English and Art History

94% of our research overall in English Language and Literature was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

97% of our research overall in Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

7th in the UK for History of Art (The Guardian University Guide 2024)

About the course

Explore how literature and the visual arts shape our culture and society.

We offer a bold, forward-thinking curriculum that allows you to study a thousand years of literature in new and progressive ways. Offering a distinctive approach to a radical breadth of literary texts has made us one of the UK’s most respected and exciting English departments.

You’ll have the opportunity to experiment with your own writing, supported by our experts. They have many links with the creative industries as well as literary events in Brighton, including the poetry series Placeholder and the festival The Coast is Queer. You’ll learn about the ability of writing to transform the world we live in. You also explore a wide range of visual material – from painting and architecture to sculpture and dress. Our engaged and passionate tutors will guide you through each year of your degree.

You benefit from our fantastic campus facilities including the Art History Lab and the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, and exceptional links with galleries and museums including Tate Modern and the V&A.

Our teaching has involved:

- working with unique archives such as the private letters of Virginia Woolf and Doris Lessing

- field trips to literary landmarks such as Woolf’s house and the Globe Theatre.

We’ve also previously offered our students career-building experience through schemes – such as Sussex Writes – that bring the power of reading and creative writing to the public.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.