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BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate degree that provides a rich and intellectually stimulating exploration of literature across diverse historical periods, genres, and cultural contexts. This program not only encourages students to delve into canonical works from Shakespeare to contemporary fiction but also emphasizes the development of advanced critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and sophisticated communication skills through close textual analysis and theoretical engagement. A distinctive feature of this degree is the integrated year-long work placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years. This placement provides an invaluable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional setting, gain commercial awareness, and establish crucial industry networks, significantly enhancing graduates' employability and professional confidence.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Placement Year) is thoughtfully structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of literary studies, augmented by practical experience. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge with core modules such as "Introduction to Narrative," "Contemporary Writers and Writing," "Reading the Novel," and "Ways of Reading: Theory and Literary Study," alongside an option for "Introduction to Creative Writing." The second year allows for greater specialisation with modules exploring specific literary periods and movements like "Renaissance Literature: Shakespeare and His Contemporaries," "Restoration and Eighteenth-Century Literature," "Romanticism: Texts, Contexts, Ideas," and "Victorian Literature," or genre-focused options such as "Young Adult and Children's Fiction." The third year is dedicated to the compulsory "Placement Year," where students gain professional work experience in a relevant sector. The final academic year culminates in a significant "Dissertation," allowing for in-depth independent research, complemented by advanced modules such as "Modernism and Postmodernism," "Gothic Literature," "Writing Adaptations," and "Special Author: Jane Austen," providing diverse avenues for in-depth study and critical engagement.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University is deeply informed by current research and scholarship within literary studies. The academic staff are published experts actively engaged in a wide array of research specialisms, including Romanticism, Victorian literature, Modernism, contemporary fiction, children's literature, literary theory, gender studies, and the digital humanities. The department is notably home to the Centre for Joseph Conrad Studies, a hub for international research into the renowned novelist. Students are actively encouraged to develop their own research skills through various modules, culminating in the final-year dissertation, which allows for independent critical inquiry into a chosen literary topic. This comprehensive focus on research ensures that students engage with cutting-edge literary debates and learn to contribute original analytical insights to the field, often applying these skills during their placement year.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a core and integral component of the BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University, significantly boosting graduate employability. The compulsory year-long industrial placement is a pivotal feature, offering students direct exposure to professional environments in sectors like publishing, journalism, marketing, communications, cultural institutions, or other fields where strong analytical and communication skills are paramount. This experience allows students to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings, build professional networks, and develop crucial commercial awareness. Beyond the placement, the university leverages its close proximity to central London, providing access to the capital's vibrant literary and media scenes, including opportunities for relevant field trips. The program also benefits from teaching staff who bring industry experience and strong professional links into the classroom, providing valuable real-world insights.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Placement Year) program at St. Mary's University inherently fosters a strong global perspective by engaging with literature from diverse cultures and historical periods, exploring texts that reflect a variety of human experiences and global contexts. The curriculum often includes works by authors from across the Anglophone world and beyond, encouraging students to consider literature through international lenses. Modules on contemporary writing and genre fiction frequently feature global voices and narratives, developing students' understanding of how literature shapes and reflects global societies, cultures, and identities. The skills honed in critical analysis, cultural understanding, and effective communication are universally applicable, preparing graduates to operate within an increasingly interconnected global cultural and professional landscape, including potential international placement opportunities or careers with global organisations.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BA (Hons) English Literature (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a distinct advantage to its graduates by combining rigorous academic study with invaluable real-world professional experience. This integrated placement year, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years, allows students to apply their highly developed critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills in practical settings. Graduates of this program possess not only a deep understanding of literary traditions and contexts but also enhanced commercial awareness, professional networks, and demonstrable work experience, making them exceptionally competitive in the job market across diverse sectors.
Publishing Professional (Editorial, Marketing, Rights): The placement year can provide direct entry into the publishing industry. Graduates can work in editorial roles, acquiring and developing manuscripts, or in marketing and publicity, promoting books, or in rights, managing intellectual property.
Content Strategist / Digital Marketing Executive: Leveraging their understanding of narrative, audience, and persuasive communication, graduates can develop and execute content strategies for businesses, manage digital campaigns, and create engaging online content, often having gained experience in a placement related to marketing or communications.
Journalist / Media Professional (Print, Broadcast, Online): The strong research, writing, and analytical skills, coupled with practical experience from a placement in media or a related field, make graduates well-suited for roles as journalists, reporters, or media researchers across various platforms.
Public Relations (PR) Consultant: Graduates excel at crafting compelling messages and managing reputation. A placement in a PR agency or a corporate communications department provides direct experience in media relations, crisis management, and strategic communication.
Teacher (with further qualification): While not directly leading to qualified teacher status, the degree provides an excellent foundation for a career in education. Graduates can pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or equivalent, benefiting from their deep subject knowledge and potentially having gained experience in educational support roles during their placement.
Communications Officer / Internal Communications Specialist: Many organisations require strong communicators to manage their internal and external messaging. Graduates can work in corporate, charity, or public sector settings, crafting newsletters, reports, and policy documents.
Arts and Cultural Administrator / Events Manager: A placement in a theatre, museum, gallery, or cultural institution can lead to roles in arts administration, coordinating programmes, managing events, or overseeing educational outreach initiatives, utilising organisational and communication skills.
Charity Sector Professional (e.g., Fundraising, Communications, Project Support): The analytical and empathetic skills developed through literary study, combined with practical experience from a placement in a non-profit, prepare graduates for roles in fundraising, advocacy, or project management for social causes.
Research Assistant (Academic or Market Research): The rigorous training in research methodologies and critical analysis, enhanced by real-world data engagement during a placement, makes graduates suitable for roles supporting academic research projects or conducting market research for businesses.
Legal Professional (Paralegal, aspiring Solicitor/Barrister): The emphasis on logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and precise written argumentation makes this degree a strong foundation for a career in law. A placement in a legal setting, if available, could provide direct insight, and many graduates pursue further legal qualifications to become solicitors or barristers.
