Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies
Studying English and Comparative Literary Studies gives you the opportunity to study texts from a variety of different national, cultural and linguistic groups and to develop advanced literacy and communication skills.
Why Study English At Warwick?
The Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies is consistently ranked in the top five English departments in the UK.
It is a major base for comparative literary studies and has established strengths in American, European, 18th-, 19th- and 20th-century literatures, in medieval and early modern studies, Romanticism, gender, post‑colonialism, contemporary writing, and literary and cultural theory. An emerging research focus is the place and meaning of English literature in a globalised society.
Our courses offer students the opportunity to learn from the best. We have a diverse and vibrant cohort of staff all of whom are world-renowned scholars in their fields.
We are committed to giving you the most stimulating and rigorous learning experience, and are at the forefront of pioneering new teaching and assessment strategies in Higher Education.
The Department offers a variety of mechanisms to ensure that your learning is always fully supported. A dedicated Personal Tutor will provide advice on your academic progress and help you make the most of a Warwick education.
Student Profile: Stephanie Taylor,
3rd year, English Literature
'One of the things I’ve most enjoyed about studying English at Warwick is the option to make my learning interdisciplinary. I’m about to embark on a ‘creative project’ for my Shakespeare module, and instead of just writing an essay, I’m planning to abridge one of Shakespeare’s plays and make it into a radio drama.
My affiliation with Warwick’s student radio station ‘RaW’ has given me the facilities I need to achieve this ambitious idea! The Institute of Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL) has strongly shaped my time at Warwick. Their applied performance opportunities have shown me that Warwick is at the forefront of progressive ways of teaching. IATL gave us a budget to research and document global warming, whilst they created an interactive performance inspired by our findings'.
You will be encouraged to participate in a wide range of exciting and inspiring events, including theatre trips, Writers Lunches, poetry readings, and workshop sessions.
Royal Literary Fund Fellows – professional writers appointed to assist Warwick students with the research, planning and writing of essays – will offer expert one-to-one support.
The Department is home to the internationally-acclaimed Warwick Writing Programme, which aims to foster excellence in academic, creative and professional writing through a range of literary events. Guest writers have included Martin Amis, A.S. Byatt, Salman Rushdie and Carol Ann Duffy.
How Will I Be Taught?
You will experience small group teaching – the traditional weekly seminar – and central lectures on core modules. You will also encounter Warwick’s uniquely developed ‘open space learning’ that uses creative techniques to transform your learning experience.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Assessment combines the traditional (essays and written examinations) with the innovative (creative projects and portfolios).
What Opportunities Are There To Study Abroad?
Our students have the opportunity to spend a year abroad at one of the University’s partner institutions in Europe, America or Asia.
What Careers Can A Warwick Degree In English Lead To?
An English degree from Warwick will equip you with a broad set of skills – skills of writing, argument, critical analysis and debate, independence of thought and creativity – that are highly valued in many employment sectors. Recent employment secured by our graduates includes jobs in theatre marketing, copywriting, TV documentary research, journalism, advertising and teaching. Many graduates join our large and thriving postgraduate community.
DEGREES
English Literature Q300 BA/ELit
English Literature and Creative Writing QW38 BA/ECR
English and Theatre Studies QW34 BA/EThS
English and French QR31 BA/EFr (see French)
English and German Literature QR32 BA/EGe (see German)
English and Italian Literature QR33 BA/EIL4 (see Italian)
English and Latin Literature QQ36 BA/ELL (see Classics and Ancient History)
Film and Literature QW26 BA/FilLit (see Film and Television)
Philosophy and Literature VQ52 BA/PhiLit (see Philosophy)
FURTHER INFORMATION
Gap Year: Applications for deferred entry are welcomed, but competition is likely to be intense.
Interviews: We prefer to interview candidates before making an offer. The interview is tailormade to each candidate and is designed to explore the candidate’s individual suitability for study a Warwick. Interviews do not, therefore, follow a set pattern.
Open Days: The Department participates
in University-wide Open Days throughout the year. Candidates invited to interview will also be offered the opportunity to meet departmental staff and students and view the campus facilities.
Admissions: +44 (0)24 7652 3723
Email: ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk
More about undergraduate study in English and Comparative Literary Studies
