"Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life." -Fernando Pessoa

What's your escape? How do you avoid seeing and being around all the terrible things we see on the news and experience in our own lives? While we all have our own coping mechanisms. For some, it may be travel while others prefer going to the gym or taking a run. However, it's worth stating that there are various individuals who prefer curling up to a book and reading different forms of literature.

A love of English Lit is so strong in some that they desire to attend further education studies to eventually possess a diploma. An English Literature degree is a fantastic piece of paper to have since it opens up many diverse job opportunities that are usually very flexible and extremely enjoyable.

Therefore, without further ado, in today's article, we'll analyse the fundamentals of an English Literature degree at UK-based unis and the signs that show whether or not it's the right choice for you.

The best Academic tutoring tutors available
Daniel
5
5 (18 reviews)
Daniel
£90
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Siddharth
5
5 (39 reviews)
Siddharth
£70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Syed
5
5 (47 reviews)
Syed
£60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Gokhan
4.9
4.9 (22 reviews)
Gokhan
£45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Marianne
5
5 (12 reviews)
Marianne
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Dr amin
5
5 (5 reviews)
Dr amin
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Dr fouzia
5
5 (30 reviews)
Dr fouzia
£80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Aya
5
5 (6 reviews)
Aya
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Daniel
5
5 (18 reviews)
Daniel
£90
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Siddharth
5
5 (39 reviews)
Siddharth
£70
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Syed
5
5 (47 reviews)
Syed
£60
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Gokhan
4.9
4.9 (22 reviews)
Gokhan
£45
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Marianne
5
5 (12 reviews)
Marianne
£30
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Dr amin
5
5 (5 reviews)
Dr amin
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Dr fouzia
5
5 (30 reviews)
Dr fouzia
£80
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Aya
5
5 (6 reviews)
Aya
£35
/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go

What is an English Literature Degree?

Although most have heard the term before, do you actually know what an English Literature degree is? Well, for those who are curious, an English Literature degree is quite self-explanatory: it's a degree program that is part of university studies and that analyses the key concepts of English Literature. Shortly known as an "English Lit" degree, it's a comprehensive study of novels, prose, plays, and poetry.

Based on the curriculum of a few English Literature degree programs from UK-based unis, the following are some courses that you might fall upon:

  • Explorations in literature, 
  • Chaucer: texts, contexts, conflicts, 
  • Shakespeare in performance, 
  • Renaissance literature,
  • Modernist fiction,
  • Creative writing: drama,
  • British romanticism,
  • Literary and cultural theory.

Although literature degrees have a reputation for being rather stuffy and traditional, a majority of English literature degrees are actually very non-traditional, forward-thinking and applicable to the world of work. Additionally, some of the modules available to you will differ, depending on which university you choose to attend. Therefore, if you think you might be interested in studying English at the degree level, make sure you thoroughly research the modules available at each university before picking the first one you find.

English Literature degrees help students to garner an appreciation for the English language and the famed works that have been written by masters who used English to craft stories that you aren't likely to forget.

But, is it possible to know whether or not an English degree course is best for me? Read the following paragraphs for a more thorough understanding of things.

What are Some Signs That an English Degree is Right For You?

reading books and novels
Since an English Literature degree requires students to read a ton of books you might as well have a passion for reading. (Source: Unsplash)

If you are currently considering applying for an English degree but are unsure whether you have what it takes, here are a few key personality traits, skills and qualities that allow people to excel in an English degree. If you agree with the following four signs, you're on the right path.

You Have a Passion for Reading

Doing an English Literature degree will definitely test your love of reading to its limits. However much you currently enjoy reading, throughout your degree you will have to read long texts. Occasionally, there will be difficult texts and you may occasionally feel overwhelmed by the amount of reading you are required to complete. You might have to read multiple books per week and critique them carefully. The sheer amount of reading there is to do might affect your love of flipping the pages in your favourite books.

However, if you have a genuine passion for literature you will surely be able to power through those texts that less appeal to you.

You’re Self-Motivated

Of course, all degrees require motivation to keep you studying diligently without letup. However, because English degrees involve very few contact hours listening to lectures and seminars, you'll need the motivation to power through the sessions of independent learning.

