BA (Hons) in English Literature and Politics with Placement Year, Lancaster University

Lancaster,

48 Months

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About this course

This interdisciplinary programme allows you to develop your critical voice by exploring literature alongside a wide range of contemporary political issues. You’ll engage with literary genres from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, examining themes such as Englishness, Empire, power, law, and societal change. Politics modules are guided by active experts discussing topics like global conflicts, domestic governance, human rights, and environmental crises, providing a future-facing outlook. The course combines literary analysis with political studies, encouraging you to read texts attentively with political themes and to explore politics through literary themes. Opportunities for trips to theatres, the Lake District, international study trips, and internships (e.g., with the Richardson Institute) are integrated to enhance your practical and analytical skills. Regular seminars, guest speakers, access to literary journals, and close-knit teaching foster a vibrant academic community focused on current social, political, and environmental issues.

Why this course is highly recommended

Lancaster’s programme is highly regarded for its unique interdisciplinary approach, combining literature and politics to address fundamental human questions like power, rights, and ethics. Its strong links with active research centres and external organizations provide students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. The proximity to the Lake District enhances the study of Romanticism, and student involvement in journals, events, and visits enriches the academic experience. The course equips students with versatile analysis, communication, and persuasion skills valued in diverse careers such as journalism, policy, publishing, or further academic research.

Specialisation

The course offers specialization in both English Literature and Politics, with the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary links such as political themes in literature and literary themes in politics. The curriculum includes core modules like Literature in Time and Political in the Modern World, alongside optional modules like World Literature, Colonial and Postcolonial Literature, and International Relations. The placement year extends your study to four years, allowing practical experience through internships and real-world research projects, including opportunities with the Richardson Institute for Peace Studies.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

26.07L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants need an A level profile of AAB, with English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component). Additional qualifications such as the BTEC, IB, or Scottish Highers are accepted, and GCSE profiles are considered holistically. The course structure includes four years: three academic years plus a placement year. Modules vary yearly but encompass core modules in literature and politics, with optional modules exploring global politics, literature, religion, and postcolonial studies. A dissertation/project is required in the final year.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme develop skills highly valued across sectors such as journalism, marketing, teaching, civil and diplomatic services, politics, publishing, and copywriting. The course’s emphasis on analysis, communication, and critique also enables further postgraduate study, including Master’s and PhDs. Internships and placements, for example with the Richardson Institute, build practical experience, opening doors to careers in policy, NGOs, think tanks, or media, and providing a foundation for careers addressing social, political, and environmental issues globally.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Applicants typically need AAB at A level, with additional qualifications such as IB 35 points, BTEC DDD, or equivalent. English language requirements include IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component.

Does the course include an internship or placement year?

Yes, the course includes a placement year between the second and final years, offering work experience in relevant sectors, supported by Lancaster’s careers team.