English Language and Literature - BA (Hons)

University of Nottingham

Are you a lover of literature? Have you always wondered how language works, or how it changes over time? And are you intrigued by the relationship between the two?If you want to combine your fondness for literature with your fascination of language, this is the course for you.At Nottingham, you’ll delve deeper into the topics you love, discover new passions, and tailor your degree to what interests you most. Whether you’re raring to read the Romantics, stimulated by stylistics, or prefer to probe political discourse , our wide range of optional modules means you’ll have chance to explore English in ways you’ve never encountered before.You will also develop in-demand transferable skills in teamwork, presentation, and reflection - qualities highly valued by employers.Indulge your curiosity and discover new passions as you explore the many disciplines of ‘English’ at Nottingham. You can tailor your degree to suit your interests through our wide range of optional modules in everything from ancient place-names to critical discourse analysis, Antonin Artaud to Zadie Smith, and sharpen your critical thinking skills as you evaluate evidence, encounter a variety of approaches and methodologies, and undergo independent research.You’ll gain a foundation in applied linguistics and literature (from medieval to present day), thinking about the uses and the themes, principles, techniques, values and significance of literary works in their contexts. There’s also chance to develop your creative writing, learning from expert staff who are published poets and authors themselves.

All students within the Faculty of Arts can select ‘Engaged Arts’ modules where you’ll approach real world challenges across contemporary themes such as sustainability or equity and justice. These modules have been newly designed to help you gain the skills and analytical abilities that employers are looking for.

- Top 20 for English in the UK (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 and Complete University Guide 2024)- Top 5 for English Language and top 10 for Creative Writing in the UK (Daily Mail University Guide 2025)- Top 100 in the world for English Language and Literature (QS World University Rankings 2024)- Put your skills into practice with Impact Magazine, University Radio Nottingham and more- Unleash your creativity in a UNESCO City of Literature, with opportunities both on campus and in the city- Give something back - volunteer and share your skills, from delivering Viking workshops at local primary schools, to reading to residents in care homes- Have the freedom to explore - following an introductory programme in year one, deepen your knowledge of your favourite topics and explore new ones through a wide range of modules- Work with our dedicated Faculty of Arts Placements Team to assist with your employability skills development via a range of placements, internships and volunteering opportunities- Opportunity to apply for The Letters Page project to gain publishing industry skills"Some of the modules that I chose which were a bit out of my comfort zone turned out to be some of my favourites. With the breadth of this course, you will struggle to find things that you have only ever done before. The modules are so amazingly broad, and they are just so enjoyable, whatever you pick."Nina Slater, English Language and Literature BA You can also access this course through a Foundation Year. This may be suitable if you have faced educational barriers and do not expect to meet the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course. Please see the UCAS page for the relevant Foundation Year course for further information.