Undergraduate Courses

English BA

The BA in English Language and Literature at UCL aims to provide a historically-based overview of all periods of literature. Students are also encouraged to develop their own interests, and can choose to specialise in particular literary periods, in modern English Language, and in non-period-based courses. 

Please see the English BA online prospectus for further details and a list of compulsory and optional modules.

Why study English at UCL?

UCL was one of the first university in England to teach English at undergraduate level. Since then, the department’s courses have evolved to reflect the twin virtues of breadth and depth. Students graduate with a broad understanding of the development of English language and literature over time. They also select from a wide choice of optional courses, and ‘sign-up’ seminars further encourages students to tailor courses around their own interests.

The English Department is committed to in-person teaching. We believe strongly in creating a warm and cohesive environment in which students can learn from, and socialise with, each other. Lectures and seminars are in-person events, which are not usually recorded.

The tutorial system

The department is the only UK English department to offer one-to-one teaching. Our students regularly say that tutorials are the single most important factor behind their academic development, and the most enjoyable aspect of a UCL English degree. Tutorials also enable undergraduates to tailor their degree to their own academic interests.

Students usually work with three tutors across their degree: one in their first year, another in their second, and a third in their final year. Students write essays in preparation for fortnightly meetings with their tutor, during which their work will be discussed and their ideas challenged. Tutorials are designed to improve students’ writing and to prepare them for exams; they also enable students to research topics which are of particular interest to them within a course.

The tutorial is thus not only an unrivalled opportunity for one-to-one supervision, but also a chance to pursue personal research ideas, guided by a tutor.  

Open Day video by Dr Hugh Stevens

Taster sessions 

Dr Charlotte Roberts, Laurence Sterne, The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (1759-67)

Dr Amy Faulkner, Old English Literature, Unlocking the word-hoard

Dr Kathryn Allan, Literary Linguistics, Foregrounding 

Dr Eric Langley, Shakespeare in Plague Time

Dr Hugh Stevens, D. H. Lawrence, Bavarian Gentians

Dr Matthew Sperling, T. S. Eliot, The Waste Land 

Student testimonials

“My time at UCL was transformative. The Department taught me that English is not just about books: it’s a way of looking at the world. Studying Literature is about making connections, and, among other things, demands an understanding of history, science, philosophy, visual art, politics and culture. The course grounds you in all these disciplines. As a result, one leaves UCL prepared to tackle any challenge. The staff are brilliant, as is the one-to-one tutorial system. I will be forever grateful to the UCL English Department in general, and my third-year tutor in particular. Studying English Lit at UCL gives you so much more than just a degree”. Anna Lamche (BA English Graduate)

“I would highly recommend the English course at UCL. I felt it perfectly combined a broad stretch of literary history with the opportunity to focus on whichever particular time period or author took my fancy, all through the excellent teaching of the English faculty.” John Peatfield (BA English Graduate) 

Other courses with English available for undergraduate students

• Modern Language and English BA (administered by the School of European Languages, Culture and Society)

Further information

For information about what the department looks for in a strong UCAS application to all of our BA English programmes and information about the assessment and interview process, please see our Application Process webpage or email jose.delgado@ucl.ac.uk