BA (Hons) Modern English Literature

- Join a dynamic, research-led community passionate about the study of literature where you can focus on modern novels and poetry- Tailor a programme to your interests from a diverse range of global writers and approaches to contemporary literature, culture and theory- Attend the University of Winchester Writers’ Festival and Winchester Reading Series – an opportunity to meet authors, publishers and agents- Add an extra string to your bow by teaching on the Japan Exchange and gaining a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.How are modern writers exploring the tumultuous world we inhabit in their books? What are the most important literary and theoretical developments of recent decades? What impact are new technologies and globalisation having on narrative form and style?On this dynamic degree you can explore these questions, and push the boundaries of the discipline by focusing on cutting-edge debates about 20th- and 21st-century English Literature.Guided by our supportive teaching staff, who are all part of the university’s thriving literary research culture, you study the ideas of the most exciting critical thinkers in contemporary cultural debate, using innovative learning and teaching methods.An avid reader, you will explore the impact of modernity in a variety of ways, including narrative originality, social and historical shifts, identity politics, and cultural and critical theory. As well as attending lectures and seminars, you will also learn through more progressive and collaborative means, such as blogging and online forums, giving peer feedback on essay drafts and working in study groups and workshops.It is this mix of traditional and creative learning and teaching methods that makes our programme so dynamic and engaging, as well as fully equipping you for life after your degree.Over three years, you study a mixture of optional and mandatory modules – the latter build core skills such as critical thinking and reading in context. There’s the flexibility to add to your study of literary texts with modules in English Language, Creative Writing and/or American Studies. And we currently offer you the opportunity to study one semester in Japan at the University of Nagoya, where you can gain a Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.Year 1 lays the course foundation with mandatory modules in Studying English Literature, World Literature, Literature in Context, Intertextuality and Introduction to Poetry.In Year 2, these skills are deepened in Critical Theory, while Preparation for Research develops research methods and helps you to prepare a professional portfolio. There is a wider range of optional modules in Years 2 and 3 allowing you to engage with the writers and movements that most inspire you. These may include: Shakespeare and Early Modern Comedy, Gothic and Romantic Fiction, and Modernism.In your third and final year you will be able to identify a research project in an area of modern English literature that excites you, leading to a dissertation supervised by a specialist member of staff. Optional modules may include: Globalisation and Contemporary Fiction, Romantic Celebrity Culture, and Utopian and Dystopian Fiction. Finally, you take a vocational module from a suite of options that will prepare you for life after study by teaching key employability skills.A degree in Modern English Literature opens many doors. A range of highly transferable qualities, including analytical thinking, evaluative and research skills, self-discipline, and effective written and spoken communication, enables you to excel in a variety of fields not just confined to the arts.