2026-27 entry View 2025-26 entry

English and Modern Languages & Cultures BA

School of Languages, Arts and Societies
School of English

Gain a deep understanding of the relationship between language, literature and culture and how they impact society in Europe and beyond. You will explore poetry, prose, theatre and film in English and other languages as you apply practical skills in your study of modern foreign languages.

  • A Levels
    ABB
  • UCAS code
    QR50
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Start date
    September
  • Course fee
  • Funding available
  • Foreign language study
  • Industry placement
  • Study abroad
  • Dual honours

Explore this course:

    Course description

    Why study this course?

    Take your love of language and literature international

    Understanding language and literature from around the world leads to a deeper appreciation of all cultures.

    Grow your appreciation of other cultures

    By studying language and literature from around the world you will gain a deeper appreciation of all cultures, making you a true global citizen.

    One of the few universities to combine English with up to two other languages

    Choose from 10 languages (German, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Czech, Catalan, Italian, and Luxembourgish) to enhance your literary studies.

    A unique degree

    Sheffield is one of the only universities to offer English with up to two other languages. You can choose from 10 languages to enhance your literary studies.

    Invest in your future

    The training you receive during your time with us provides you with capabilities in analysis, communication and adaptability, which form part of a skill set that will set you apart in the graduate market.

    Spend a year abroad

    The year abroad in third year enables you to immerse yourself in the language, culture and society of the language or languages you study.

    The Eiffel Tower at sunrise. Credit Alexander Spatari

    Cultivate your understanding of the intimate relationship between language and culture, and how it shapes the literature – and the lives – of modern European societies.

    As a dual honours student, you'll divide your studies between the School of English and the School of Languages and Cultures. Delving into the history, literature and culture of your chosen countries, you’ll see how the fabric of those societies is woven by the literary arts.

    This is a degree that allows you to pursue and develop your own interests. Choose from a variety of modules as diverse as animal studies, the history of the Gothic, American literature and the analysis of film. Engage with diverse texts from all over the world, both in English and in translation. 

    Learn languages to an advanced level and refine them in your third year abroad, when you can study at a leading European university, carry out an approved work placement, or take part in exciting volunteering opportunities.

    Dual and combined honours degrees

    Modules

    We're revising the curriculum of the course for this year of entry. Your first year modules are confirmed. For other years of study, the information here gives you an idea of the areas we expect the course to cover, although there may be changes before you begin. As you progress through your course, we’ll confirm additional details for the core and optional modules available to you.

    • You can find a comprehensive list of all of our languages and cultures modules broken down by language on the School of Languages and Cultures website
    • Examples of the English modules on offer are listed below
    Title: English and Modern Languages & Cultures BA course structure 2026
    UCAS code: QR50
    Years: 2026
    First year

    You will take 40 credits of core English modules and 40 credits of core Modern Languages and Cultures modules, the remaining 40 credits will be taken in optional English and Modern Languages and Cultures modules.

    Core English modules:

    Renaissance to Revolution: Early Modern Literature

    This module will introduce you to literary study at degree level by focusing on the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, a period of enormous innovation in English literature. You will study writers such as Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, Philip Sidney, Mary Wroth, John Donne, and Aemelia Lanyer, and you will develop close reading skills by analysing the ways in which these writers used formal and stylistic techniques. You will examine how the literature of the period related to the surrounding culture, society, and politics, and consider the different ways in which texts could be produced, read, and performed.

    20 credits
    Writing Revolutions: Restoration to Romanticism

    'Writing Revolutions: Restoration to Romanticism' starts with the literature of the second half of the seventeenth century (including Marvell and Milton) and moves through to the late eighteenth century (including writers such as Behn, Pope, Heywood, Gray, Equiano, and Burney). Building on the work you completed on 'Renaissance to Revolution: Early Modern Literature', you will continue to think about the relationships between literary texts and the social, cultural and political contexts in which they were produced. You will also explore the evolution of forms and genres through the period.

    20 credits

    Core Modern Languages and Cultures modules, students will take one language from the list below, with its associated core content modules:

    Please note, you will follow this language throughout the remainder of your degree

    French Advanced

    This unit aims to consolidate an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2).

