A dynamic degree that offers students the chance to study in the heart of London and engage with its literary history. Our teaching is of the highest quality and our modules cover the global history of literatures in English. The programme introduces students to a range of theoretical and historical approaches to literary study. This degree will develop essential skills in critical thinking, expression and research.
KEY BENEFITS
- One of the oldest English departments in the country, with an international reputation for the quality of its teaching and research.
- Personal attention given to each student, creating a vibrant intellectual atmosphere and a network of support.
- Offers a wide range of modules and diverse approaches.
- Central London location offers access to Shakespeare’s Globe, and countless other sites and buildings with literary associations.
- Graduates develop transferable analytical and communications skills making them highly desirable to employers across a range of sectors.
UCAS code
Q300
Programme type
Single honours
Duration
Three years
Location
Strand Campus
Year of entry 2014
Offered by
School of Arts and Humanities
Department of English
Closing date
Please refer to the
UCAS website for application deadline dates, or contact the relevant Admissions Office for further advice
Fees & funding
For information on fees and funding for undergraduate programmes at King's go to
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ug/funding/ CONTACTS
Address
Department of English
King's College London
Strand Campus
Strand
London WC2R 2LS
Email
Tel
020 7848 2350/2374
Fax
020 7848 7200
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
English is the world's primary language of international communication and our Department therefore has a special responsibility not only to provide skills in the use of the English language at the analytical level but also to develop the process of thinking itself through a critical examination of its literatures. We pride ourselves not only on the range and diversity of the modules we offer, from medieval literature to modern poetry and women's writing, but also on the diversity of the approaches we employ, from contemporary literary theory to close textual examination and historical scholarship. We aim to offer the best of teaching on the classic English texts together with open and imaginative approaches to newer and less familiar developments in the discipline.
Your first year modules provide a basis for modules taken in your second and final years. Second year modules are chosen within a banding system, designed for a balanced structure of study, whilst in the third year a wide choice is available, allowing you to specialise in your particular interests. Your close study of English literature will encourage and develop a clear critical thinking and succinct expression of ideas that are concrete and valuable assets in today's job market.
ABOUT THE Department of English
CAREERS
English is a flexible and adaptable subject that equips you with a wide range of transferable skills appropriate to many different occupations. Graduates in English possess skills in written and spoken communication, independent thought and judgement, critical thinking and research, all of which are highly valued by employers. Applicants may be interested in a career in journalism, publishing and the creative industries, or in education and research. Many graduates also go into general management, consultancy and the public services.
Recent graduates have found employment as….
• Lecturer, King’s College London
• Librarian, London Borough of Barnet
• Marketing Executive, Ensphere
• Charity Fundraiser, Gogen
• Content Editor, Thomson Reuters UK Professional
• Corporate Affairs Intern, Cadbury Plc
• English Teacher, St Giles College
• Graduate Management Trainee, Sotheby’s
• Junior Script Reader, Altered Image
• National Events Executive, Fundraising & Marketing, cancer research uK
• Recruitment Consultant, Michael Page International
• Website Administrator, Walkopedia.ne
TEACHING STYLE
The department attaches great importance to the personal attention it gives to each student. All modules involve seminars, and on a typical module your time is equally divided between these and more formal lectures. We have an effective personal tutor system and a staff-student committee. The department has an international reputation for the quality of its scholarship and all members of staff are actively involved in research. Tutors aim to connect research and teaching, both in the classroom and at the many extra research seminars, poetry readings and literary events held in the department. Individual staff members are frequently called upon to contribute their specialist knowledge to newspapers and other media.
The Arden Shakespeare is edited from King’s, and there are major recent publications on medieval literature and visual culture, early modern drama, 18th-century and Romantic cultural history, Victorian literature and culture, urbanism, 19th and 20th-century American literature, Australian literature and postcolonial literature and textual editing.
STRUCTURE OF PROGRAMMES & ASSESSMENT
Your final degree classification is determined by the marks you obtain in each of the three years of the degree. Second- and third-year modules may be chosen from a wide range of options. The department makes use of a variety of assessment methods including both essays and examinations.
