English Literature, BA (Hons)

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Course Overview

English Literature is one of the most diverse and challenging disciplines we offer.

Studying our three-year BA cultivates sensitivity towards language and seeks to answer some provocative questions. It also opens up a range of exciting career possibilities by helping you to develop transferable skills, which are highly valued by employers.

You will have the chance to explore over a thousand years of literature, from Beowulf to the present day. Our course covers national and global literature stretching from Renaissance literature, Gothic and genre fiction and 19th century literature through to modernity and contemporary fiction. Other exciting topics include gender and culture and creative and professional writing.

You will have the chance to spend a semester studying in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore, further improving your career prospects. 

Why English Literature at Swansea?

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

English at Swansea is ranked: 

  • 11th in UK for Research Impact (REF2021)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
  • 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 also have the option of a semester in the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong or Singapore.

Your English Literature Experience

You can choose from a fascinating range of English Literature and creative writing topics to tailor your degree 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 Dylan Thomas. You can be involved with 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 Employment Opportunities

Graduating with an internationally recognised degree in English will put you in a great position to succeed in a wide range of careers. You will develop excellent oral and writing skills, strong research and analytical skills, learn to present your ideas in a range of formats, solve problems, make informed decisions and manage your time and workload effectively. All this expertise will ensure you can compete successfully in the job market.

Our graduates enter careers in a wide range of sectors including:

  • Education
  • Marketing
  • Social Media
  • Project Administration

Modules

Your early studies will introduce you to how to become a successful scholar of English, critical reading, intertextual revision, how to write essays and an overview of the history of theatre.

You will then choose your pathway with modules to suit your own interests, before focusing in depth on your chosen research projects.

English Literature, BA (Hons)

English Literature with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

English Literature with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)