    20 credits
    French Beginner Intensive

    This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a elementary level, orally and in writing, with native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2+).

    20 credits
    Understanding Modern France

    This core content module will introduce students to key aspects of France's history, society, politics and culture through the study of a range of important texts and media. It will focus on key historical events, the values and ideas that inform French and francophone society today, giving an historical overview of their development from Louise XIV to Emmanuel Macron. It will thus enable students to learn the interpretative methodologies specific to a range of cultural forms. It will provide them with a sound understanding of disciplinary studies, both within the language(s)/culture(s) they have chosen to study and, more broadly, within the discipline of Languages and Cultures today. It aims to facilitate the students' transition to University study, to complement the core language modules (which also cover some aspects of culture) studied at Level 1, in addition to serving as the solid foundation for more advanced study and specialisation at Level 2 and onwards. There will be opportunities for synoptic assessment in connection with the relevant language module.

    20 credits
    German Advanced

    Assuming a good A level in the language or equivalent, this unit aims to provide an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2-).

    20 credits
    German Beginner Intensive

    This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a elementary level, orally and in writing, with native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2+).

    20 credits
    Dutch Beginner

    This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a basic level, orally and in writing, with sympathetic native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2).

    20 credits
    Understanding German History and Culture

    This core German content module will introduce students to the history, society, politics, and culture of the German-speaking world. You will focus on the major historical events (such as the building of the Berlin Wall, and the importance of the Greens to contemporary Germany) and key texts and visual material. You will also acquire a theoretical toolkit that will enable you to analyse these major events and cultural forms. The module complements the core German language modules (which also cover some aspects of culture) studied at Level 1, in addition to serving as the solid foundation for more advanced study and specialisation at Level 2 and onwards.

    20 credits
    Russian Advanced

    This unit aims to consolidate an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2).

    20 credits
    Russian Beginner Intensive

    This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a basic level, orally and in writing, with sympathetic native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad. Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to: perform at Level A1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages understand and make themselves understood orally by a sympathetic native speaker in simple, routine, predictable situations, requesting or providing factual information, and coping with unfamiliar language or unexpected responses by asking for repetition or clarification read aloud and extract key information from short, simple texts and written documents (messages, notices, instructions, brochures, etc.) talk about holidays (e.g. places they visited, food they ate) in the past and the weather write simple notes, messages and short personal letters or emails (e.g. write a postcard to a friend, fill in a simple form) demonstrate a basic insight into the most common aspects of the culture and everyday life in the target country so as to react appropriately in simple situations demonstrate a practical understanding of essential grammar terminology and a basic ability to study the language by themselves, using essential tools such as the World Wide Web or a dictionary and developing techniques for the acquisition and retention of new language demonstrate awareness in a number of transferable skills such as IT skills, presenting information, handling simple unexpected communicative situations, taking intercultural differences and language barriers into account, learning independently, etc.

    20 credits
    Czech Beginner

    This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a basic level, orally and in writing, with sympathetic native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2).

    20 credits
    Russian and Czech Cultures in the Age of Empire and beyond

    This module gives an overview of Russian and Czech cultures with a focus on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It will critically examine the concepts of statehood, empire, nationalism, totalitarianism and democracy by studying the two nations' different experiences through visual sources, literature and language usage. It thus introduces students to topics dealt with in greater depth in optional modules at Levels 2 and 3, and helps them to learn how to analyse cultural artefacts and sources of different kinds.

    20 credits
    Spanish Advanced

    This unit aims to consolidate an initial preparation for a prolonged professional, academic or recreational stay in a country where the language is spoken and introduces the full range of linguistic and cultural skills required to engage in authentic and spontaneous interaction with native speakers (CEF level B2).

    20 credits
    Spanish Beginner Intensive

    This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a elementary level, orally and in writing, with native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2+).

    20 credits
    Catalan Beginner

    This unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a basic level, orally and in writing, with sympathetic native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2).

    20 credits
    Portuguese Beginner

    This unit aims to consolidate and expand the general foundation in the language and culture acquired at Beginner's level, providing a solid basis for the next level and enabling learners to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at an elementary level with native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad (CEF level A2).

