BA English Language and Literature
About this course
BA in English Language and Literature, an English degree spanning writing from Anglo-Saxon origins to the present day. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes a dissertation and offers a specialist pathway in Medieval Literature and Language alongside the main route. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Introduction to English language and literature, Early medieval literature, 650–1350, Literature in English, 1830–1910, and Literature in English, 1910–present day. The second year extends literary history across multiple periods through modules including Literature in English, 1350–1550, Literature in English, 1550–1660, Literature in English, 1660–1760, and Literature in English, 1760–1830. The final year involves advanced study and independent research through modules such as Shakespeare, The material text or Shakespeare (choice of option), Special options paper, and Dissertation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA IB: 38 (including core points) with 666 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 54 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 98%
- Student voice: 65%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 210 students who started
- Continued on course: 96%
- Left higher education: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 140 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 58%
- Working and studying: 12%
- Further study: 13%
- Unemployed: 6%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 17%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 14%
- Administrative occupations: 11%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 82%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 66%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 46%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 490 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 58%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 210 students who started
- A levels: 99%
- A degree: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to English language and literature
- Early medieval literature, 650–1350
- Literature in English, 1830–1910
- Literature in English, 1910–present day
- Literature in English, 1350–1550
- Literature in English, 1550–1660
- Literature in English, 1660–1760
- Literature in English, 1760–1830
- Literature in English, 650–1100
- Medieval English and related literatures 1066–1550
- The history of the English language to c 1800
- Shakespeare (may also be studied in Year 2)
- The material text or Shakespeare (choice of option)
- Special options paper
- Dissertation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA English Language and Literature at University of Oxford earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £30,500 after 3 years, £39,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £55,500. The £39,000 median after five years is £10,000 more than the UK median for English studies.
What do graduates of BA English Language and Literature at University of Oxford do next?
83% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA English Language and Literature at University of Oxford?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA English Language and Literature at University of Oxford?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 187 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BA English Language and Literature at University of Oxford?
96% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.