Course summary

At Swansea, studying English Literature means exploring ideas that matter, both past and present - making you a part of critical cultural work that matters! Our degree brings the study of literature into the present by exploring texts within their cultural and historical frameworks and thinking about what they mean for the world we live in today In a fast-changing job market, employers value graduates who are equipped to face challenges, can analyse and write content clearly, and can communicate persuasively. Our degree will help you build those skills. Throughout this programme you will:

• Experience literary ‘travel’ across time and place by exploring texts in English written in local and global contexts, from the medieval period to now.

• Explore the most pressing cultural questions through literary texts: about identity, the environmental crisis, gender, race and ethnicity, and nationhood

• Connect with experts. Work with publishing experts, cultural bodies, literary prize panels, and industry leaders to help shape our literary landscape.

• Acquire skills in critical thinking, reading for meaning, writing for purpose, and creative solutions: which are all vital for the modern job market.

• Offer employers a diverse and critical perspective.

• Produce professional, real-world, creative and critical applications.

• Build a career with impact. Prepare for exciting roles in publishing, the creative and cultural industries, writing / authorship, journalism, communications and PR, and literary festival management, as critics, screenwriters, and content generators.

• 11th in the UK for Research Impact (REF 2021)

• Top 15 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2026)

• Top 101-150 in the World (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)