    20 credits
    An Introduction to the Social and Political History of Iberia and Latin America

    This module examines the historical trajectory of Spain, its emergence as a state in the Iberian Peninsula, its imperial expansion overseas into Latin America, the eventual independence of the colonies and their development and consolidation into the various modern-day states we know today. The module will explore the social, political and cultural characteristics of these states and its peoples and highlight the importance of understanding their complex history in the formation of their identities and their cultural and political values.

    20 credits

    English optional modules (choose up to 20 credits):

    Contemporary Literature

    This module introduces you to a diverse range of texts in English (prose, poetry, and film) with a focus on texts published since 2000. Texts will be chosen to provoke thinking and debate on urgent and controversial topics that might include: globalisation and neoliberalism; ecology and animal lives; artificial intelligence and the posthuman; political activism and social justice; migration and displacement; state violence and armed conflict. We will discuss formally and conceptually challenging works, raise ethical and philosophical questions and begin to discover how current critical and theoretical approaches can help us to engage with contemporary texts.

    20 credits
    Hybrid Forms? Comedy and Tragedy

    This module gives you the opportunity to study developments in comedy and tragedy from classical antiquity to the present day. This focus on genre enables you to take a broadly comparative approach, setting, for instance, works of classical antiquity alongside those of the early modern, modern, and contemporary worlds. As such, the module equips you to draw connections between periods studied separately at different points of your degree and between disparate forms, e.g. drama and the novel. Over the course of this module we will consider questions such as: what is genre, and why is it important? How does genre reflect or respond to historical change? Is there any such thing as a 'pure' genre or is hybridization a defining feature of genre itself? We will answer these questions by reading texts by authors such as Angela Carter, Noel Coward, Plautus, Shakespeare, Sophocles, and Michaela Coel.

    20 credits
    Wonders, Warriors, and Werewolves: Intro to Medieval Literature and Language

    This module is of particular interest to anyone who wants to know more about the first c.900 years of English literature and language. We will analyse a wide range of the earliest English literary texts (c. 600-1500), including the oldest known English poem and the first autobiographical work by a woman, covering texts that are well known (e.g. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales) and texts that you will probably never encounter elsewhere. You will look at Old English texts (in translation) and Middle English texts (in translation or in the original with notes and glosses as appropriate).

    We will open up discussions around issues that preoccupied the English of the time, from glorious monster-slaying to the first expressions of love and desire, from religious devotion to comedy, from the power of insults to the status of English in a multilingual society. You will investigate medieval English literature in an international context, explore medieval worldviews and how they might differ from modern ones, query what it means when we say something is medieval, and explore some medieval afterlives.

    You will be introduced to a variety of techniques and methodologies - literary, linguistic, cultural-historical - to analyse medieval texts and topics in the lectures and seminars; you can engage with these different scholarly approaches in assessments as you prefer. No prior knowledge of Old or Middle English is required; students will be given the opportunity to examine texts in the original language but where necessary translations will be provided. Two additional sessions will be held to help you develop your skills and confidence to read Middle English.

    In short, this module aims to give you an overview of early English literature, language, and cultural history (c. 600-1500); to develop your skills and confidence in reading and analysing medieval English texts; to give you the opportunity to engage critically and creatively with both primary and secondary works from perspectives of your choice; and to encourage you to reflect on why and how the medieval is used in modern culture.

    20 credits
    Reading Theatre and Film

    This core module explores the development of theatre and film from 1900 to the present, tracking that journey through a series of canonical and counter-canonical examples from each medium. These two art forms have much that connects them as representational, performance-based and commercial cultural practices, but also much that separates them as human, technical and technological spectacles. The module offers a practical introduction to theatre and film criticism, theory and interpretation that will help to interrogate such medial distinctions as well as their common ground. By means of weekly lectures and seminar-workshops, you will encounter a wide range of plays and films, located in their original historical, ideological and aesthetic contexts but equally considered for their afterlife, relevance and currency today.

