English Language and Literature, BA (Hons)

Photograph of students enjoying their studies in the library

Course Overview

The Joint Honours BA in English Language and Literature offers a rich interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates the analytical precision of linguistics with the interpretive depth of literary studies. You will engage with the structural foundations of the English language, whilst exploring its historical development and sociocultural implications. You will critically examine literary texts across genres, periods, and global contexts, supporting your understanding of narrative structures, identity, and representation.

This programme facilitates graduate attributes such as professional competence, global awareness, and effective communication and prepares you to address contemporary challenges within education, media, and culture. 

Why English Language and Literature at Swansea?

Based on our coastal Singleton Park Campus, you will be located in beautiful parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, where you will learn from world-class researchers and published authors in both linguistics and literature.

You will be joining a high-performing programme, with English at Swansea currently ranked:

  • 1st in the UK for Academic Support (NSS 2025)* - assessed under English Language
  • 2nd in the UK for Teaching (NSS 2025)* - assessed under English Language
  • 3rd in the UK for Student Voice (NSS 2025)* - assessed under English Language
  • 3rd in UK for Overall Positivity (NSS 2025)** - assessed under English Language

*Based on the average positivity score per theme in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

**Based on the overall positivity score for questions 1-26 in the NSS 2025, when ranked against universities as featured in the Times Good University Guide.

Your English Language and Literature Experience

You will have the opportunity to take 60 credits from English Language and English Literature at each level of study. Students choosing to do a dissertation in either Literature or Linguistics take 40 further credits in each subject.

You will have a personal tutor who will support your academic and personal development throughout the degree.

In the second year, you can opt to take the Cambridge CELTA, a globally recognised qualification for teaching English as a foreign language.

In your final-year, you can undertake a research dissertation in either English Language or Literature. You will also have access to Swansea’s Work Placement Programmes (WOW, SPIN, Santander) as well as the Swansea Employability Academy’s employer network.

Some of our students have been published in international journals and presented at international conferences.

You will also have a personal tutor for any pastoral and academic support you need, and the English Student Society at Swansea organises a range of lively literary, social and cultural events.

This programme includes opportunities to undertake a Year Abroad, spent in locations such as the USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, or Singapore, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

This course also offers you the opportunity to spend a Year in Industry, in the UK or overseas, enabling you to gain valuable workplace experience. The University advocates for paid-only placements, which on average have a salary of over £20,000. Unpaid placements are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

English Language and Literature Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are confident communicators, critical thinkers, and skilled researchers and go on to pursue careers in:

  • Education and Teaching
  • Publishing and Media
  • Language Technology and AI
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Creative Industries and Cultural Policy

Whether you're passionate about how language shapes society or how literature reflects and challenges cultural norms, this degree provides you with the tools needed to succeed in a wide range of fields.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

English Language and Literature, BA (Hons)

English Language and Literature with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)

English Language and Literature with a Year in Industry, BA (Hons)