Overview:

The English Literature BA at the University of Sheffield develops a broad and critical understanding of literature across historical periods, genres and forms. The foundation pathway combines preparation for degree-level study with subject-focused learning, helping students build the academic confidence, research ability and analytical approach needed for further study in English Literature.

What You'll Learn:

• Academic literacy, communication and effective approaches to university-level study.

• Core mathematical and statistical skills that support academic work and evidence-based thinking.

• Foundations of English, introducing key concepts, practices and methods within the subject.

• Humanities perspectives that place literary study within wider cultural and intellectual contexts.

• Independent research through an extended project connected to the student's intended field.

• Literature across different periods, including poetry, prose, drama and other forms of cultural expression.

• Critical theory and approaches used to interpret texts, genres and literary movements.

• Research methods, academic writing and the development of independent critical perspectives.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the programme, students will be able to approach literary texts with greater confidence and apply appropriate critical methods to their interpretation. They will have strengthened their academic reading, writing, communication and research skills, while developing an informed understanding of how literature can be examined within historical, cultural and theoretical contexts. Students will also be able to plan and complete an extended piece of independent work, select and evaluate relevant information, construct reasoned arguments, and communicate their ideas clearly in an academic setting. The foundation stage provides the subject knowledge and study practices required to progress into more advanced English Literature study, where students can further investigate literary periods, genres, theories and research questions.