English

This course takes an innovative, modern approach to literature, focusing on drama, prose, fiction and poetry from the 17th century to the present – balancing the traditional with the modern.

Flexibility is key to our approach and as your course progresses you’ll be able to choose course units to suit your own particular interests, such as creative writing, film and cultural theory. Or why not focus geographically and culturally on writing from the USA, Ireland, Africa, India and the Caribbean?

Our placement route offers you the opportunity to spend your third year on an industry placement, allowing you to apply university-based knowledge, skills and understanding to the world of work, and giving you an advantage when you begin looking for your first job after graduation. Or you may have the opportunity to spend a year expanding your horizons, studying with one of our partner universities overseas.* In your final year, you’ll get a chance to explore your interests in depth with a substantial piece of project work presented in a thesis, building on the knowledge and skills you’ve been developing over previous years.

Our lively department is home to internationally renowned writers and critics, and there’s a strong research culture, creating a learning environment that is both supportive and intellectually challenging. And with our extensive cultural links both in Manchester and further afield, you’ll be in the right place to begin building a creative network for your future.

This course has a foundation year available.

*Placement and/or study abroad options may be available, potentially extending the duration of study up to 4 years. Study abroad will be subject to any international travel restrictions and/or availability.

Features and Benefits

You’ll have access to the many conferences, readings, research programmes, festivals and competitions run by the Department of English.

Staff include award-winning poets and writers, including winners of the Costa First Novel Award and the Ted Hughes Award.

We are a world-class English department — 70% of our research impact is rated as world-leading (REF21).

Engage with the Manchester Children’s Book Festival, a year-long programme of events and activities.

We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich city of Manchester, one of only 28 recognised UNESCO Cities of Literature in the world.

You can take the four-year route, spending a year studying abroad, or boosting your career prospects with a placement in industry.