Investigate identity, emotion, and society with our exciting English Literature degree
Trace connections between fiction and reality with our immersive English Literature degree. You will explore literature’s relationships with history, culture, and politics through various interdisciplinary perspectives. You will cover topics like:
- London literature
- underrepresented authors
- unconventional literary forms
- the ‘unconscious’
- modernism.
We offer a wide range of modules, so you can focus on whatever excites you.
A campus with vibrant literary history
Our BA English literature course emphasises relationships between writing and place. You will learn next to Strawberry Hill House, in which renowned gothic writer, Horace Walpole, designed and lived to inspire his work. As a result, your degree will be a fully immersive and geographically distinct learning experience.
Learn in the capital
We are only 30 minutes from central London. Therefore, you’ll have access to the capital’s diverse literature scene and world-renowned libraries. You can visit places like:
- The British Library
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- The Sherlock Holmes Museum
- The George Inn
- Charles Dickens Museum.
Expert teaching and support
We welcome you into a close-knit and academically stimulating community. We value your experience, needs, and ambitions, so you will learn through small groups and one-to-one tutoring with experts.
We rose 73 places for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide (2023).
Angela Platt
Course Lead – English Literature
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Course content
Modules
At St Mary's University we promote an interdisciplinary approach to the Humanities and this is an important and unique part of our offer.
Unlike other Humanities degrees, if your choose to study English at St Mary's you can expand your knowledge by exploring modules across Creative Writing, History, Liberal Arts, Theology, and Film.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
One A-level should ideally be in English (either Language or Literature), but we may be able to consider applicants who are doing at least one other essay-writing subject and can demonstrate an interest in English.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
96 - 112
UCAS points
International requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
How many UCAS points my grades are worth
A levels
A*
56 pts
A
48 pts
B
40 pts
C
32 pts
D
24 pts
E
16 pts
My qualification isn't listed:
If you can't find your qualification in this list please check the full list of UCAS tariff tables.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,250
International
£17,100
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
During your English Literature course, you will attend lectures, interactive seminars, and one-to-one tutorials, the latter of which we place a great deal of importance on.
In your first year you can expect 10 contact hours a week.
Throughout your studies, you will have access to the department's 'open door policy' that allows you to come and discuss questions, and interests, with your tutors outside of formal teaching.
The ‘Curating London’ option in the second year asks students to undertake an enterprising project to do with the culture and history of Twickenham and London. Students might plan a walking tour, curate an exhibition or a season of films, or create an educational website. Students can develop this project, if they wish, as part of their final-year independent project.
Assessment methods
Most of the modules are assessed with essays and other written forms, supplemented, where appropriate, with examinations, presentations, and contributions to digital content such as blogs, wikis and the like.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Career opportunities
Our English Literature degree will help you develop essential transferrable skills like critical thinking, flexibility, and communication.
Contact our Career Services at careers@stmarys.ac.uk for further information on work and postgraduate opportunities.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of English Literature BA (Hons) include:
What our students say about this course...
Class sizes are small, so I got to know everyone on my course really well in a short space of time.
Conal Baxter
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Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
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