English buffs, here are 4 UK unis to consider for a BA English

When it comes to a degree in English Literature, there’s no doubt that the UK is arguably the best place to go. As a country rich in history and culture, the practice and study of English in the UK rolls back centuries — making it the ideal study destination for any aspiring literature student. 

Still, applying for a BA English degree in the UK might be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of universities that offer the subject. Should you possess the grades and resilience, the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Durham University will most likely be among your top choices. 

However, these universities are notoriously difficult to get into — especially for English and the classics. Scoring an offer is already a huge feat, but does not guarantee an offer if your final grades don’t meet their conditions. In this, you might consider other universities that have a solid reputation for their expertise in English literature, and will look just as great on your CV once you graduate. 

Here are some of the top foolproof options for a BA English.

Loughborough University offers a unique and comprehensive BA English degree. Source: Brandon Bell/AFP

Universities to consider for a BA English

Loughborough University

Loughborough University stands among some of the most well-respected institutions in the UK. Ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK in multiple league tables, earning a place at Loughborough will guarantee you success in your career and beyond. 

Still, it remains one of the friendliest universities for international students — with decidedly lower and more attainable entry requirements compared to other top UK institutions. 

Its three-year (or four, if you decide to do a placement year) BA English programme is largely flexible, letting you tailor your studies according to your interests. Modules are designed according to current research and publications, whilst also delving into the history and development of literature as a whole. 

Entry requirements for Loughborough are: AAB for A Level students. General entry requirements for other qualifications can be found here. 

Royal Holloway, University of London

With its spiralling structures, the Royal Holloway campus is exactly what you’d expect out of a classic British campus experience. However, students here get the best of both worlds. The campus is only a short train ride away from London, making for plenty of opportunities to visit the illustrious capital on weekends and days off. 

Its BA English course covers the core aspects of literature, delving into classic Shakespearean texts, to name a few. Royal Holloway also offers students a wide variety of modules to choose from. These cover over a thousand years of English, American and global literature, as well as pursue other skills such as creative writing. 

Entry requirements are AAB-ABB for A Level students.

There are many other options to consider if you don’t meet the requirements of your offer. Source: Isaac Lawrence/AFP

University of Kent

The University of Kent is another institution steeped in history and culture, making it perfect for literature students. More than that, it’s one of the top-ranked public universities in the UK and famed worldwide for its research and academic contributions — which can help tremendously when it comes to your future career. 

Kent has a BA English Literature degree with honours that benefits from its location in a historical county. Studying works from the mediaeval era to modern texts are common at Kent, and modules often cover British, Irish, American, Indigenous, Postcolonial and World literature. All the while, you’re taught by industry professionals in the field. 

Entry requirements are BBB for A Level students, which must include a Humanities-based essay writing subject. 

University of Reading

The University of Reading has established a formidable name for itself for producing dependable, skilled, and knowledgeable graduates. 

Graduates of its BA English Literature course are no different. What sets this degree apart is its focus on other aspects of literary studies, such as children’s literature to publishing studies and the history of the book.

This gives you a wide-reaching perspective of the subject, in addition to deepening and grounding the knowledge you’ve gained. 

Entry requirements for the University of Reading are BBB for A Level students.