BA English Literature and Politics

If politics is ‘the art of the possible’ and literature is ‘the art of persuasion’ then this joint degree programme will give you a thorough understanding of the ways in which our society works. Why study this course? English Literature and Politics is an increasingly popular joint honours course because it allows our students to debate some of the most pressing problems in our world today from different perspectives: through the ways in which they are represented in literary works and in the modes of analysis of political theory, comparative government and international relations. You will be taught by members of the Department of English Literature and the Department of Politics and International Relations, both of which are leaders in their field with a distinguished record of research. This allows us to continually extend our curriculum, to take account of current events and emerging political controversies and to ensure that you encounter the best writing in English, from the past to the present day. Our teaching is based on small-group seminar discussion, and all members of the Department, from professors to new lecturers, teach at every level. We have MA and PhD courses on everything from Children’s Literature to International Security Studies for those who wish to continue their studies with us. Our Placement scheme allows you to spend time in a work environment relevant to your studies during your degree, and to integrate that work into your degree course. After the course A degree in English Literature and Politics opens many doors. As a Reading graduate you will enter the job market with well-developed skills of oral communication, research and writing, together with a high level of cultural literacy and critical sophistication. Our graduates are in high demand for their analytical skills and are recognised for the specialist knowledge and expertise they can offer to the public and private sector alike. This is an attractive profile: Reading graduates in English Literature and Politics have taken up jobs in television, film, theatre, publishing, public relations and advertising, journalism, education (primary, secondary and tertiary), travel and tourism, events planning, retail management and a variety of communication fields. Some pursue further study in law, in archival studies, in English literature and even in medicine. Some graduates put their special skills of political analysis to direct use in the Home and European civil services, political research units and aid agencies. Our innovative Professional Track programme will ensure that you have the ‘complete package’ that employers are looking for: a good degree, workplace skills and experience.