BA English

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA English at the University of Exeter allows you to explore the richness of literature, language, and storytelling across different time periods, cultures, and creative forms. Ideal for students who enjoy reading, writing, and analysing ideas, this course helps you develop strong critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills through the study of literature, creative writing, and contemporary cultural practices.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the essential skills and approaches needed to study English while helping you explore literature from different perspectives. You will study modules such as Approaches to Criticism, Beginnings: English Literature before 1800, The Poem, and Academic English, while optional modules including Digital Cultures: Narrative, Creativity, Industry, The Novel, Rethinking Shakespeare, and Imagine This: Prompts for Creative Writing allow you to develop your understanding of literary analysis and creative expression.

Year 2

In your second year, you can begin shaping your degree around your interests by choosing from a broad selection of specialist modules. You may explore areas such as Desire and Power: English Literature 1570-1640, Theatrical Cultures in Early Modern England, Romanticism, Modernism and Modernity: Literature 1900-1960, Creative Writing: Building a Story, Adaptations: Text, Image, Culture, and Creative Industries: Their Past, Our Future, gaining deeper insight into literary movements, storytelling, and cultural production.

Year 3 (Optional Study Abroad or Employment Experience)

If you choose the four-year pathway, your third year can be spent studying at an international partner university or gaining professional experience through an employment placement. These opportunities allow you to expand your global outlook, experience new academic environments, and develop workplace skills before returning to complete your final year.

Final Year

Your final year focuses on advanced research, independent study, and specialist areas of English literature. You will complete a Dissertation, Creative Writing Dissertation, or Dissertation by Collaborative Project, while exploring advanced modules such as Acts of Writing: From Decolonisation to Globalisation, Life and Death in Early Modern Literature, and Citizens of the World to strengthen your research, writing, and analytical abilities.

Focus areas

English literature, literary criticism, creative writing, poetry, novels, Shakespeare studies, digital cultures, cultural industries, creative practice, historical literature, modern literature, postcolonial perspectives, critical theory, storytelling, research skills.

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced skills in literary analysis, research, creative writing, communication, and critical thinking while gaining a deeper understanding of literature across different historical and cultural contexts. You will learn to interpret complex texts, build persuasive arguments, communicate ideas clearly, and apply your creative and analytical abilities across academic and professional settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA English programme develops valuable transferable skills including communication, research, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and digital skills that are highly valued by employers. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, it provides strong preparation for careers in publishing, media, education, communications, creative industries, and many other sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter provides strong employability support through skills development, career guidance, employer engagement, and opportunities to gain professional experience. English graduates benefit from the university’s reputation among employers and progress into a wide range of careers and postgraduate study options.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA English programme at the University of Exeter combines literary study with practical experiences that help you develop research, writing, communication, and creative skills. Alongside classroom learning, you will have opportunities to work with specialist collections, digital resources, and research facilities that allow you to explore literature in innovative ways. Through independent projects, creative activities, and engagement with authors, researchers, and cultural professionals, you will gain skills that connect your studies with real-world applications.

Students gain valuable experience through a range of specialist resources, research opportunities, and creative activities:

Explore rare books, manuscripts, and historical literary materials through the University of Exeter’s Special Collections, supporting independent research and deeper understanding of literary history.
Use the Digital Humanities Lab, a specialist facility where students can explore the relationship between literature, technology, and digital research methods.
Develop digital research skills using specialist equipment and resources for digitisation, audio-visual projects, digital exhibitions, and cultural research.
Work on independent research and creative projects using digital tools and approaches that support literary analysis, storytelling, and the presentation of cultural materials.
Access the University Library’s extensive English literature collections, including academic resources, archives, and manuscripts for research and coursework.
Benefit from the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, which provides access to one of the largest collections of material related to the history of cinema and visual culture, supporting interdisciplinary study.
Attend literary and cultural events featuring authors, actors, filmmakers, and creative professionals, helping you connect academic study with contemporary creative industries.
Develop teamwork and communication skills through seminars, presentations, collaborative projects, and creative writing activities.
Gain professional experience through optional Employment Experience opportunities, allowing you to apply your skills in a workplace environment.
Learn from academics with expertise in areas such as creative writing, publishing, digital humanities, and literature from the medieval period to the present day.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A BA English from the University of Exeter prepares graduates with valuable skills in communication, research, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving that are highly valued across many industries. Graduates move into careers in publishing, journalism, education, media, marketing, arts management, and public services, with roles such as Editorial Assistant, Journalist, Communications Executive, Copywriter, Teacher, Marketing Assistant, and Policy Adviser.

The programme supports your career development by combining academic knowledge with practical experience and dedicated employability support:

Receive personalised career guidance through Exeter’s Career Zone, including CV and application support, interview preparation, career planning, employer events, internships, volunteering opportunities, and employability workshops.
Gain professional experience through the optional Employment Experience pathway, which allows you to complete a graduate-level work placement in the UK or overseas as part of your degree.
Develop employer-focused skills in written and verbal communication, research, teamwork, independent thinking, problem-solving, and presenting ideas clearly to different audiences.
Benefit from strong graduate outcomes, with 85% of English graduates in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data.
Explore career opportunities across creative industries, education, publishing, journalism, marketing, business, finance, and public services, with Exeter English graduates progressing into roles such as Assistant Producer, Communications Executive, Digital Marketing Account Executive, Editorial Assistant, and Business Transformation Analyst.
Build professional connections through Exeter’s global alumni network and links with employers, with graduates moving into organisations such as Oxford University Press, Rolls-Royce, European Parliament, and Oxfam.
Benefit from the long-term value of an English degree that develops adaptable skills suited to a wide range of careers, including roles that require strong communication, cultural understanding, and analytical ability.
Access further opportunities through Exeter’s internships, work experience programmes, and research activities that help you strengthen your professional profile.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA English, you can continue your studies through postgraduate programmes that allow you to specialise in areas such as literature, creative writing, publishing, media, and education. Possible progression routes include MA English Literary Studies, MA Creative Writing, MA Modern and Contemporary Literature, MA Playwriting, MLitt Women, Writing and Gender, MA Publishing Media, MA Journalism, MA Media and Communications, MA Film and Screen Studies, and PGCE English Secondary, helping you develop advanced expertise for careers in research, teaching, publishing, and creative industries.