English Literature 2012
"I chose Surrey because it offers a dynamic course, run by a team of extremely dynamic and enthusiastic lecturers."
Julia Anthoney
As an English Literature student at the University of Surrey, you will join an innovative, forward-thinking department which benefits from staff expertise in delivering excellent degree programmes in literature, language, communication and the arts. Your degree will provide you with a strong grounding in different approaches and practices in English literature before moving on to focus on contemporary and global literatures, creative writing or a wide range of other options.
You will be able to choose from a variety of optional modules taught by leading researchers, and will have the opportunity to gain a wide range of relevant practical and transferable skills which will provide you with a competitive edge in the employment market.
Factfile
| Minimum Entry Requirements | A level grades AAB All applicants should also adhere to the University's General Entrance Requirements. |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Grade A in A level English, English Literature, English Literature and Language (or equivalent) or a relevant subject. |
| English Language Requirements | An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent for non-native-English-speaking applicants. Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre. |
| Other Suitable Qualifications | BTEC National Diploma - DDD A wide range of other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. |
| Planned Intake | 70 |
| Selection Process | Offers are usually made in terms of grades. We do not include General Studies in our offers. All students to whom an offer is made are invited to a dedicated UCAS day. During the visit to the University the candidate can find out more about the programme and meet staff and students. |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BA (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BA (Hons) English Literature | Q320 | 3 years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature | Q324 | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and English for International Communication | QP39 | 3 years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and English for International Communication | QP3X | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and French | QR3C | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and German | QR32 | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and Spanish | QR3K | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature with Creative Writing | Q3W8 | 3 years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature with Creative Writing | Q3WV | 4* years |
Degrees
Degree Programmes
BA (Hons) Degrees
| Degree | UCAS code | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| * Programme includes a professional training year | ||
| BA (Hons) English Literature | Q320 | 3 years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature | Q324 | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and English for International Communication | QP39 | 3 years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and English for International Communication | QP3X | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and French | QR3C | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and German | QR32 | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature and Spanish | QR3K | 4* years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature with Creative Writing | Q3W8 | 3 years |
| BA (Hons) English Literature with Creative Writing | Q3WV | 4* years |
Our Degrees
Our English Literature programmes will introduce you to a range of literary themes, genres and theories. You will explore key trends and movements and develop an understanding of historical, thematic and interdisciplinary approaches to literary interpretation.
You will benefit from a firm grounding in key works from the anglophone canon, whilst also having the opportunity to develop specific interests in the study of contemporary and global literature across a range of themes such as gender and race.
The interdisciplinary focus of our programmes will allow you to study special topics in areas such as film, cinema, media and culture where we have particular staff expertise.
Unusually for an English Literature programme we offer the opportunity to undertake a professional training year. Subject to availability, a placement will help to enhance your employability by gaining experience in degree-related professions such as publishing, marketing, the media industries, teaching, creative writing or arts administration.
The development of professional skills and experience is a key element in the design of our programmes, and studying English Literature at Surrey will enable you to develop your interests and critical understanding of literature and enhance your career prospects.
You can choose to study English Literature as a single honours degree or to combine the study of English Literature with Creative Writing, with English for International Communication, or with a language. Whichever programme you choose, you will gain the critical understanding, cultural awareness and analytical skills to prepare you for a career in a wide variety of sectors.
Other degrees you may be interested in:
Programme
Programme Overview
You will begin by acquiring knowledge of a wide range of literature and the methods we use to understand writing and other forms of cultural representation. As you move through the programme you will be able to choose from options that allow increased specialisation, from Shakespeare to contemporary and comparative literatures.
Level 1 will provide you with knowledge of the history of anglophone literature and an understanding of different genres. You will explore a range of literatures from around the globe, from the earliest classical authors to contemporary international writers. You will also look at the way in which literature engages with other forms of culture, such as film, media, creative writing and the arts.
At Level 2 you will take compulsory modules based on the history of English literature, concepts, and methods of literary study. In addition, you will be able to choose from a range of optional modules that allow you to develop your own interests. These modules include ones centred upon period and genre, those that develop an understanding of literature in a global context, and ones that consider English literature in its broader cultural setting.