LOCATION
More than any other capital, London is a city of words, and to study English at its centre is to be reminded continually of the power of language to shape our sense of history and of place. Within 20 minutes’ walk of the Department of English at King’s Strand Campus are Shakespeare’s Globe and the site of the Tabard Inn, where Chaucer’s pilgrims started out on their journey. Even closer at hand are the Inns of Court, Covent Garden, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (London’s oldest working theatre) and countless other sites and buildings with literary associations.
Currently, students study the following core modules. If there are option modules available the current choices are also shown. King's reviews its option modules on a regular basis, in order to continue to offer innovative and exciting programmes and this list is therefore subject to change. Please check here for updates.
YEAR 1
You will take eight modules, one of which is an optional module taken with another department.
YEAR 1 CORE
- Classical and Biblical Contexts of English Literature
- Introducing Literary Theories
- Language and Time
- Medieval Literary Culture
- Reading Poetry
- Renaissance Literature
- Writing London
YEAR 1 OPTIONS
Selected options may be offered by the following departments:
- American Studies
- Byzantine & Modern Greek Studies
- Centre for Computing in the Humanities
- French
- Comparative Literature
- Film Studies
- Modern Language Centre
- Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
- Spanish & Spanish American Studies
- Theology & Religious Studies
YEAR 2
You will choose eight modules from a wide range of options. The department operates a banding system in the second year, to ensure a balanced programme of study. The following options may be offered in a given year.
YEAR 2 OPTIONS
- A Mad World, My Masters: Performing Culture in Jacobean London
- Australian Literature and Film
- Creative Writing: Poetry
- Cultural Encounters: Literature & Language in Anglo-Saxon England
- Early Modern Sexualities
- Eighteenth-Century Travel Writing
- First World War Literature
- History, Politics & the Elizabethan Imagination
- Irish Literature & Culture
- Language of Dance
- Modernist Fiction
- Rise of the Novel
- Narrating the Nation
- Performance in Medieval Culture
- Romanticism, Revolution and Representation 1776-1832
- Shakespeare in London
- Subjects of Desire in Medieval Religious Writings
- The Fin de Siecle
- Theatre Capital
- Victorians & Social Change 1840-1870
YEAR 3
You will choose eight modules from a wide range of options. Alternatively, you will have the option to choose six modules and a dissertation option. The following options may be offered in a given year.
YEAR 3 OPTIONS
- Ancient Lyric and Poetry
- Autobiography & Modern Self-Representation
- Beowulf: Heroes and Other Monsters
- British Literature and Film
- Court Cultures in the Age of Elizabeth I
- Creative Writing: Drama
- Critically Queer: Literature, Culture & Queer Theory
- Elizabethan Shakespeare
- Gender and Performance
- Imagined Worlds
- Jacobean Shakespeare
- James Joyce & Ulysses
- Jane Austen in Context
- Literature and Impressionism
- Medieval Romance
- Memory and Time in the 19th Century
- Performance Philosophy
- Post Colonial Australian Literature
- Post Colonial Perspectives
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Australia
Tertiary Entrance Ranking
97+ ATAR, or an OP of band 2 for Queensland with high marks in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Austria
Reifezeugnis (Matura)
Reifezeugnis with 1 including 1 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Belgium
Certificat D
Certificat D’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur/Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with 8 or 18 including 8 or 18 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Brazil
Brazil
High School Leaving Certificate (Certificado de Ensino Médio) with 8 OR B OR Muito Bom PLUS at least one year of Bacharel/Licenciado at a Brazilian University with a GPA of at least 8.0 OR the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of AAA including A in English (Literature or Language). Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Bulgaria
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with the majority of subject marks of 5.5 including 5.5 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Canada
Secondary School Certificate/Diploma
High School Certificate/Diploma with 90% OR Ontario University Preparatory Course with 90% at five grade 12 4U subjects. The sixth subject may be at 4U or 4U/C level. OR the Quebec CEGEP Cote R with an overall R score of 33. Including high marks in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Chile
Chile
Licencia de Educación Media with 6 PLUS at least one year of the Licenciatura at a Chilean university with a mark of 5 OR the Kings College London International Foundation Programme OR 3 A-levels with grades of AAA. Including A in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
China
Gao Kao (University Entrance Examination)
University Entrance Examination with high marks in English plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Chinese university with at least 80%. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Cyprus
Apolytirion
Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate) with 19 including high marks in English plus at least an additional foundation/Access year. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Czech Republic
Maturita
