Department of English Studies | BA English Literature (with Placement Year)
48 monthsProgramme duration
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Not only does English Studies provide a thorough grounding in the ‘great tradition’ of English literature - from Chaucer and Shakespeare through to plays, poems and novels written in the 20th and 21st centuries - and in literary theory, but it also offers a wide range of imaginative and research-led modules.
The comprehensive syllabus combines traditional areas of literary study with new and developing areas of the discipline. It aims to develop your conceptual abilities and analytical skills by exposing you to a variety of literary-critical approaches. The course will promote and enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your argument and expression, enabling you to develop, to a high degree of competence, a range of skills which are both subject-specific and transferable.
You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree; this would increase the course from three years to four.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Placement year available
Programme overview
Main Subject
English Language and Literature
Degree
BA
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Not only does English Studies provide a thorough grounding in the ‘great tradition’ of English literature - from Chaucer and Shakespeare through to plays, poems and novels written in the 20th and 21st centuries - and in literary theory, but it also offers a wide range of imaginative and research-led modules.
The comprehensive syllabus combines traditional areas of literary study with new and developing areas of the discipline. It aims to develop your conceptual abilities and analytical skills by exposing you to a variety of literary-critical approaches. The course will promote and enhance the clarity and persuasiveness of your argument and expression, enabling you to develop, to a high degree of competence, a range of skills which are both subject-specific and transferable.
You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree; this would increase the course from three years to four.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Placement year available
Admission Requirements
Scholarships
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