English Language and Literature
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 29 September 2025
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
English Language and Literature allows you to combine an interest in the ways in which language is used in everyday situations, with an enthusiasm for the in-depth study of literary texts.
Our BA programme introduces you to a broad range of types and periods of literature, with a huge variety of different areas to pursue, from medieval literature to twenty-first-century digital literary culture. These include unparalleled resources for the study of Shakespeare, through our world-leading Shakespeare Institute.
On the Language side, you will have the opportunity to study the ways in which the English language has developed over time, variation in language use, ways in which language is acquired by both native and non-native speakers and the study of language use in different social contexts.
Why study this course?
Shakespeare Institute - we have a unique provision for the study of Shakespeare: the Shakespeare Institute, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, is a world leading centre for international Shakespeare scholarship. You will have the opportunity to apply to take part in our very popular residential study trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, which includes lectures, creative workshops, theatre trips, cultural activities, offers academic and creative inspiration and the opportunity to socialise with staff and fellow students.
Guest lectures - you will be able to enjoy regular guest lectures and readings from visiting writers. Past guests have included novelist David Lodge, poet and writer Jackie Kay, poet Simon Armitage, playwright Simon Stephens, theatre director Greg Doran and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
12th for English in the Complete University Guide 2024
Top 30 in the world for English Language and Literature (QS World Subject Rankings 2024)
Modules
First-year modules cover a broad base of the subject and are designed to introduce you to ways of studying at university. By the final year the modules you take will become more specialised and reflect the research expertise of the academic staff. More detailed module information can be found on the ‘Course detail’ tab on the University of Birmingham’s coursefinder web pages.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 29 September 2025
Apply by
29 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- Q30A
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Birmingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- Q30A
- Institution code:
- B32
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff Not accepted
A level AAB
To include A Level English Literature or A Level English Language and Literature
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDM
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus an A at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Diploma: DD, plus an A at A-level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A-level, including an A in the required A-level subject/s mentioned above.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 32 points
6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects, to include Literature or Literature and Language.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Accepted in place of a non-required A level with the equivalent grade.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Accepted in place of A levels with the following grade equivalencies: D2 = A*; D3 = A; M2 = B. Combinations of A levels and Principle subjects are accepted. NB required subjects must be offered (see A level Section)
Contextual admissions
The most common grades on entry for this course are below our standard offer. These include students admitted with alternative offers through our contextual admissions schemes. These are typically 1 or 2 grades below the standard offer. You can find information on these schemes using the link below.
You can check your eligibility to receive an offer for this course using our Offer Calculator using the same link.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
For details of the annual tuition fee for International Students please see the course web page listed in the 'course details' section above.
If you are made an offer to study by the University, the yearly tuition fee will be stated in your offer letter.
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