English Language And English Literature

Highlights

An English Language and Literature degree uncovers the fascinating and amazing ways in which language is and has been used over time: its different contexts, forms, meaning, influences and inspiration. Join a close-knit community which shares your passion for literature and language. Staff have published on topics such as gender and devotion, materiality and book history, social networks and infrastructure.

Your teaching is informed by our internationally recognised research into language and cognition, while literature specialisms cover the Middle Ages and Renaissance period to Victorian and Modernist forms. We regularly host readings and discussion from award-winning novelists and poets. Guests have included novelist Catrin Kean, poet Bhanu Kapil, and short fiction writer Wendy Erskine.

We recently received 100% Satisfaction for the Quality of Teaching in English Language in the National Student Survey, 2025.

Course overview

This degree in English Language and English Literature provides a holistic understanding of the world’s most spoken and most published language. Analysing language and exploring literary works, you will consider how English has evolved and is used as a form of communication, and human and cultural expression. You will delve into the characteristics that build a language, including its grammar, vocabulary, syntax, phonetics, and semantic structure.

Reading different genres, periods, and forms of literature, you will learn to critically analyse texts from various perspectives. You may look at social or political contexts or take a more linguistic or stylistic approach. English Literature has been an integral part of Bangor University since the University opened its doors in 1884.

Our faculty includes some of the world’s foremost authorities on Arthurian Literature, Thomas Hardy, Shakespeare, Chaucer, early modern literature, the history of the book, and Welsh writing in English. Our research strengths in English Language and Linguistics include acquisition, processing, comprehension, disorders and atypical language development, use, structure, variation, change, communication, maintenance, preservation, teaching, and technologies. Studying English Language and English Literature not only increases your knowledge of the history and culture of the English language, but also your awareness and competence in how the spoken and written word can be used as a tool for communication creatively and professionally.

This joint degree develops excellent skills in critical thinking, data analysis, problem solving, presentation and independent research, which will enhance your employability upon graduation. As such, it can lead to a wide range of careers, particularly in writing, journalism, publishing, teaching and in academia. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will guide you through the process of securing and finalising your placement arrangements.

Is the Placement Year for you? There is no need to decide now. You will have the chance to explore the Placement Year option after starting your course at Bangor University.

We'll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. Ready to find out more? Discover the…