English Literature

Discover the power of the written word and learn how stories can be used to address current political, social, and environmental challenges with this hands-on degree that's been designed to harness your passion for reading and develop it into the career you want.

You'll study in a city with a proud literary heritage – renowned authors such as Andrew Marvell, Philip Larkin and J.R.R. Tolkien all have ties to Hull or our University – and discover a social scene filled with author readings, book clubs, a student-led English society and more.

In the classroom, you'll study a wide variety of texts from manuscripts to films and learn how to further explore your own personal experiences, as well as connecting with wider cultures and periods.

Why study at Hull?

Top 10 in the UK for Student Experience¹: We’ve been teaching English for nearly 100 years. You’ll learn from published poets, fiction writers, scriptwriters and internationally-renowned scholars.

1 million books on your shelf: Access an incredible trove of materials in our seven-storey library, home to over one million books and extensive digital resources.

An inspirational literary legacy: Follow in the footsteps of household names from Andrew Marvell to Philip Larkin and J.R.R. Tolkien to Winifred Holtby, who all have ties to the University and the city.

Where could this take me?

Poets Douglas Dunn and Roger McGough are just some of the University of Hull’s notable alumni. But a literary career is not the only route available to our English graduates.

A literature degree is one of the most flexible qualifications available and will teach you skills that are valued in teaching, journalism, communications, business, marketing and other industries, as well as positions such as a librarian or archivist.