English Literature (Hons) University of Kent

Overview

#4 in the UK for IT resources and facilities supporting my learning (NSS 2026).

Uncover 1000 years of writing that has changed the world.

From Chaucer to Taylor Swift, from Shakespearean drama to dystopian fiction, from Jane Austen to Virginia Woolf, you’ll be asked to think about how literature shapes our society.

Where does the power of words come from? Why in a digital age does authentic writing continue to strike such a powerful chord?

Books challenge, define and change us. We believe strongly in the power of literature to shape our society: studying literature at Kent will help you to identify your commitments and purposes and discover new communities.

You will be introduced to the analysis, discussion and critique of texts from novels, song lyrics and poems to substacks, magazines and plays. Learn in small group seminars where you benefit from individual feedback and engagement with your lecturers.

Build expertise in critical thinking, research and digital and print literacy through a range of assessments from traditional essays to videos, journals, digital archive investigations and multimedia briefs.

Implement your new skills in the third year ‘Project’ module, where you are mentored in individual tutorials. On this capstone module you take the lead on project development and management by designing, drafting and completing a longer piece of work in the form of your choice: dissertation, video, creative-critical essay, game, artist’s book, podcast or print media.