COURSE OVERVIEW
*Subject to revalidation
- English Literature achieved 94% overall satisfaction as rated by final-year undergraduate students in the 2020 National Student Survey
From Chaucer to rap poetry, you can choose from almost 800 years of the best writing in English on a course that fires your imagination, sharpens your own written and communication skills and allows you to think critically and creatively about literature and much more beside.
Guided by our supportive teaching staff, who are all part of the university’s thriving literary research culture, you study the ideas of the most exciting critical thinkers in contemporary cultural debate, using innovative learning and teaching methods.
In Year 1, a balanced study of English Literature and English Language is pursued. English Literature modules focus on the development of critical reading skills - this includes an introduction to the various forms of literary theory that are the basis for the various forms of analysis of literary texts in modules such as Studying English Literature, Intertextuality, and World Literature. English Language modules establish a fundamental knowledge of key areas such as syntax, morphology, semantics, phonetics and phonology.
In Year 2, the majority of modules are based around a historical period and students have a free choice of modules whose content ranges from Shakespeare to contemporary postmodern literature and literature for children. There is a wide range of English Language modules for students to choose from - for instance, it would be possible to focus on the historical development of English or on sociolinguistic approaches to the study of language.
Year 3 offers modules where the study is more specialised. In English Literature, You study a collection of writings, a particular theme, or critical theory which is closely related to the research fields of teaching staff in modules such as Literature and Psychoanalysis, Utopian and Dystopian Fiction, and Teaching and Communicating English, enabling you to engage with cutting-edge developments in the discipline. English Language modules offer the opportunity to develop the depth of analysis and the sophistication of research techniques brought to bear on the topic.
Careers
Graduates become professional writers or follow careers in publishing, advertising, marketing, journalism, teaching or other professions that require advanced communication skills.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.
*Subject to revalidation
This course is subject to revalidation. 'Revalidation' is the process by which the University refreshes its existing provision. Revalidation assesses the quality and standards of the programme to ensure it continues to provide a distinct, high quality academic experience for students, enabling them to acquire the necessary academic knowledge, understanding, general and subject-specific skills required to pursue a graduate level career.
Pre-approved for a Masters
University of Winchester students studying Bachelor Honours degrees are pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible students must apply by the end of March in their final year and meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team, your personal tutor and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
- Independent learning: 996 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
- Independent learning: 1008 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
- Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
- Independent learning: 972 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time.. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
- 78% coursework
- 11% written exams
- 11% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
- 74% coursework
- 13% written exams
- 13% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
- 100% coursework
- 0% written exams
- 0% practical exams
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2024 Entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
International students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1962 826247
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| Studying English Literature | 30 | |
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This double module provides the foundation for the degree by establishing key skills for English Literature students. It focuses on four key areas:
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| Literature in Context | 15 | |
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This module is designed to introduce students to a range of literary texts and genres from the medieval period up to the eighteenth century, opening consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of understanding these texts in relation to their historical contexts. This will include consideration of the following: the changing practices of publication and composition of audience; the historical, political and cultural contexts; contemporary conceptualisations of genre, gender roles and sexual identity; treatment of issues of colonialism, national identity, ethnic difference and religious affiliation. Comparisons and contrasts in relation to historical change will be highlighted by tracing these topics across texts from different periods. Students will be encouraged to draw from the theoretical materials and methods learned on Studying English Literature alongside the complementary World Literature module to develop and build core interpretative skills. The use of texts that have already received considerable critical attention will enable students to engage with existing critical discussion. |
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| Intertextuality | 15 | |
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A literary text does not have meaning in and of itself, its meaning is always a product of its relation to other texts, both literary and non-literary. This module will examine a range of ways that texts have been analysed through their relationship with other texts. It will begin with the well-established concepts of source, genre, and allusion, examining specific texts and tracing these relationships. It will then look at theoretical expansions of the concept of intertextuality and consider these in relation to an extended study of a pair of related literary texts. Finally, it will consider adaptation of literary texts such as a fairy tale into other media such as film, television and the visual arts, considering how identification of a text as an adaptation of a preceding one impacts upon the interpretation of both. |