At Level 3 you will continue to develop your skills in methodology, although these will become more research-led in order to offer full support for your dissertation. In addition, you will be offered further opportunities for specialisation through a range of options that are based upon the research interests and expertise of members of staff. These build upon the knowledge of history, genre, internationalisation and contemporary culture gained in Levels 1 and 2. They also offer you the opportunity to investigate specific themes such as gender, race and politics.
Programme Structure
Level 1
Modules include:
- Theories of Reading
- Reading to Write
- Genres and Contemporary Writing
- World Literatures and Cultures
- Introduction to Text Design*
Level 2
Modules include:
- Constructing the Self; early modern to modern literature
- Contemporary Literature in a Global Context
- Adaptations
- Classic Realism and its Decay
- English Poetry after 1900
- Cultures and Contexts of Text Design*
Level P
- Optional professional training year
(subject to availability)
Level 3
Modules include:
- Dissertation
- Poetry Now
- Women’s Writing: Gender and World Literatures
- James Joyce
- Creative Writing and Professional Practice*
*Creative Writing modules
Professional Training
As part of the English Literature programme you will have the opportunity to undertake a professional training year. You will be provided with a mentor who will ensure that you have the opportunity to gain valuable transferable skills in analysis, reflection, communication and organisation.
Typical placement areas for English Literature students are in publishing, arts administration, the media and teaching. Placements are arranged by the University, and although students do not always receive a salary, they are often paid a small bursary by their employer. Placements are subject to availability.
Why Surrey?
Key reasons to study English Literature 2012 at Surrey
- A focus on contemporary literature
- The opportunity to choose from a range of innovative modules
- You will have access to a wide range of cultural activities on and off campus
- Benefit from staff expertise in comparative literature, contemporary cultural studies and the interface between literature and visual media
- Staff who are committed to teaching and research at the highest international level
- You will gain the skills necessary to launch your future career
- Opportunities for a unique professional training year in degree-related professions
Careers
Top for Jobs
Our English degrees will provide you with a range of valuable skills to prepare you for a variety of careers. English graduates are perhaps best qualified for such professions as journalism, marketing, librarianship, teaching, writing and arts administration. They are also attractive to employers in management, business and the media.
Career Opportunities
A degree in English Literature will equip you with a wide range of transferable skills that will prepare you for many rewarding careers. Typical job prospects include marketing, communications, publishing, the media industries, education, creative writing and arts administration. Should you wish to pursue further study, our programme will provide you with essential knowledge and skills, as well as offering informed support and guidance to assist you in your studies.
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Teaching
Teaching in the Department is both stimulating and encouraging. You will experience a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops. At Level 1, in addition to lectures, you will join a small tutorial group that combines academic and pastoral support. These tutorial groups will enable you to work alongside other students to discuss theories and explore new ideas.
During Levels 2 and 3 you will become increasingly independent, participating in seminars at Level 2 and contributing to student-led sessions at Level 3. All learning is fully supported by the University’s e-learning environment, ULearn, and you will acquire a range of computing skills through the programme. You will also be encouraged to supplement classroom work with participation in activities outside the University, such as theatre visits and trips to regional festivals such as the renowned Guildford Book Festival.
Assessment
The English Literature programme is modular in structure, with assessment taking place at the end of each semester. This enables you to track your own progress throughout the degree. Although there are modules which must be passed to allow you to move on to the next year of study, the marks gained in Level 1 will not count towards your final degree result. You will be assessed through a range of methods including essays, portfolios, seminar presentations, projects and examinations.
Facilities and Academic Support
As an English Literature student at Surrey, you will be introduced to an exciting and challenging environment that combines conventional teaching with a wide range of opportunities for you to engage with a vibrant research culture and arts activities. Regular visiting guest speakers and research seminars will inject a specialised interest into the programme and encourage students to consider areas for further study.
Guildford itself provides considerable access to arts activities, including the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, which puts on new and canonical plays, the renowned Guildford Book Festival, and a host of galleries, libraries and archives that will stimulate and support your independent studies. Above all, the University is only 40 minutes away from London, one of the world’s most important cultural centres.
You will have the opportunity to see plays at the National Theatre, the Barbican and the new Globe Theatre. You will be able to watch new films in the major West End cinemas and classic movies at the National Film Theatre. This wide choice of activities will complement your studies in English Literature at Surrey, and you will be encouraged to draw inspiration from them in the work for your degree.