BA English with Study in North America

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BA English with Study in North America at the University of Exeter combines the study of English literature with an international learning experience, allowing students to explore literary traditions, cultural perspectives, and ideas from both the UK and North America. This programme is ideal for students who are passionate about literature, global cultures, and critical thinking, while developing strong research, communication, creative, and intercultural skills through a dedicated year of study at a partner university in North America.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

Your first year introduces you to the essential concepts, methods, and approaches used in English literary studies, helping you develop strong foundations in critical reading and analysis. 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 explore different forms of literature, storytelling, and creative expression.

Year 2 (Study in North America)

In your second year, you will spend a full year studying at one of Exeter’s partner universities in North America, gaining first-hand experience of another academic and cultural environment. Through modules such as North American Study Term 1 and North American Study Term 2, you will explore English and American literature, culture, and related subjects while developing independence, confidence, and a wider global perspective.

Year 3

In your final year, you will return to Exeter to complete advanced study in English literature and undertake independent research through a dissertation. You can choose specialist modules such as Life and Death in Early Modern Literature, Acts of Writing: From Decolonisation to Globalisation, Citizens of the World, American Independent Film, Harlem and After: African American Literature 1925-present, American Counterculture in Literature, and Picturing the Global City: Literature and Visual Culture in the 21st Century, allowing you to explore literary, cultural, and global themes in greater depth.

Focus areas

English literature, American literature and culture, literary criticism, creative writing, global perspectives, cultural studies, digital cultures, visual media, independent research, critical analysis, communication skills, intercultural understanding.

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced skills in literary analysis, research, academic writing, and critical thinking while gaining a deeper understanding of English and North American literary traditions. You will strengthen your communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and intercultural skills through academic study and international experience, preparing you to work effectively in diverse global environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA English with Study in North America develops valuable transferable skills in research, communication, creativity, analysis, teamwork, and cultural awareness that are highly valued by employers. Although the programme does not have a specific professional accreditation, the combination of English literature knowledge and international study experience provides excellent preparation for careers in publishing, media, education, communications, arts, research, and international organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Exeter supports students in developing career-ready skills through opportunities that enhance communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and independent learning. The North American study experience adds significant value by helping students build cultural awareness, adaptability, confidence, and a global outlook that employers increasingly seek.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA English with Study in North America at the University of Exeter gives students the opportunity to develop practical skills by combining English literature study with an immersive international experience. Through seminars, independent research, collaborative activities, and a year studying at a partner university in North America, students strengthen their communication, critical thinking, research, and intercultural abilities. The programme also provides access to specialist humanities facilities, literary collections, and digital resources that support deeper exploration of literature, culture, and creative practices.

Students gain practical experience through a combination of international study, specialist facilities, and research-focused learning opportunities:

Complete a Year Abroad at a North American partner university during the second year, where students study English or American literature and culture while gaining international academic experience and developing independence in a new cultural environment.
Study at partner universities across the USA and Canada, experiencing different literary traditions, cultural perspectives, and academic approaches while expanding their global outlook.
Take part in lectures, seminars, group discussions, and independent research activities that help students improve communication skills, teamwork, critical analysis, and confidence in presenting ideas.
Access the University of Exeter’s Special Collections, which provide original manuscripts, rare books, and literary archives that support research and allow students to engage directly with historical and literary materials.
Explore the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, which offers resources for studying film, popular culture, visual storytelling, and the relationship between literature and media.
Use the Digital Humanities Lab, a specialist research facility that supports digital approaches to literature, culture, and heritage. The facility includes digital presentation spaces, photography equipment for digitising materials, audio-visual recording and editing facilities, and a MakerSpace with 3D scanning and printing technology.
Engage with literary and cultural events featuring writers, performers, and creative professionals, helping students connect academic study with the wider creative industries.
Develop research and professional skills through essays, presentations, independent projects, and dissertation work that strengthen analytical thinking, writing ability, and project management skills.
Benefit from Exeter’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature, providing students with opportunities to engage with literary events, creative activities, and cultural experiences.
Use digital learning resources and online platforms to access course materials, participate in discussions, collaborate with classmates, and support independent study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA English with Study in North America at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with strong analytical, research, communication, and intercultural skills that are valued across a wide range of industries. By combining English literature study with international experience, the programme helps students develop confidence, adaptability, and a global perspective for careers such as Journalist, Copywriter, Publishing Professional, Marketing and Communications Officer, Policy Adviser, Arts Manager, Teacher, and Events Professional.

The programme supports your career development by helping you gain professional skills, practical experience, and connections that prepare you for a competitive graduate job market:

Access the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides careers guidance, employer events, skills workshops, mentoring opportunities, job opportunities, and resources to help students explore career pathways and prepare for employment.
Develop highly valued skills in written and verbal communication, research, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, organisation, and presenting ideas effectively for different audiences.
Gain international experience through the programme’s second-year study opportunity at a partner university in North America, helping you build independence, cultural awareness, adaptability, and confidence in global environments.
Strengthen your professional profile through essays, presentations, independent research projects, and dissertation work that develop strong writing, analytical, and project management abilities.
Explore career opportunities across sectors including education, publishing, journalism, marketing, communications, arts management, creative industries, government, finance, and events management.
Benefit from Exeter’s graduate connections and career destinations, with alumni progressing into roles at organisations such as European Parliament, Rolls-Royce, Oxford University Press, Warp Films, Oxfam, and Estée Lauder.
Gain long-term career value from a degree that develops transferable skills, allowing graduates to adapt to different industries and pursue a variety of professional pathways.
Benefit from the University of Exeter’s strong academic reputation, with English recognised among leading subject areas through national and international rankings.
Graduate with strong employment prospects, with 85% of English graduates in employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes data (2022/23).

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BA English with Study in North America, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as English literature, creative writing, cultural studies, journalism, heritage, education, and related humanities subjects. Further study options may include MA English Literary Studies, MA Creative Writing, MA Cultural Heritage Management, MA Magazine Journalism, PGCE English Teacher Training, and other postgraduate programmes that support academic research, specialist knowledge, and professional development.