Investigate identity, emotion, and society with our exciting English Literature degree
Study English Literature at St Mary’s and delve into the cultural and historical nuances of a diverse range of literary texts. You will learn to see beyond words on the page by engaging with critical thought and learning skills that will prepare you for future employment or postgraduate study.
The diverse range of literature is explored through interdisciplinary perspectives, and covers topics including:
- London theatre
- Gender and sexuality
- Romantic authors
- The Gothic
- The mind and the body
- modernism.
We offer a wide range of modules including optional ones across a range of disciplines, so you can focus on whatever excites you.
A campus with vibrant literary history
Our BA English literature course emphasises applied humanities. You will learn to consider how English Literature skills may be applied to industry practices. We hold a range of partnerships, including one with Strawberry Hill House, which renowned gothic writer Horace Walpole designed and lived in to inspire his work.
As a result, your degree will be a fully immersive and geographically distinct learning experience.
Learn in the capital
Studying at St Mary's gives you access to the capital’s diverse literature scene and world-renowned libraries. You can visit places like:
- The British Library
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- The Sherlock Holmes Museum
- The George Inn
- Charles Dickens Museum.
Expert teaching and support
We welcome you into a close-knit and academically stimulating community. We value your experience, needs, and ambitions, so you will learn through small groups and one-to-one tutoring with experts.
We rose 73 places for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide (2023).
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Course content
Modules
At St Mary's University we promote an interdisciplinary approach to the humanities, and this is an important and unique part of our offer.
Unlike other humanities degrees, if you choose to study English at St Mary's, you can expand your knowledge by exploring modules across creative writing, history, liberal arts, theology, education studies, and film.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
During your English Literature course, you will attend lectures, interactive seminars, and one-to-one tutorials, the latter of which we place a great deal of importance on.
In your first year you can expect 10 contact hours a week.
Throughout your studies, you will have access to the department's 'open door policy' that allows you to come and discuss questions, and interests, with your tutors outside of formal teaching.
The ‘Special Study’ option in the third year asks you to undertake an enterprising project to engage applied humanities on a literary topic guided by your lecturer. You engage creatively to produce a project such as a walking tour; curate an exhibition or a season of films; or create an educational website.
Assessment methods
Most of the modules are assessed with essays and other written forms, supplemented, where appropriate, with examinations, presentations, and contributions to digital content such as blogs, wikis and the like.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Entry requirements
2025 and 2026 entries
Start date
Standard offer
112 - undefined UCAS points
Contextual offer
96 UCAS points
About Contextual Offer:
Not sure about your grades? We consider all factors when reviewing your application, as we know not everyone has the same support to reach their potential. So we may make a contextual offer below the standard Tariff if you meet our criteria. Read more about contextual offers.
One A-level should ideally be in English (either Language or Literature), but we may be able to consider applicants who are doing at least one other essay-writing subject and can demonstrate an interest in English.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
International requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
How many UCAS points my grades are worth
A levels
A*
56 pts
A
48 pts
B
40 pts
C
32 pts
D
24 pts
E
16 pts
My qualification isn't listed:
If you can't find your qualification in this list please check the full list of UCAS tariff tables.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,535
International
£17,100
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase as detailed in our tuition fee variation disclaimer.
For more information on foundation year fees for home students, please check the details on our tuition fee page.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
Career opportunities
Our English Literature degree will help you develop essential transferrable skills like critical thinking, flexibility, and communication.
Upon starting your course at St Mary's, you will have access to our Career Services, which provides students and graduates with impartial advice on their career progression and development.
Some examples of job roles and areas of work for graduates of English Literature BA (Hons) include:
Apply now
If you're currently living in the United Kingdom and Ireland, you'll need to apply directly through UCAS. You can check our step-by-step application guide for detailed information.
If you are living outside of the United Kingdom and Ireland, you can submit an application directly or add St Mary's University as a choice on UCAS. Check our guideline for more information.
Interested in applying through Clearing?
Find out more about Clearing 2025 at St Mary's, and register your interest so we can contact you when you receive your grades.
Transferring from another institution?
St Mary's is happy to consider applications from students who wish to transfer from another university. If this is you, please follow these instructions.
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
Find out more about the extensive support system available to you at St Mary’s.
Discover the many areas in which our academies are currently researching.
Discover what life is like on our London campus.