    20 credits
    Foundations in Literary Study: Biblical and Classical Sources in English Literature

    The Bible, Greek and Roman mythology, represent some of the central sources for European literary imaginations. In this module you will explore the range of literature indebted to biblical and classical literature, themes, and characters. Featuring a range of lecturers from across the School of English, the module will help you learn to think critically about biblical and classical themes such as divine destruction, love, gender, homecoming, colonialism, nostalgia, and empire, and read a variety of authors, from Amelia Lanyer and Shakespeare to Derek Walcott and Margaret Atwood. When we understand the ways in which biblical and classical writers shaped their narratives, and how creative authors revised, resisted or radicalised their themes, we have several important keys to unlock crucial facets of English literary tradition.

    20 credits
    Introduction to Creative Writing

    The aim of this unit is to help you to develop your expressive and technical skills in writing poetry and prose and to improve your abilities as an editor and critic of your own and other people's writing. You will be guided in the production of new work and encouraged to develop an analytical awareness of both the craft elements and the wider cultural and theoretical contexts of writing. This module explores poetic and prose techniques for creating new poems and narrative techniques for generating some prose work through the critical study of published examples, imaginative exercises, discussion and feedback on your own writing. This exploration will help you develop your own creative work while sharpening critical appreciation of published poetry and modern and contemporary fiction. The course is designed to give you the experience of being workshopped as well as to establish basic creative writing techniques at Level 1 in preparation for the challenges of Creative Writing Level 2 and/or 3.

    20 credits
    Darwin, Marx, Freud

    This course is structured around the writings of Darwin, Marx, Freud. We will consider selections from all three philosophers' writings, such as, for example, Darwin's The Origin of Species; cover key concepts from Marx's work—commodity fetishism; alienation—and investigate Freud's philosophy of the subject through selected readings from his writings. We will dismantle cultural prejudice and engage with, and in, revolutionary thinking. This course will prepare you for modules like Critical and Literary Thought but, most importantly, it will help you become critical, potentially revolutionary, thinkers.

    20 credits

    Optional Modern Languages and Cultures modules (choose up to 20 credits):

    Euro-Visions: Imagining and Questioning Europe

    What is 'Europe'? What does it mean to be European?   The module interrogates the idea of Europe for those who live within and outside its borders. It examines different ways in which Europe has been imagined and critiqued, through case studies that focus on, for example, language, culture, politics, or art. It considers different aspects of the emergence of a distinct pan-European identity and specific peoples within that general identity.  Europe, along with its component empires and nations, has always been defined against 'others' a) beyond its borders and b) those who reside within but are held not truly to belong (eg. Jews, Roma, Muslims). The module considers the history of such 'othering' and how it persists.

    This module will explore how the idea of Europe has been formulated and discussed in literary texts, language policies, and other socio-cultural practices.  It examines social, political and cultural dynamics to explore how the idea of Europe is inextricably tied up with historical factors such as geopolitical conflicts, colonialism and unfree labour. Students will critically evaluate existing discourses, including former or official policies, and communicate their findings to academic and non-academic audiences through discussions and written evaluations.

    20 credits
    Language at Work

    This module provides the basis for understanding the often-underestimated role of language in our everyday lives, with a specific focus on multilingual and intercultural settings in the broader context of global relationships between countries, cultures and individuals. 

    Through lectures, seminars and small practical projects, students will examine their own language skills and enhance their knowledge of their chosen languages(s) through experimenting with different linguistic research methods. 

    Students will gain critical understanding of their individual language repertoires and communication practices, learn different methods of scientific enquiry, and develop expertise in the exploration of language, communication and real-life interaction as a means of enhancing their foreign language learning, deepening their cultural understanding, and acquiring cultural agility. Finally, students will develop the ability to effectively communicate their academic insights to non-specialist audiences through innovative digital media.



     After completing this module, students will 



    - know the basic properties of language and communication and their relation to culture; 

    - be able to characterise the global and local relationships between English and their other languages; 

    - be able to describe the differences between communication in monolingual and linguistically/culturally diverse contexts; 

    - be able to differentiate between communication involving native speakers of a language and communication involving foreign language speakers of a language and derive implications for intercultural communication and foreign language learning; 

    - use systematic methods to carry out investigations of language, communication and culture; 

    - use digital technology to communicate their academic work to non-specialist audiences.