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| World Literature | 15 | |
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While Goethe introduced the phrase Weltliteratur in 1827 and called on us to hasten its approach, ‘World Literature’ remains, in David Damrosch’s view, an ‘elusive’ thing (‘Which literature? Whose world?’) Drawing on critical methodologies established in Studying English Literature, and complementing Literature in Context, this module will focus on how the study of ‘English’ as a discipline is affected by globalization and so-called ‘identity politics’. It will explore a range of texts both modern and foundational to illustrate a variety of concepts and critical issues, including: diaspora and migration, nationalism and multiculturalism, non-British English and reading in translation, and the effect of globalization on contemporary politics. It also invites students to consider the heterogeneity of the term ‘World Literature’ as both a hindrance and a benefit when tackling concepts like, for example, gender as a social and, increasingly, international construct. |
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| History of the English Language | 15 | |
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English ‘then’ and English ‘now’ is not the same. Anyone who has ever encountered Old English (Beowulf) or Middle English (Chaucer), will have noticed this. But why is it so different? This module will explore the social and linguistic history of the English speaking world in search of answers. On the way it will discover why there is no ‘proper English’. With the help of a (brief) introduction to the mechanics of language change, the module will pose (and answer) two questions: How did English change? And of equal importance: Why? |
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| History of the English Language II | 15 | |
| Optional modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Studying English Literature | 30 | |
|
This double module provides the foundation for the degree by establishing key skills for English Literature students. It focuses on four key areas:
|
||
| Literature in Context | 15 | |
|
This module is designed to introduce students to a range of literary texts and genres from the medieval period up to the eighteenth century, opening consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of understanding these texts in relation to their historical contexts. This will include consideration of the following: the changing practices of publication and composition of audience; the historical, political and cultural contexts; contemporary conceptualisations of genre, gender roles and sexual identity; treatment of issues of colonialism, national identity, ethnic difference and religious affiliation. Comparisons and contrasts in relation to historical change will be highlighted by tracing these topics across texts from different periods. Students will be encouraged to draw from the theoretical materials and methods learned on Studying English Literature alongside the complementary World Literature module to develop and build core interpretative skills. The use of texts that have already received considerable critical attention will enable students to engage with existing critical discussion. |
||
| Intertextuality | 15 | |
|
A literary text does not have meaning in and of itself, its meaning is always a product of its relation to other texts, both literary and non-literary. This module will examine a range of ways that texts have been analysed through their relationship with other texts. It will begin with the well-established concepts of source, genre, and allusion, examining specific texts and tracing these relationships. It will then look at theoretical expansions of the concept of intertextuality and consider these in relation to an extended study of a pair of related literary texts. Finally, it will consider adaptation of literary texts such as a fairy tale into other media such as film, television and the visual arts, considering how identification of a text as an adaptation of a preceding one impacts upon the interpretation of both. |
||
| World Literature | 15 | |
|
While Goethe introduced the phrase Weltliteratur in 1827 and called on us to hasten its approach, ‘World Literature’ remains, in David Damrosch’s view, an ‘elusive’ thing (‘Which literature? Whose world?’) Drawing on critical methodologies established in Studying English Literature, and complementing Literature in Context, this module will focus on how the study of ‘English’ as a discipline is affected by globalization and so-called ‘identity politics’. It will explore a range of texts both modern and foundational to illustrate a variety of concepts and critical issues, including: diaspora and migration, nationalism and multiculturalism, non-British English and reading in translation, and the effect of globalization on contemporary politics. It also invites students to consider the heterogeneity of the term ‘World Literature’ as both a hindrance and a benefit when tackling concepts like, for example, gender as a social and, increasingly, international construct. |
||
| History of the English Language | 15 | |
|
English ‘then’ and English ‘now’ is not the same. Anyone who has ever encountered Old English (Beowulf) or Middle English (Chaucer), will have noticed this. But why is it so different? This module will explore the social and linguistic history of the English speaking world in search of answers. On the way it will discover why there is no ‘proper English’. With the help of a (brief) introduction to the mechanics of language change, the module will pose (and answer) two questions: How did English change? And of equal importance: Why? |
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| History of the English Language II | 15 | |
| Optional modules | ||
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Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Critical Theory | 15 | |
