English Literature with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

English Literature with Foundation Year

Students enjoying their studies in the library

Course Overview

At Swansea, studying English Literature with a Foundation Year means exploring ideas that matter, both past and present - making you a part of critical cultural work that matters! The Foundation Year gives you an exciting introduction to Higher Education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful on your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after Further Education or are returning to education.

After progression from the foundation year, you will have the chance to explore over a thousand years of literature. Our degree brings the study of literature into the present by exploring texts within their cultural and historical frameworks and thinking about what they mean for the world we live in today In a fast-changing job market, employers value graduates who are equipped to face challenges, can analyse and write content clearly, and can communicate persuasively. Our degree will help you build those skills.

Throughout this programme you will:

  • Experience literary ‘travel’ across time and place by exploring texts in English written in local and global contexts, from the medieval period to now.
  • Explore the most pressing cultural questions through literary texts: about identity, the environmental crisis, gender, race and ethnicity, and nationhood
  • Connect with experts. Work with publishing experts, cultural bodies, literary prize panels, and industry leaders to help shape our literary landscape.
  • Acquire skills in critical thinking, reading for meaning, writing for purpose, and creative solutions: which are all vital for the modern job market.
  • Offer employers a diverse and critical perspective.
  • Produce professional, real-world, creative and critical applications.

 

Why English Literature with a Foundation Year at Swansea?

Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula;

English Literature at Swansea is ranked:

  • 11th in the UK for Research Impact (REF 2021)
  • Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)
  • Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Our academic staff are internationally recognised for their research. You will learn from experienced, established writers whose work has been widely published, broadcast and performed. You will benefit from this expertise and become equipped with critical creativity, improving on your skills in reading, , and thought that are vital for future employment.

With the cultural and creative industries now among the fastest-growing global sectors, now is a time to be a part of the literary future!

Your English Literature with a Foundation Year Experience

Our BA (Hons) English Literature with a Foundation Year degree will give you an exciting introduction to higher education and is part of a four-year undergraduate integrated degree.

You will learn how to improve your oral and writing skills, investigate and obtain information, present your ideas in a range of formats, solve problems and make informed decisions.

During your Foundation Year, you will learn the key skills you’ll need to make your degree a success while developing knowledge of your subject area and how it relates to the humanities and social sciences.

You will start the degree course in your second year and can shape your studies to your interests. We offer varied and flexible course content, so you can shape your course to your own interests, whether in Gothic and genre fiction, gender and culture, Renaissance literature, national and global literatures, modernity and contemporary writing, 19th century literature, or creative and professional writing.

Wales has a rich lyric tradition and Swansea is the birthplace of the poet and writer Dylan Thomas. You can be involved with exclusive projects with the Dylan Thomas Centre and the National Theatre Wales.

You will also have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you may need, and the lively English Student Society at Swansea organises a range of literary, social and cultural events.

English Literature with a Year Abraod Employment Opportunities

By the end of the Foundation Year, you will be equipped with basis of skills required in analysis, writing, and problem-solving to take you into the next step of the degree.

Our graduates have entered careers in:

  • Writing / authorship
  • Journalism
  • Publishing
  • Media
  • Education
  • Marketing
  • Public relations
  • Teaching
  • Literary Festival management
  • Screenwriting

Our PGCE in Secondary English is also a popular route for students following their BA in English Literature. 

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications.

Typical A level Offer

CDD-DDD

English Literature with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)