    20 credits
    The Soviet Union 1917-1991

    Overview of the formation, development and collapse of the USSR, beginning from c.1900. Covers historiographic problems in analysing primary materials, ideological problems in dealing with the revolutionary movement and subsequent developments, debates over the nature and trajectory of the USSR and its place in the wider world.

    20 credits

    You will also have the option to select 20 credits of Languages for All modules in your chosen language.

    The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.

    Learning and assessment

    Learning

    You’ll be taught by world-leading experts in both subjects and will learn through a mix of lectures, group discussions (seminars) and language classes.

    Language teaching and seminars tend to be in small groups, so you'll get plenty of tailored support along with your own academic tutor who will be on hand to provide one-to-one support through regular catch-ups.

    We invest to create the right environment for you. That means outstanding facilities, study spaces and support, including 24/7 access to our online library service.

    Study spaces and computers are available to offer you choice and flexibility for your study. Our five library sites give you access to over 1.3 million books and periodicals. You can access your library account and our rich digital collections from anywhere on or off campus. Other library services include study skills training to improve your grades, and tailored advice from experts in your subject.

    Learning support facilities and library opening hours

    Assessment

    We use a range of assessment methods during your course. In the language programme you will be given regular homework assignments and take a mix of coursework and exam assessments at appropriate points over the academic year.

    You will be assessed on the core skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Our assessment methods vary across our courses and may include taking sit-down exams, developing a portfolio, writing essays, taking part in group projects, website design, blog writing or giving individual presentations.

    Entry requirements

    With Access Sheffield, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.

    Standard offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    ABB
    typically including a modern foreign language

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB, typically including a modern foreign language + B in the EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    33, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language; 32, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language, and B in the extended essay
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDD in Art & Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, or Performing Arts + an appropriate modern foreign language qualification
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level, typically in a modern foreign language
    Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s
    AABBB + B, typically in a modern foreign language
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + AB, typically including a modern foreign language
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • If you are not studying a modern foreign language, we will consider other evidence of aptitude for language learning (such as a languages GCSE at grade 6/B, or an English language qualification for non-native speakers of English)

    Access Sheffield offer

    The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
    BBB
    typically including a modern foreign language

    A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
    BBB, typically including a modern foreign language + B in the EPQ
    International Baccalaureate
    32, typically with 5 in a Higher Level modern foreign language
    BTEC Extended Diploma
    DDM in Art & Design, Creative Digital Media Production, Music, or Performing Arts + an appropriate modern foreign language qualification
    BTEC Diploma
    DD + B at A Level, typically in a modern foreign language
    Scottish Highers + Advanced Higher/s
    ABBBB + B, typically in a modern foreign language
    Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
    B + BB, typically including a modern foreign language
    Access to HE Diploma
    Award of the Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 24 at Distinction and 21 at Merit
    Other requirements
    • If you are not studying a modern foreign language, we will consider other evidence of aptitude for language learning (such as a languages GCSE at grade 6/B, or an English language qualification for non-native speakers of English)

    English language requirements

    You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

    Pathway programme for international students

    If you're an international student who does not meet the entry requirements for this course, you have the opportunity to apply for an International Foundation Year in Business, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Sheffield International College. This course is designed to develop your English language and academic skills. Upon successful completion, you can progress to degree level study at the University of Sheffield.

    If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.

    Graduate careers

    Our graduates are excellent communicators, confident and articulate, adaptable and culturally aware. They work in international development organisations, business and banking, translating, intelligence services, journalism, the charity sector, teaching, copywriting, publishing, theatre and television production, PR, and international sales and marketing. Many of our students go on to postgraduate study, research, and an academic career.

    The academic aptitude and personal skills that you develop on your degree will make you highly prized by employers, whatever your chosen career path after university:

    • Excellent oral and written multilingual communication
    • Intercultural awareness
    • Independent working
    • Time management and organisation
    • Planning and researching written work - Articulating knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories
    • Leading and participating in discussions
    • Negotiation and teamwork
    • Effectively conveying arguments and opinions and thinking creatively
    • Critical reasoning and analysis
    SLC alumna Dan Li

    The University of Sheffield has a lot to offer. Try to make the full use of the resources you have at the university and be proactive

    Dan Li MA Translation Studies

    Dan has had a successful career in translation and education after completing her MA at Sheffield.

