BA in English Literature
Overview
The BA in English Literature is one of the most popular degree courses at the University of Sheffield. Students study poetry, fiction, drama and film from the fourteenth to the twenty-first centuries.
The Literature programme has a distinctive mixture of modules, in which all students follow a chronological core supplemented by the study of literary theory and genre. A diverse list of optional approved modules is also available in which students can analyse poetry, watch films, study plays or immerse themselves in modern fiction.
Sheffield focuses on the study of British literature, but students will also encounter a subject which is both canonical and diverse. Modules are refreshed every year, and current options cover many areas, for example, American literature, postcolonial fiction, the writing of the holocaust, Irish poetry, Gothic fiction, Australian cinema, eighteenth century satire, Renaissance lyrics, African-American writing, sports autobiography.
Every module makes use of online learning, and Inquiry-Based Learning is encouraged across all three years of the degree. At the centre of our teaching is a commitment to small-group seminars complementing whole-year lectures.
Course Structure
This a short description of our BA in English Literature. This video will give you information on how the year is broken up into semesters, the core (non optional) modules you will take as well as the optional modules you can take within the School of English or the wider University.
The video is presented by Dr Amber Regis.
First Year
This is a list of the modules being offered to first year students on the BA in English Literature, with links to detailed descriptions of what you study on these modules. All modules are worth 20 credits unless otherwise stated.
Please note that we do regularly update our programmes, so the list may be slightly different in future years.
Autumn modules
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Spring modules
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Second Year
In your second year, if you are a Single Honours Student you will take the following core modules. If you are a Dual Honours Student, you will choose two of these modules:
- Renaissance Literature (Autumn)
- Restoration and Eighteenth Century Literature (Autumn)
- Genre (Spring)
- Criticism and Literary Theory (Spring)
For your remaining 40 credits, you will take at least 20 credits within the School of English. Here is a list of some of the modules currently being offered in English Literature for second years. Please note that we do regularly update our programmes, so the list of optional modules will be different every year.
Autumn Semester |
Spring Semester |
You may choose to take 20 credits from outside the School of English, for example in a modern language, journalism, philosophy or history.
Third Year
In your third year, if you are a Single Honours Student you will take the following core modules. If you are a Dual Honours Student, you will choose two of these modules:
- Romantic and Victorian Poetry (Autumn)
- Romantic and Victorian Prose (Autumn)
- Modern Literature (Spring)
- Contemporary Literature (Spring)
For your remaining 40 credits, you will take at least 20 credits within the School of English. Here is a list of some of the modules currently being offered in English Literature for third years. Please note that we do regularly update our programmes, so the list of optional modules will be different every year.
As you will see one of the choices in your final semester is the Dissertation module. This is a chance to work on any topic arising from your degree studies, in consultation with a supervisor, resulting in a piece of around 8-9,000 words. Though it may be an advantage to do a dissertation if you are considering further academic study, this is an optional module like all the others (ie. you do not have to do it).
You may choose to take 20 credits from outside the School of English, for example in a modern language, journalism, philosophy or history.
For further information such as teaching staff, teaching methods and contact details please visit the "Literature Further Information" page.
Applications and Further Details
All admissions enquiries should be directed to Joanne Dalton, our Admissions secretary (j.m.dalton@sheffield.ac.uk).
All general enquiries should be directed to Sidsel Hornby, our English Literature secretary (s.hornby@sheffield.ac.uk).