English
Explore English language and literature to understand how they reflect and are influenced by the culture, technology and economics of different places and historical periods.
in the East of England for undergraduates employed as managers, directors or senior officials.
Source: GOS
Study a range of texts including classic literary forms such as the novel, poetry, and plays, but also theatrical performances, films, essays, reviews, and critical and cultural works, developing your ability to read and respond critically.
You’ll explore the power of the English language in communication, and how it expresses and reflects global issues such as ideologies, culture wars, conflict, social justice, equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.
Studying English will give you a broad interdisciplinary experience where you can develop your own areas of interest and expertise.
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Dr Vahid Parvaresh considers imprecision in human communication in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Develop transferable skills valued by employers, including literacy, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and research
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Study in Cambridge, home to major publishing houses and over 30 English language schools
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Expand your network and your knowledge at events with professional writers, publishers and language teachers
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Showcase your work and make new contacts at events organised by our Cambridge Writing Centre
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Get support from expert lecturers, including published authors and our Royal Literary Fund Fellows
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Explore topics from other subjects on optional modules, including writing, film, media, sociology and politics
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
I looked up to all my lecturers and the level of knowledge they had, the passion they put in...
Gain vital skills particularly valued by business leaders, including narrative communication, empathy and perspective taking, critical analysis, synthesis of and managing complex data, creativity and imagination, and digital skills.
You’ll also develop transferable skills valued by employers from all industries, including literacy, creative thinking, problem-solving, research, and computer/digital skills.
Every year of the course, your core modules include employability sessions as well as live briefs, which allow you to devise solutions for industry professionals, giving you work experience and connections for your future career.
Teaching and modules
In Year 1 you’ll explore periods of literary history, learning to use writing as a tool for thinking and discovering approaches for your critical analyses.
You’ll also learn about semiotics and structuralism, sociolinguistics, and the development of the novel.
In Year 2 you’ll examine interpersonal communication in a culturally diverse world, consider what it means to be ‘woke’, and continue building your knowledge of literary history.
Finally, you’ll complete a major research project on a topic of your choice, and learn to communicate your ideas to a range of audiences through a variety of formats.
Student experience
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Dr Jon Stone considers how poetry is changing in the digital age in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Prof Eugene Giddens discusses one famous line and two things you may not realise in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Dr Bettina Beinhoff explores how accents affect our sense of identity in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Dr Tory Young discusses the use of second-person in Ali Smith's short story 'May' in this 60 Second Seminar.
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Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- How Texts Work
- Introduction to the Study of Literature and Writing
- Deconstructing Communication
- Language, Communication and Society
- The History of the Novel
- Into ARU
- Ruskin Module (15 credits)
- Bridging Cultures
- Woke Wars
- From Modernism to the Millenium
- Sounds and Communication *
- Podcasting *
- Nineteenth Century Literature and the Environment *
- Nineteenth Century Afterlives and Adaptations *
- Professional Placement *
- Digital Media Theory: Social Media, AI, and the Cultures of the Internet *
- Online Journalism *
- Crocodiles, Pirates and Moon-men: Renaissance Encounters *
- Science Fiction *
- Performing Shakespeare *
- Writing Short Fiction *
- Philosophy of Art and Image *
- Key Paradigms 2: Sociology and Politics *
- Writing Creative Non-Fiction *
- Cult Media *
- Digital Stylistics *
- Anglia Language Programme (15 credits) *
- Prejudice and Ideologies
- Research Communication
- Major Project
- New Media Discourse *
- Communication Disorders *
- The Cultural Politics of Celebrity *
- Spectacle and Representation in Renaissance Drama *
- Literature and Exile: Displacement, Identity, Self *
- Crime and Detective Fiction *
- Renaissance Magic *
- Writing Poetry *
- Language and the Law *
- Communication, Flesh, Philosophy *
- The Making of Modern Media *
- Life Writing *
- Key Paradigms 3: International and Global Perspectives in Education *
- Film Journalism *
- Digital Methods *
- Anglia Language Programme (15 credits) *
To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.
- Foundation in Humanities, English, Media, Social Sciences and Education
You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.
- Work Placement - Humanities and Social Sciences
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Dr Vahid ParvareshDeputy Head of School
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Dr Cassie GormanAssociate Professor
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Dr Tory YoungAssociate Professor
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Dr Bettina BeinhoffAssociate Professor of Sociolinguistics
Facilities
Join our student community and benefit from award-winning learning facilities, including extensive library and IT resources.
You can also access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Our Royal Literary Fund Fellows can give you advice and guidance on with all your writing, whether it’s academic or creative.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for English
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start
UK students
Call our Clearing line
01245 686868
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