    School of Languages, Arts and Societies

    At the School of Languages and Cultures you'll develop your linguistic skills to a very high level and deepen your understanding of the cultural context of the countries where your languages are spoken.

    We offer a wide range of languages - Catalan, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Luxembourgish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

    You'll work with the school's top specialists and native speakers who will help you realise your linguistic potential. Language teaching is in small groups, so you'll get plenty of support tailored to your needs and get to know your tutors well.

    We're a leading centre for modern languages and cultures research. This research informs our teaching, helping you to develop a global understanding of language and languages across cultures and countries.

    You'll be able to study optional modules either in your individual languages, or across the school so you'll acquire an in-depth understanding of your chosen languages and their cultures, and how they relate to other languages and cultures across modern languages disciplines.

    Our student-run language societies organise multilingual events, trips and creative projects. There are opportunities to volunteer in the community and in schools, inspiring others to try new languages.

    School of Languages and Cultures students are based in the Jessop West building at the heart of the University campus, close to the Diamond and the Information Commons. We share the Jessop West Building with the Department of History and the School of English.

    Facilities

    Our students get to make the most of the University's facilities across campus. Explore some of the teaching, library and social spaces you'll be able to visit as an arts and humanities student.

    School of Languages, Arts and Societies



    School of English

    Creative, critical, community minded and collaborative, the School of English at the University of Sheffield is one of the largest English departments in the UK.

    We're a research-intensive school with an international perspective on English studies. 90% of our research is rated as world-leading (REF 2021).

    During your time with us, you’ll have the opportunity to join a vibrant student community and get involved in hundreds of societies, including our English Society.

    The School of English is based in the Jessop West building at the heart of the university campus, close to the Diamond and the Information Commons. We share the Jessop West Building with the School of History, Philosophy and Digital Humanities and the School of Languages and Cultures.

    School of English

    University rankings

      A world top-100 university
    QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (98th)

      Number one in the Russell Group
    National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)

      92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
    Research Excellence Framework 2021

      University of the Year and best for Student Life
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024

      Number one Students' Union in the UK
    Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

      Number one for Students' Union
    StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards

      A top 20 university targeted by employers
    The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report

    Student profiles

    SLC undergraduate student Rachel

    Studying a language truly does widen your horizons and give you vital transferable skills which are useful for any career pathway!

    Rachael English Literature and Modern Languages and Cultures

    Rachael discusses the benefits of studying a dual honours degree.

    Fees and funding

    Fees

    Additional costs

    The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.

    Examples of what’s included and excluded

    Funding your study

    Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.

    Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.

    Placement/study abroad

    Work experience

    You can study our courses with the Degree with a Placement year option. This allows you to apply for a placement year during your degree where you'll gain valuable experience and improve your employability.

    Study abroad

    You'll spend the third year of your degree studying or working overseas in one or two countries. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the culture of your chosen language(s), honing your language skills by living alongside native speakers.

    Visit

    University open days

    We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.

    Open days: book your place

    Subject tasters

    If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.

    Upcoming taster sessions

    Offer holder days

    If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.

    Campus tours

    Our weekly guided tours show you what Sheffield has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.

    Campus tour: book your place

    Apply

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Contact us

    Start a conversation with us – you can get in touch by email, telephone or online chat.

    Contacts for prospective students

    School of Languages, Arts and Societies

    The awarding body for this course is the University of Sheffield.

    Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.

    Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.

    Our student protection plan

    Terms and Conditions upon Acceptance of an Offer

    2026-2027

    Make sure you've done everything you need to do before you apply.

    How to apply When you're ready to apply, see the UCAS website:
    www.ucas.com

    Not ready to apply yet? You can also register your interest in this course.

    Gain a deep understanding of the relationship between language, literature and culture and how they impact society in Europe and beyond. You will explore poetry, prose, theatre and film in English and other languages as you apply practical skills in your study of modern foreign languages.

    No No No