BA English Literature
About this course
BA in English Language and Literature. The first year establishes advanced skills in literary analysis across prose, poetry, drama and non-fiction. Students may later specialise through options including archive work, the politics of literature, translation and comparative literature. 100% of the department's research is rated as internationally standing (REF 2021).
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: BBB, including grade B in A level English Literature or related subject. Related subjects include: English Language, English Language and Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, Creative Writing. IB: 30 points overall including 5 at higher level in English Literature or related subject.
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What students say
Based on about 18 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 30%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 205 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 11%
- London: 23%
- South East: 38%
- South West: 12%
- Wales: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Foundation course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Theory and Practice of Writing
- Introduction to Drama
- Poetry in English
- Prose: Writing Identities
- Modern American Culture and Counterculture
- Shelf Life
- What Is Comparative Literature?
- Thinking Translation: History and Theory
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA English Literature at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £23,000 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £35,500. The £29,000 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Literature in English.
What do graduates of BA English Literature at University of Reading do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA English Literature at University of Reading?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA English Literature at University of Reading?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 30 points in the IB. The average entrant had 113 UCAS points.
Does BA English Literature at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BA English Literature at University of Reading?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.