or AS Level at grade B.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with EITHER grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AA, OR the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction*, plus two A-levels at grades AB. In either case, one of the A-levels must be in English Literature ( or English Language and Literature, but not English Language alone ).
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 45 credits with a Distinction grade, in a Humanities-related subject. 15 of the Distinction credits should be in English Literature.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
We accept Pre-U grade D3 in place of A Level grade A or Pre-U grade M2 in place of A Level grade B.
T Level
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer. For this course it would be AAA to include English Literature or English Language and Literature at A-level or AAB with A in English Literature or English Language and Literature plus the Extended Project at Grade A.
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £26,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Find out more from Student Finance
International student? Check your country page
Interested in a student internship ?
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Potential candidates are expected to demonstrate why they have chosen this particular degree in their personal statement and express why the course interests them.
Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances
If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.
We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting school.
(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college.)
How your application is considered
Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of the quality of the personal statement, the reference, and past and predicted academic achievements. We encourage applicants to give details of their motivation for studying this particular subject.
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
- time management;
- team work;
- independent work;
- critical and analytical abilities.
Returning to education
We welcome applications from mature candidates. Where appropriate, mature applicants are called for interview and/or invited to submit written work. Your qualifications to date will be considered, along with the length of time since you were last studying for a qualification - applicants need to have been in education within the last five years. If it is any longer than five years since you were last in education we may require you to take an Access Qualification and invite you along for interview.
If you are on an Access course, you will be considered individually and we will ask to see some of your recent written work.
If you have other qualifications (eg Vocational A levels, Open University) you will be considered on an individual basis and you are recommended to contact our Admissions Administrator.
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Overseas applications are welcomed and we will assess whether your qualification is of an equivalent standard for entry to our degree programme. We do not interview overseas applicants. Applicants who are made an offer may be invited to a visit day, but this is not mandatory.
Deferrals
All deferred applications are assessed on the same basis as applications for the current year of entry.
We do ask applicants to let us know as early as possible if they are intending to defer. This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in order to achieve the required number of students in a given year.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
The University will consider applicants who have re-sat their final examinations but we may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgment on your application.
Re-applications
Course details
Course description
In your first year, you will sample a wide variety of literature. This will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for Years 2 and 3. Then, you will have the chance to choose the units that most interest you.
You will join a thriving community of students, lecturers, and writers at The University of Manchester. It is in the heart of a UNESCO City of Literature that has produced some of the world's greatest writers. The city has a thriving literature and arts scene, notably hosting major events like Manchester Literature Festival .
Special features
Use your subject-specific knowledge in the real world through a placement in your third year of study. It will help you improve your job prospects, clarify your career goals, and build your networks.
Study abroad
You can apply to spend one semester studying abroad during the second year of your degree.
Exchange partners are offered in Europe as well as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore via the Worldwide Exchange scheme.
Literature events
Manchester Literature Festival holds literary events across Manchester throughout the year, many in partnership with the University.
The Centre for New Writing also hosts a regular public event series, Literature Live, which brings contemporary novelists and poets to the University to read and engage in conversation.
Meet like-minded students
You can get to know your fellow students outside of your course by joining the English Society.
Learn more on our Societies page.
Teaching and learning
In Years 1 and 2, you will be taught mainly through lectures and seminars.
Lectures provide essential knowledge and identify key questions which are then discussed further in seminars.
Seminar groups usually meet once a week and numbers are kept as low as possible so that you can get to know one another and have a chance to develop and share your ideas.
In Year 3, you choose from a wide range of specialist units.
You will be taught by a leading expert in the field.
A compulsory long essay in Year 3 will give you experience of independent research and allow you to develop a personal project.
For some course units, you will join in group work and other forms of collaborative learning.
You'll also have access to our virtual learning environment, and other digital resources to support your learning.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed using a variety of formats, including:
- written examinations;
- coursework essays;
- research reports;
- practical tests;
- learning logs;
- web contributions;
- oral presentations;
- final-year thesis.
Your second-year work counts toward 33% of your final degree result.
