3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BA (Hons) English Literature with Media Studies at the University of Portsmouth combines the rich study of classic and contemporary literature with practical media skills, ideal for students passionate about storytelling in both print and digital formats. This program prepares you to analyze texts, understand media contexts, and create content across multiple platforms.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
In your first year, you'll build a solid foundation in both English literature and media studies. Core modules such as Introduction to English Literature, Media and Culture, and Creative Writing Basics will introduce you to key literary periods, media forms, and essential writing techniques. You'll also explore analytical and research skills that will support your studies throughout the degree.
Year 2:
The second year deepens your engagement with both disciplines. Modules like Shakespeare and His Contemporaries, Media Production, and Literary Theory will allow you to critically analyze texts, develop practical media projects, and refine your understanding of narrative, audience, and cultural context. Collaborative projects and workshops help you gain hands-on experience in media production.
Year 3:
In your final year, you focus on specialization and independent research. With modules such as Contemporary Literature, Advanced Media Practice, and a Dissertation in English or Media, you'll produce substantial projects that showcase your analytical and creative abilities. This year emphasizes professional-level skills, preparing you for careers in media, publishing, or further study.
Focus Areas:
Literary analysis, media production, creative writing, cultural studies, research skills, digital storytelling
Learning Outcomes:
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills, gain practical media and communication expertise, create professional-level written and digital content, and conduct independent research in literature and media
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This program equips students for careers in media, publishing, journalism, marketing, and communication industries, with practical skills recognized by industry professionals.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Portsmouth is highly regarded for student employability, with strong national rankings in arts and media subjects, reflecting the program's industry relevance and graduate success.
At the University of Portsmouth, the BA (Hons) English Literature with Media Studies degree emphasizes hands-on, practical learning, allowing students to engage directly with both literature and media in real-world contexts. From exploring classic and contemporary texts to creating media content, students gain skills that go beyond the classroom, preparing them for careers in arts, publishing, and media. The program provides access to professional-standard facilities, guidance from published experts, and opportunities to collaborate with local and national media companies.
Your experiential learning journey includes:
Practical media projects: Create film scripts, TV dramas, and develop video production skills.
University TV and radio stations: Gain experience presenting and producing content.
Work-related modules: Build professional contacts locally and internationally.
Study abroad opportunities: Partner universities include Ghent University, University of Gdańsk, Kiel University, University of Luxembourg, and University of Malaga.
Events and networking: Attend literary receptions, meet high-profile authors, and engage in public acclaim events.
Personal tutor support: One-on-one sessions to guide academic and professional development.
Optional foundation year: Get uni-ready with ICP Foundation Year before progressing to the full degree.
Language learning: Learn a foreign language for free, including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, and more.
This combination of hands-on media work, literary analysis, and professional exposure ensures students graduate with a unique, versatile skill set tailored to the modern creative industries.
Graduates of the English Literature with Media Studies BA (Hons) at the University of Portsmouth leave with a versatile skill set that’s highly valued across creative, media, and education sectors. Typical roles include content writer, media researcher, editorial assistant, and communications officer:
University career services provide dedicated support, including CV workshops, mock interviews, career fairs, and one-to-one guidance to help secure placements or graduate roles.
Employment statistics show that Portsmouth graduates achieve high employability, with many entering creative industries or media, earning starting salaries averaging £22,000–£28,000.
Industry partnerships: Students gain practical experience through collaborations with local and national media companies, and opportunities to contribute to the University’s own TV and radio stations.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree equips students with transferable skills like critical thinking, analytical reading, and media literacy, valued in multiple professional fields.
Graduation outcomes: Many graduates move into publishing, journalism, digital media, arts management, and teaching, or pursue further academic study.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue with postgraduate study, including MA in English Literature, MA in Media Studies, or an MSc in Creative Writing and Digital Media, opening pathways to research, advanced media roles, or academic careers.
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