English and American Literature

Reflecting the varied and flexible nature of English and American literature, this course enables you to explore both in equal depth, as you look at how writers from the entwined cultures have reflected and shaped the worlds around them.

You’ll explore English literature in all its major forms – prose, poetry and drama – and from all periods since the Renaissance. At the same time, you’ll look at literature from the USA, from its inception to the present day, relating it to key social and historical contexts, while considering American writers’ enduring struggle to articulate national identity.

The course engages with a range of theoretical perspectives on literature and culture, drawn from English and American Studies, and related disciplines. But, crucially, it also recognises that American literature is integral to, rather than separate from, the study of literature in English.

You may have the opportunity to spend a year expanding your horizons, either studying abroad with one of our partner universities, in the US or elsewhere, or working on placement within industry in Britain or abroad.*

In your final year you will get the chance to explore your interests in depth with a substantial piece of project work, 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. We pride ourselves on our excellent teaching and highly positive student feedback. 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

Access to the many conferences, readings, research programmes, festivals and competitions run by the department.

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.

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

We’ll help you build your own network among our many partners within the creative and culturally rich city of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature.

Our diverse assessment methods support students in developing presentation and team-working skills which are highly valued by employers.

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