Your third-year work accounts for the remaining 67%.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Reading Literature | ENGL10021 | 20 | Mandatory |
Mapping the Medieval | ENGL10051 | 20 | Mandatory |
Theory and Text | ENGL10062 | 20 | Mandatory |
English Literature Tutorials | ENGL10171 | 20 | Mandatory |
Literature and History | ENGL10072 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
American Literature and Social Criticism, 1900-Present | AMER20481 | 20 | Optional |
Uncle Tom's Cabin as Global Media Event | AMER22662 | 20 | Optional |
Creative Writing: Fiction | ENGL20002 | 20 | Optional |
Chaucer: Texts, Contexts, Conflicts | ENGL20231 | 20 | Optional |
Shakespeare | ENGL20372 | 20 | Optional |
Gender, Sexuality and the Body: Theories and Histories | ENGL20481 | 20 | Optional |
Writing, Identity and Nation | ENGL20492 | 20 | Optional |
Creative Writing: Poetry | ENGL20901 | 20 | Optional |
Medieval Metamorphoses | ENGL21022 | 20 | Optional |
Renaissance Literature | ENGL21151 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Love American Style | AMER30162 | 20 | Optional |
Climate Change & Culture Wars | AMER30572 | 20 | Optional |
American Hauntings | AMER30811 | 20 | Optional |
Novel Democracy | AMER33131 | 20 | Optional |
The Uncanny and the Undead: Gothic American Literature and Culture | AMER33151 | 20 | Optional |
Long Essay | ENGL30001 | 20 | Optional |
Long Essay | ENGL30002 | 20 | Optional |
Creative Writing: Fiction | ENGL30122 | 20 | Optional |
Narrative Theory and Victorian Fiction | ENGL30172 | 20 | Optional |
Culture and Conflict: Neoliberalism and Cultural Production | ENGL30261 | 20 | Optional |
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Facilities
Home to one of the world's richest and most unique collections of manuscripts, maps, works of art, and objects.
You'll have access to the library's impressive special collections, including papyri, early printed books, key archives such as the Women's Suffrage Movement archive, and Shakespeare's first folio.
Find out more about the John Rylands Library .
The Centre for New Writing
The University boasts a writing centre with award-winning teachers. Notable names include Kamila Shamsie and Jeanette Winterson CBE, both Granta Best Young British Novelists.
Additionally, the centre runs Literature Live. This series invites novelists and poets to showcase their work at public events.
Find out more about the Centre for New Writing .
The University of Manchester Library
One of only five National Research Libraries; you'll have access to our internationally renowned archival collections which range from the medieval period to the present day.
From a miniature 'Book of Hours' which once belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, through major Victorian novelists such as Elizabeth Gaskell and George Gissing, key American writers including Walt Whitman and Upton Sinclair, and up to the present day with our Modern Literary Archives, you'll be amazed by the treasures on offer.
Find out more about The University of Manchester Library .
Cultural institutions
You'll also have access to other cultural assets on campus, including the award-winning Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Museum .
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants from the Disability Support Office. Email: disability@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
Career opportunities
All our courses have your future in mind - whether that's further study or starting a career.
We design our degrees to equip you with strong critical analysis skills, the ability to articulate knowledge of concepts and theories, and the ability to work and think independently, critically, and creatively, providing you with a set of versatile skills that are highly desired by a wide range of employers.
Our award-winning careers service provides a wealth of tools, advice, development opportunities, and industry links. You'll have access to dedicated, subject-specific support throughout your studies and for up to two years after the end of your course.
Our undergraduate courses are also designed to provide an easy transition into postgraduate study, if desired.
We offer a wide range of specialist master's courses within the University and even offer fast-tracked enrolment to high-achieving undergraduate students.
Our students can take part in our Stellify programme with their degrees. They will develop professional and leadership skills. Through this, they can help their local and global communities with volunteer work.
The University of Manchester is the second most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).
Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of industries, including positions with the BBC, KPMG, Deloitte, Marks and Spencer, Aviva, Accenture, and Barclays.