Studying English will enable you to explore past and present cultures and societies, through a wide range of perspectives and in a variety of different literary genres.

At the University of Newcastle, our internationally renowned academic staff have a huge range of literary specialisms across the full historical range to the present day. Our programme offers you an exciting core programme in English Literature, while also giving you the opportunity to explore pathways in the closely related fields of Creative Writing, Drama, Film Studies and English Language. You will also have access to unparalleled resources for the study of Shakespeare, through our world leading Shakespeare Institute and five year (2015 – 2020) collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

 

Why Study this Course?

  • Top 35 world ranking – English Language and Literature at the University of Newcastle is ranked in the Top 35 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2019, as well as ranking in the Top 5 in the Guardian University Guide 2020. On top of this, over 85% of our academic research was judged to be ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. Research and teaching areas cover both the traditional literary canon and cutting edge areas of literary study, such as postcolonial literature and twenty-first century digital literary culture.
  • Rewarding student experience – Our students gave the course an overall satisfaction rating of 95% in the National Student Survey 2018.
  • Outstanding employability – 95% of our graduates enter work or full-time study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2017).
  • Shakespeare Institute and RSC collaboration – We have a unique provision for the study of Shakespeare: the Shakespeare Institute, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, is a world leading centre for international Shakespeare scholarship. You will also benefit from our exciting five year (2015 – 2020) collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), which has seen the reinstatement of the iconic studio theatre The Other Place. You will be able to access creative and teaching spaces at The Other Place, as well as the expertise of RSC artists and practitioners. You will also have the opportunity to attend RSC productions and events. Meanwhile, our very popular residential study trip to Stratford-upon-Avon includes lectures, creative workshops, theatre trips, cultural activities, offers academic and creative inspiration and the opportunity to socialise with fellow students and staff.
  • Guest lectures – you will be able to enjoy regular guest lectures and readings from visiting writers. Past guests have included Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, poet Simon Armitage and theatre director Greg Doran.

Institutional Accreditation 

University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.

BA English

Course Level:

Undergraduate, Joint Honours combined

Credits 

120

Course

CODE U479

How long it takes:

Undergraduate (3 years)

Study Mode:

Distance learning/ Campus

Course cost

Price: US$20,220

Entry requirements

Find out more about

Department:

Newcastle Law School

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Prose
  • Poetry
  • Plays and Performance
  • Language for Literature or Theory for English Literature  
  • Reading English
  • English in the World
  • Literary Practice or Creative Practice 

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Shakespeare: Elizabethan and Jacobean 
  • Histories of Literature or Histories of Literature and Creative Practice 
  • Themes in Literature 

Year abroad

You can apply to study abroad for a year in an approved university around the world. If you achieve a grade of 2.1 or above in your first year then you will be invited to apply for a Year Abroad in your second year. If your application is successful, you will go abroad in your third year and return to us for your final year. 

    

Final year 

Compulsory modules

  • English Literature Dissertation 
  • English Literature Special Subjects or English Literature Special Subjects and Creative Practice 

Entry requirements

 

Applicants should normally have one of the following:

  • A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
  • A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
  • An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level

If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

If you intend to become a Solicitor

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.

See further details of our English Language requirement

USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)

£8,500

International students starting 2019/20 (per year)

£13,100

 

Assessment

You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.

All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.

Studying for an English BA at Newcastle is an unparalleled opportunity to not only engage with a diverse cultural, textual and linguistic discipline, but also to develop skills in intellectual analysis, critical thinking and articulate expression.

These skills last a lifetime and qualify you for many possible careers. You will also be encouraged to acquire practical skills that you will find just as useful in your future career, including oral presentation, professional documentation, group work and the use of information technology.

English graduates from the University of Newcastle have a high rate of employability for the subject. 95% of our students enter work or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2017).

Our graduates have started careers with employers including the BBC, Headline Publishing Group, Mirror Group Newspapers and Oxford University Press, in roles such as account executive, editorial assistant, marketing assistant and sales and events coordinator. Many English graduates pursue postgraduate study to specialise in an academic area or prepare for careers such as law and teaching.