Overview:
The English Language and Literature course at Oxford University offers a comprehensive exploration of English writing. This spans from its origins in Anglo-Saxon England to the contemporary era. The programme also goes beyond British literature, allowing students to delve into works written in English from various global perspectives and languages. This, in turn, fosters a multilingual and worldwide understanding of English literature throughout history.
This course also emphasises personalised learning. This enables students to tailor their studies to their interests through core papers, dissertation topics, and final-year special options.
Students also develop advanced reading skills, engage in critical analysis. Within this, they also explore literary techniques, and study the evolution of the English language. Furthermore, the programme provides access to Oxford’s renowned English Faculty, tutorial-based learning, and extensive library resources. It’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of English literature, from its historical roots to its contemporary expressions.
| UCAS Code | Q300 |
| Minimum Entrance Requirements | A-levels – AAA Advanced Highers – AA/AAB IB – 38 (including core points) with 666 at HL |
| Admission Test for English Language and Literature at Oxford | ELAT (English Literature Admissions Test) Test date: 19 October 2023 Registration date: 29 September 2023 |
| Subject Requirements for English Language and Literature at Oxford | English Literature or English Language and Literature are Essential A language and History would also be helpful. |
| Extras things admission tutors look for | Written Work: One piece (2000 words) An analytical discussion of a topic or topics in the field of English literature or any English language topic. Submission deadline: 10 November 2023 |
| Duration | 3 Years (BA) |
| Admissions Statistics | Interviewed: 67% Successful: 25% |
| What is English Language & Literatureat Oxford? | The English Language and Literature course at Oxford University offers students a broad exploration of English writing from its origins to modern times. You will also gain advanced reading skills, learn to analyse literary texts critically, study diverse forms and techniques, and track the evolution of the English language. The programme also provides a range of choices in core papers, dissertation topics, and special options. This will enable you to tailor your studies to your interests. With access to Oxford’s renowned English Faculty, personalised tutorials, and extensive library resources, this course also provides a comprehensive and immersive experience. Not only will you understand but you’ll be able to interpret English literature across historical and contemporary dimensions. |
| What Colleges offer English Language & Literature at Oxford? | Balliol College, Brasenose College, Christ Church, Corpus Christi College, Exeter College, Harris Manchester College, Hertford College, Jesus College, Keble College, Lady Margaret Hall, Lincoln College, Magdalen College, Mansfield College, Merton College, New College, Oriel College, Pembroke College, The Queen’s College, Regent’s Park College, St Anne’s College, St Catherine’s College, St Edmund Hall, St Hilda’s College, St Hugh’s College, St John’s College, St Peter’s College, Somerville College, Trinity College, University College, Wadham College, Worcester College |
| Structure of the English Language and Literature Course at Oxford | Year 1 Four papers are taken: Introduction to English language and literature Early medieval literature, 650–1350 Literature in English, 1830–1910 Literature in English, 1910–present day Three written papers & a portfolio of two essays are also submitted for Introduction to English Language and Literature. Year 2 Course I: Literature in English, 1350–1550 Literature in English, 1550–1660 Literature in English, 1660–1760 Literature in English, 1760–1830 Course II: Literature in English, 650–1100 Medieval English and related literatures 1066–1550 Literature in English, 1350–1550 The history of the English language to c1800 Year 3 Course I: Shakespeare (may also be studied in Year 2) Course II: The material text or Shakespeare (choice of option) Both courses: Special options paper, Dissertation |
| Common Careers after English Language and Literature at Oxford | Graduates of English Language and Literature at Oxford secure opportunities in Law, Advertising, Acting, Publishing, Politics, Teaching, Librarianship, Public Relations, Journalism, Writing, Further Research, Management Consultancy, Finance. |