Motivation will help you to structure your own days and manage your time wisely. In many cases, it'll be up to you to put in the extra hours and structure your own days. So, if you’re pretty hopeless at time management you could be in danger of becoming a victim of extreme procrastination and feelings of being overwhelmed that are so closely linked. However, if time management is something you’re happy to work on, then don’t let the lack of contact hours put you off an English degree.

You Enjoy Discussion and Debate

Do you like to discuss and debate with your fellow classmates? If so, an English Literature degree might be the perfect fit for you. For example, to get the most out of an English degree, you have to be willing to fully participate in classes and seminars. Classtime is an English student’s main opportunity to listen to and benefit from their classmates’ ideas and to practise expressing their own in a logical manner.

Discussions with fellow classmates during seminars will be crucial to developing your thinking about whichever novel, concept, context or theory you are studying that week. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure you’re making the most of this valuable discussion time; don't be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts!

do you like to argue?
An English Literature degree requires students to argue their points and ideas. (Source: Unsplash)

You Thrive on Difficult Questions and Finding Your Own Answers

Although English literature does teach you a variety of facts, indeed you never quite know what you’re going to learn next during an English lecture, your job as a student is not to regurgitate facts but to construct your own arguments. Meditate and use the information you are taught to find your own answers. In English, there are rarely wrong or right answers.

Therefore, your grades will be riding on how you present, back up and develop your ideas. For some, this is a frustrating and scary prospect but equally, it allows you to be an independent thinker, develop your individual opinions and carry out your own research. Don't be just another follower, try your best to fight the power.

Have you determined whether or not an English Literature degree is right for you? If so, you'll enjoy the details in the following subheading that help you prepare for your degree programme.

Courses and Skills Developed in English Literature Degree

English literature programs include a wide range of courses that cover different periods and movements in literature. Students can expect to study Old and Middle English literature, Renaissance literature, Romantic literature, Victorian literature, and contemporary literature. These courses involve reading and analyzing works from the respective period or movement, as well as discussing the themes, style, and historical context of the literature.

English literature degrees include courses in critical theory, literary analysis, and writing. These courses help students develop the analytical and writing skills needed to understand and critique literature effectively. Students also develop skills in research, critical thinking, and communication, which are transferable to many industries.

Specialization in English Literature Degree

Students pursuing an English literature degree may also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest, such as feminist literature, postcolonial literature, or modernist literature. Specialization in a particular area of interest allows students to deepen their knowledge and understanding of a specific field of literature.

English literature degrees often require students to write research papers and essays that demonstrate their understanding and analysis of various literary works. These assignments help students develop their critical thinking and writing skills, as well as their ability to effectively communicate their ideas.

English literature graduates have a variety of career options available to them, such as working in education, publishing, journalism, public relations, or marketing. Some graduates may also pursue careers in writing or pursue further studies in literature or a related field.

How Can I Prepare for an English Literature Degree?

looks of work
To avoid falling behind with all the course and reading material, English Literature students need to start things as soon as they receive them. (Source: Unsplash)

So, although an English degree isn’t for everyone, if you identify with a lot of the traits and qualities that are mentioned in this article, you will thrive. But, are there any additional suggestions that can assist English Literature students to prepare for what's ahead of them? Absolutely! Take a look at the following list:

  • Start Ahead of Time: since there's a lot of reading from the start to the finish of an English Literature degree, it's of the utmost importance that students begin as soon as possible to avoid falling behind. Oftentimes professors will provide pupils with a list of reading material so that they can prepare during quieter times of the year such as summer and winter breaks. All in all, start early or you'll regret it.
  • Read Other Sources: instead of solely reading novels or pieces of literature, you might consider reading critical essays or articles about the texts you're analysing. The key theories and critical references are vital to familiarise yourself with literary criticisms of texts.
  • Carefully Revise the Unfamiliar: are there any literary terms and elements that you struggle with or don't comprehend? Well, spend more than the usual time revising them since this is an essential part of preparation.

While we could go on and on mentioning all of the helpful tips that assist English Literature students to prepare, the previously mentioned ones are more than enough. Also, hiring a private tutor is a great idea if you need guided assistance. Take a glance at the wide variety of English Lit instructors available on Superprof.

In conclusion, hopefully, this summary has been helpful for those of you who are considering taking your English studies to the next level. Happy studying!

 

 

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!

5.00 (2 rating(s))
Loading...

Brentyn

Avid movie-goer, reader, skier and language learner. Passionate about life, food and travelling.