Birkbeck, University of London is a public research university located in London, UK. It was founded in 1823 and is known for its evening teaching, allowing students to work during the day and study in the evening. Birkbeck offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, social sciences, law, science, and business. The university has a diverse student population of 13,937, including 1,270 international students. Birkbeck has a strong research focus and is part of the prestigious University of London federation.

Are you fascinated by literature and its cultural and political contexts? Our BA English offers you the chance to study the full range of English literature and to develop valuable new skills in writing, reading and critical thinking.

Based on our historic campus in the heart of London, you’ll gain a detailed knowledge of literary works from the medieval period to the present day and discover authors from a variety of places and cultures.

Foundational modules introduce you to key techniques in literary analysis, and show you how theoretical approaches such as feminism, post-colonialism and psychoanalysis can transform the ways in which you read and think. You'll build key skills in:

close reading
academic and professional writing
using literary theories
undertaking research.
You can then choose from a range of option modules that allow you to focus on single authors, genres and literary periods.

You’ll read texts by writers such as Dickens, Zadie Smith, Shakespeare and Plath, encounter genres such as science fiction and romance, and explore literary forms from the novel to comics and beyond. The course’s flexible structure allows you to shape your degree according to your own literary and critical interests.

If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

Birkbeck, University of London is a public research university located in Bloomsbury, London, United Kingdom. It was established in 1823 as the London Mechanics' Institute, and in 1920 it became a constituent college of the University of London. Birkbeck is known for its evening teaching and flexible study options, which make higher education accessible to working professionals and adult learners. Birkbeck offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, humanities, law, science, social sciences, business, and psychology. The university has a strong research focus, and it is ranked among the top research-intensive universities in the UK. Birkbeck's research strengths are in the areas of Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Psychology. As of 2022, Birkbeck has a total student population of 13,937, out of which 1,270 are international students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from over 120 countries, and it prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive institution. Birkbeck has a strong reputation for providing high-quality education, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers in various industries. Birkbeck is located in the heart of London, which provides students with access to a vibrant cultural and social scene. The university has several campuses, including the main campus in Bloomsbury, as well as satellite campuses in Stratford, Hackney, and East London. Birkbeck is also known for its strong links with industry and the local community, which provide students with valuable opportunities for work experience and networking.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it