Course summary

When you study literature you are not just reading and thinking about great books, you are also asking questions about society’s past and future, and ultimately interrogating your own past and future. During your time here you will be studying literature from the Renaissance to the present day, all within the vicinity of Horace Walpole’s Gothic mansion, Strawberry Hill House, which is located on our campus. The programme has a traditional and rigorous core of compulsory modules covering: Tragedy, Critical Theory, Renaissance Literature (including Shakespeare), Romanticism and Modernism. The literary training provided ensures that you will cover the conventional ‘classics’ meticulously. You will develop skills that will complement the unique and innovative optional units, which you can tailor to your interests and passions. Examples of optional modules include: Gothic Cultures 1750-1900 Curating London Writing Conflict: the First World War The Lyricism of Protest: Bob Dylan Contemporary Fiction American Literature There are also opportunities to take courses oriented towards developing career aspirations in the culture industries and education, ensuring that you are prepared for the world of work. A placement year enables students to undertake a year of experience in an organisation between their second and final year. It is a substantial piece of paid experience where you can make a real contribution to your employer and it can really make you stand out from the crowd! It will also enable you to: Apply the knowledge and skills you gain from your course in a work setting Build your commercial awareness and insights into organisations and industries you might want to work in. Develop your professional skills through company training, networking skills and confidence in the workplace Get some great experience for future job applications or even land a graduate job! Securing a placement can really help you develop your job search skills and the Employability Service placement and careers teams can support you to find and apply for available opportunities. You will need to attend some preparatory workshops which will explain all aspects of the placement year and give you the skills to find the placement of your choice. With access to our jobs board, careers events and employer contacts you will be able to approach companies confidently and find the right opportunity for you. Please note: in the event that you cannot secure a placement you will be able to transfer onto the 3 year version of your degree programme.