BA English Literature

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a compelling BA (Hons) English Literature degree, designed for students who possess a profound passion for reading, analyzing, and engaging with a diverse range of literary texts. This program delves into both canonical and lesser-known works, spanning various historical periods and genres, from medieval literature to contemporary fiction, poetry, and drama. At its heart, the course encourages a critical and analytical approach to literature, fostering the ability to respond thoughtfully to absorbing and thought-provoking texts. Students are guided by experienced academics to explore the ideas, debates, and cultural contexts reflected in these works, developing sophisticated reading skills and an ability to place literary texts in their wider intellectual and historical contexts. 1 This deep engagement with literature cultivates strong analytical, interpretative, and communication skills, preparing graduates for a variety of professions that value intellectual rigor and articulate expression.  

Curriculum: The BA English Literature curriculum at CCCU provides a rich and diverse exploration of literary traditions and contemporary works. While specific module offerings may vary, the program typically covers a broad chronological range, from early modern periods (e.g., Shakespeare, Renaissance literature) through the Romantic, Victorian, and Modern eras, extending into contemporary literature and genre studies. Students learn about literary theory, critical approaches, and how to conduct in-depth textual analysis. The curriculum emphasizes developing skills in close reading, critical thinking, research, and academic writing. Modules may delve into specific authors, literary movements, genres (e.g., Gothic fiction, drama), or thematic concerns (e.g., gender, politics, identity in literature). Assessments are typically coursework-based, including essays, presentations, and research projects, designed to enhance students' ability to formulate arguments, conduct independent research, and communicate complex ideas effectively.

Research Focus: The English Literature program at Canterbury Christ Church University is taught by a team of academics who are active researchers with diverse specializations within the field. The School of Humanities and Educational Studies, where English Literature is situated, boasts a strong research profile, with a significant portion of its research recognized as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent" in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Faculty research interests span various literary periods and themes, including early modern literature, Victorian studies, children's literature, modern and contemporary literature, postcolonial literature, and the works of marginalized voices. For instance, research might focus on specific authors, literary movements, or the socio-political contexts reflected in literary works. This active research environment ensures that the curriculum is informed by current scholarly debates and cutting-edge insights, providing students with a dynamic and intellectually stimulating learning experience.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement for BA English Literature students at CCCU is strategically integrated to enhance employability by leveraging the transferable skills gained through literary study. While not a vocational program in the traditional sense, the degree cultivates highly valued skills such as advanced critical analysis, research, effective written and oral communication, argumentation, and cultural awareness. The university emphasizes providing work-related experience (WRE) opportunities across all courses, which can include mini-placements, live projects, or industry-set briefs. Students are supported by the Careers and Enterprise Hub in finding opportunities that align with their interests, such as placements in publishing, journalism, media, heritage, arts administration, or education. Employability sessions, guest lectures from professionals, alumni visits, and careers fairs further connect students with industry insights and potential employers, demonstrating how their literary skills are applicable in diverse professional settings.

Global Perspective: The BA English Literature program at Canterbury Christ Church University inherently incorporates a global perspective by engaging with literature from various cultures and traditions, beyond just the British canon. Students explore how literary texts reflect and respond to global historical, social, and political contexts. The curriculum encourages an understanding of how literature contributes to and is influenced by diverse cultural landscapes, and how it can illuminate human experience across different societies. By studying a wide range of authors and works from around the world, students develop a nuanced appreciation for different perspectives and narratives. This broad literary exposure, combined with the critical and analytical skills fostered by the program, prepares graduates to navigate and contribute effectively to an increasingly interconnected and globalized professional environment, where cross-cultural understanding and sophisticated communication are highly valued.