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Critical Theory has unarguably transformed the discipline of English Literature, but its significance in the 21st century has been increasingly subject to debate. This module responds to proclamations of the ‘Death of Theory’ and the rush to declare us ‘post-Theory’ (post-gender, post-race, post-truth, etc.) It examines the development of Critical Theory through the 20th century, as well as foundational texts from philosophy, to confront the historical and intellectual impact of ‘theory’ on the discipline. The module will explore works by difficult thinkers (from Barthes to Žižek), as well as the philosophers who influenced them (Plato, Heidegger, etc.) in order to experience theory first-hand, learning to tackle the more difficult critical material in the discipline in order to both assess its usefulness and application for different texts, contexts and periods. The focus on Critical Theory and philosophy will also enable students to engage with several of the UN sustainable development goals, including: 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and those focused on ecological sustainability. |
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| Preparation for Research and Professional Development | 15 | |
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This is a preparatory module for two mandatory third year modules—the ‘Dissertation’ and the ‘Vocational Study’ module—and is taught in two parts. (1) The ‘Preparation for Research’ part tackles various aspects of research, such as: discriminating between different methodologies to frame an individual project; making research creative and exciting; developing and planning an undergraduate dissertation; undertaking a preparatory literature review; writing research proposals. (2) The ‘professional writing’ part of the module focuses on the transferable skills attained throughout the degree and prepares for life as an English Literature graduate. It looks at: project and time management; interviewing and presentation; and writing an effective C.V. The module will also give students a sense of academia as a profession and what it means to be a life-long learner (with reference to the UN Sustainability Goals). |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Critical Theory | 15 | |
|
Critical Theory has unarguably transformed the discipline of English Literature, but its significance in the 21st century has been increasingly subject to debate. This module responds to proclamations of the ‘Death of Theory’ and the rush to declare us ‘post-Theory’ (post-gender, post-race, post-truth, etc.) It examines the development of Critical Theory through the 20th century, as well as foundational texts from philosophy, to confront the historical and intellectual impact of ‘theory’ on the discipline. The module will explore works by difficult thinkers (from Barthes to Žižek), as well as the philosophers who influenced them (Plato, Heidegger, etc.) in order to experience theory first-hand, learning to tackle the more difficult critical material in the discipline in order to both assess its usefulness and application for different texts, contexts and periods. The focus on Critical Theory and philosophy will also enable students to engage with several of the UN sustainable development goals, including: 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and those focused on ecological sustainability. |
||
| Preparation for Research and Professional Development | 15 | |
|
This is a preparatory module for two mandatory third year modules—the ‘Dissertation’ and the ‘Vocational Study’ module—and is taught in two parts. (1) The ‘Preparation for Research’ part tackles various aspects of research, such as: discriminating between different methodologies to frame an individual project; making research creative and exciting; developing and planning an undergraduate dissertation; undertaking a preparatory literature review; writing research proposals. (2) The ‘professional writing’ part of the module focuses on the transferable skills attained throughout the degree and prepares for life as an English Literature graduate. It looks at: project and time management; interviewing and presentation; and writing an effective C.V. The module will also give students a sense of academia as a profession and what it means to be a life-long learner (with reference to the UN Sustainability Goals). |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
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The dissertation is an extended treatment of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a subject of the student’s choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with supervision supplied by tutors teaching/researching in the subject area. Students will draw on the Preparation for Research and Professional Writing module in addition to a small number of general lectures to further provide guidance through the process, but this is primarily a self-directed, independent study. A viva voce exam might be requested of students in order to clarify assessment decisions. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Choose one of the following:
Optional modules:
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Optional Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
|
The dissertation is an extended treatment of between 8,000 and 10,000 words on a subject of the student’s choice (subject to approval). Study is primarily student-directed, with supervision supplied by tutors teaching/researching in the subject area. Students will draw on the Preparation for Research and Professional Writing module in addition to a small number of general lectures to further provide guidance through the process, but this is primarily a self-directed, independent study. A viva voce exam might be requested of students in order to clarify assessment decisions. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Choose one of the following:
Optional modules:
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2024 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
Optional
Core texts
Multiple copies of core text are held within the library and e-books are identified where possible, however due the nature of the course students are recommended to purchase a copy for their own use. It is also possible for students purchase second hand copies. Indicative cost is £50-200 per academic year.
Field trip
Third year students have the option to go on a day trip to London with the chance to visit an exhibition. The cost of this trip will depend on the entry price of any exhibitions visited. Indicative cost is £48 - £63.
Printing and binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Disclosure and Barring Service
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards section.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- 32B7
- Duration
- 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
- Typical offer
- 104-120 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
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Graduate Stories
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