You’ll study in Worcester, an ancient Cathedral city rich in literary heritage and history. Students benefit from research trips to the Cathedral Library, home to rare books and manuscripts and can receive access to The Hive’s extensive archives.
of literature students said that the library resources supported their learning well
of students are in work and/or further study 15 months after graduating
University of the Year finalist
Recognised for our graduate success, we’re shortlisted for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.
Overview
At Worcester, we’ll support your development every step of the way. You’ll have the opportunity to explore your passion for literature while gaining a deep understanding of the English language in both speech and writing. Through detailed analysis of linguistic choices, from phonology to semantics, you’ll explore how language functions and how it is shaped by social and cultural influences.
Learning takes place mainly in small seminars, giving you the chance to engage in close-reading activities and informal discussions with peers. These conversations will help you connect literary texts to their cultural backgrounds and different ways of thinking about them. You’ll also learn practical skills for studying language by looking at patterns in numbers (like word counts or trends) and by exploring meanings and ideas in detail.
Our modules let you focus on genres and topics that interest you most, from Elizabethan revenge plays to representations of the human body. In your final year, you can pursue an independent dissertation on a literary or linguistic topic of your choice, supported by our teaching team. Literature dissertations are considered for the Early Modern Research Group Prize for Interdisciplinary Research. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA Award; subject to meeting specific criteria at the end of your second year), qualifying you to teach English to speakers of other languages worldwide.
Work experience
We offer an optional work experience placement module in Year Two, enabling you to complete a short voluntary placement with a local organisation. Past work experience locations have included schools, local arts and heritage organisations, and The Hive Library.
Course content
Each year you will study a mix of mandatory and optional modules. Our diverse curriculum, taught by active researchers, will allow you to explore many different linguistic techniques, literary themes and eras before you choose your dissertation specialism in Year Three.
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant. Optional modules will run if enough students choose to study them. It is not guaranteed that all modules will be offered every year.
Careers
Our course is built with your future in mind, equipping you with highly transferable skills such as writing, research, proofreading, critical analysis and public speaking.
Throughout your degree, you’ll benefit from career-focused opportunities that prepare you for success. Work-related projects and placements allow you to gain real-world experience. In addition, you may have the chance to earn the CELTA Award (subject to meeting specific criteria), qualifying you to teach English to speakers of other languages worldwide.
Our Careers and Employability Service offers tailored support to help you take confident steps toward your chosen career. From CV workshops and interview preparation to job search advice, you’ll have access to expert guidance throughout your studies.
An English Language and English Literature degree could be the first step toward a career as a:
- Digital copywriter
- Editorial assistant
- Publishing proofreader
- Web content manager
- Academic librarian
- Teacher
- Lexicographer
- Communications officer
Opportunities to progress
You may wish to take your learning further and progress onto postgraduate study. Relevant postgraduate degrees at Worcester include:
Some former graduates have also chosen to complete a Law Conversion Course (commonly known as a PGDL or a GDL). This is a postgraduate qualification designed for non-law graduates looking to pursue a career in the legal field.
Course highlights
Teaching and assessment
Teaching is a mix of interactive seminars, lectures, one-to-one tutorials and workshops. Our modules give you the opportunity to combine your examination of linguistic choices with academic study of literary texts.
Teaching and assessment contents
You will be taught through a combination of workshops, lectures, seminars, research trips to cultural locations in the region, and film screenings. Interactive workshops take a variety of formats and are intended to enable the application of learning through discussion and small group activities. Seminars enable the discussion and development of understanding of topics covered in lectures. All modules are supported by the use of the virtual learning environment and other learning technologies.
You will also have the opportunity to gain employability skills through work-based learning. The primary focus of this provision is the Year 2 Work Project module where students gain valuable experience of work.
In addition, meetings with Personal Academic Tutors are scheduled on at least four occasions in the first year and three occasions in each of the other years of a course.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points required: 104
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|---|
| A-level | BCC |
| BTEC National Extended Diploma | DMM |
| T-level | Merit |
We do accept Access to HE Diplomas and other qualifications which may not exactly match the combinations above. Work out your estimated points with the UCAS tariff calculator.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk.
Fees
Fees contents
UK and EU students
In 2026/27 the standard fee for full-time home and EU undergraduate students on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £9,790 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
International students
In 2026/27 the standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on BA/BSc/LLB degrees and FdA/FdSc degrees is £17,200 per year.
Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students.
For more details on course fees, please visit our course fees page.
How to apply
How to apply contents
Applying through UCAS
UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for full-time undergraduate courses in the UK.
Read our how to apply pages for more information on the application process, or if you’d like to apply for part-time study.
English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) - QQ23
Contact
If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Admissions Office
admissions@worc.ac.uk01905 855111More to explore
Open Days
Visiting us is the best way to get a feel for student life at the University of Worcester.
The City of Worcester
Worcester is a welcoming university city with great transport links and plenty of student parking.
Accommodation
Benefit from our accommodation guarantee. We have rooms on campus to suit every budget including en-suite options.
