University of Leicester

English BA

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

Our English BA offers a comprehensive overview of English literature in its various manifestations, taking you through the development of literary culture in English, from its early stages to its fragmentation into multiple international literatures. The level of coverage offered by our English degree means that you will graduate with an unrivalled breadth of knowledge and an extensive range of skills. Flexibility is at the heart of our courses: a variety of option modules will allow you to shape your studies around your own interests, while you chart the development of English from the late medieval period to the present day.

The expertise of our staff ranges across a number of fields, from gothic literature to detective fiction, and from drama to creative writing, giving you access to a broad sweep of topics and themes. We also offer employability modules in teaching and publishing, allowing you to gain invaluable real-world experience in these areas. You will experience the full range and diversity of poetry, drama and prose written in English, encountering every major current and figure, from medieval romances to the early modern stage, and from the Romantic movement to the post-war period and beyond.

You will also discover how English literature has adapted to reflect various conditions throughout its long history, and how the latest critical approaches can enable you to engage with its varied forms and content. Our teaching staff are active researchers in a large number of different fields, from Caribbean literature to writing on medicine, and from the Victorian period to the post-colonial era. Particularly strong areas of expertise include early modern literature, the Victorian period, the twentieth century, and creative writing.

You can also complement your literary study by taking options in related disciplines, such as American Literature, Film Studies, History, Creative Writing, Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or modern languages. Other official

Key highlights

  • Covers English literature from the late medieval period to the present day
  • Employability modules in teaching and publishing offer real-world experience
  • Staff expertise spans gothic literature, detective fiction, drama and creative writing
  • Wide choice of option modules lets you shape studies around your interests
  • Options in related subjects including Film Studies, History and modern languages
  • Taught by active researchers in Caribbean, Victorian and post-colonial literature

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — to include including English (Language, Literature or combined
  • A-level: BBB — to include including English (Language, Literature or combined) + EPQ at grade B International Bacca; with EPQ
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 — …A-level including English (Language, Literature or combined) + EPQ at grade B International Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 30 points, including 6 in HL English A or B Access to HE Diploma : Pass Access to HE Diploma with a…
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass; with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction
  • BTEC: D*DD — To include 12 credits at Distinction in English Level 3 Modules BTEC Nationals : Pass Diploma with D*DD.

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Teacher
  • Publishing assistant
  • Editor
  • Copywriter
  • Journalist
  • TEFL teacher

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £20,200

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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