English Literature (with a Placement Year) (Hons) St Mary's University, Twickenham, London

Overview

The English Literature (with a Placement Year) (Hons) at St Mary's University, Twickenham, London offers an immersive exploration of identity, emotion, and society through a diverse range of literary texts. This programme encourages students to look beyond the written word by engaging with critical thought and interdisciplinary perspectives. By integrating academic rigour with practical experience, the curriculum prepares graduates for successful careers or further postgraduate study.

Students benefit from a curriculum that covers a broad spectrum of topics, including London theatre, gender and sexuality, the Gothic, and modernism. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing you to focus on specific areas of interest across various disciplines.

Why English Literature (with a Placement Year) (Hons) at St Mary's University, Twickenham, London?

The university offers a unique learning environment on a campus steeped in vibrant literary history. A key highlight is the partnership with Strawberry Hill House, the former home of gothic writer Horace Walpole, which provides a geographically distinct and immersive experience. Being located in the capital also grants students direct access to world-renowned resources such as the British Library, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Charles Dickens Museum.

Teaching is delivered by experts in a close-knit community that prioritises student satisfaction and individual growth. You will learn through small group seminars and one-to-one tutoring, ensuring personalised academic support. The programme also emphasises applied humanities, teaching you how to translate literary skills into professional industry practices.

The dedicated placement year, taken between the second and final year, is a defining feature of this degree. It allows you to apply your academic knowledge in a professional setting, building commercial awareness and networking skills. The university’s Careers Team provides extensive support to help you secure these opportunities, enhancing your employability before graduation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: GBP 17100 per year
• National fee: GBP 9535 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Rethinking Modernity and the Liberal Arts
• Public Role of the Arts and Humanities
• Critical Theory and Literature
• London Theatre
• Romanticism and the Canon
• Gothic Cultures
• Writing the Renaissance
• Gender and Sexuality in the Novel
• Global Modernisms

Careers with English Literature (with a Placement Year) (Hons)

Graduates develop essential transferable skills, including critical thinking, flexibility, and professional communication. These attributes are highly valued across a variety of sectors. The placement year specifically prepares students for the rigours of the modern workplace, often leading directly to graduate roles.

Common career paths for graduates of this programme include roles in publishing, journalism, and media. Others find success in research, management, and public engagement. The university’s Career Services provide ongoing advice to help students navigate their progression into these competitive industries.