Maturita with 1 including 1 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Denmark
Studentereksamen or Hjere Forberedelseseksamen
Studentereksamen or Højere Forberedelseseksamen with 11 including 10 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Estonia
Gmnaasiumi lputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with majority marks of 5,(including grade 5 in English) and an attestation of success in the state entry examinations (Riigieksamitunnistus). Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Finland
Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (National Matriculation)
Ylioppilastutkinto with 6 including 6 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
France
Baccalaureat (including the option internationale baccalaureat)
Baccalaureate with 14 overall and 13 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Germany
Abitur
Abitur with 1.3 overall including 1.5 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Ghana
School Leaving Certificate
the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 international Cambridge-board A levels at AAA including A in English Literature or English literature/language combined. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Greece
Apolytirion
Apolytirion with 19 including 18 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Three elective subjects at minimum Levels 5, 5, 5 to include Literature in English plus Level 4 in each of the four core subjects. Subjects balanced towards the arts and languages preferred.
Hungary
Erettsegi
Erettsegi with 5 including 5 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
India
School Leaving Certificate
School Leaving Certificate with 85% overall OR School Leaving Certificate with 75% with at least a foundation/Access year or year of undergraduate study at an Indian university. Including high marks in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Iran
School Leaving Certificate
Pre-University Certificate (Peeshdaneshgahe) OR the National Entrance Exam (Kunkur) with 16 OR 3 Cambridge A levels at AAA. All including high marks in English Literature of English literature/language combined. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Ireland
Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher level unless otherwise stated)
AA1 A1 A1 A2 B1 B1 with Grade A in English Higher Level , and preferably another 'arts' subject at Higher Level and a Modern or Ancient Language at Ordinary level preferred
Italy
Esame di Stato
Esame di Stato with 90 including high marks in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Japan
School Leaving Certificate
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) PLUS 3 Cambridge Board International A-levels at AAA OR an Associate degree or Diploma from a Junior College (Jun-Gakushi) with a GPA of 3.3 or B+ or 4 OR a foundation year. Including high marks in English (Literature or literature/language combined). Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Latvia
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education)
Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu with 8 with high marks in English (Literature or Literature/language combined) plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Latvian university. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas (Maturity Certificate)
Brandos Atestatas with 90 with high marks in English (Literature or Language) plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Lithuanian university
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin D
Diplome de Fin D’Etudes Secondaires with Tres Bien including Tres Bien in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Malta
Matriculation Certificate - Advanced level
Matriculation Certificate with AAA including A in English (Literature or Literature/Language combined). Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Mexico
Mexico
The Bachillerato with a mark of 8 PLUS the King’s College London International Foundation Programme OR at least one year of the Licenciado study with an overall average mark of at least 8/10 OR A-levels with grades of AAB. Including A in English (Literature or Literature/Language combined). Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Moldova
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9 including 9 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Netherlands
Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO)
VWO with 8.0 including 7.5 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3 (NCEA)
the NCEA level 3 with E in the majority of standards/modules in four subjects,including Excellent in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Nigeria
School Leaving Certificate
The Senior School Certificate (SSC/SSCE) OR the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC/WASSCE) PLUS 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAA including A in English (Literature or Language/Literature combined)
Norway
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering (Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate)
Vitnemal-videregaende opplaering grade 5 including grade 5 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Pakistan
High School Certificate (HSSC)
High School Certificate with A1 and a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Pakistani university. High grades in English literature required. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Poland
Matura
Matura with 85% in extended level subjects, with high marks in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Portugal
Diploma de Ensino Secundário
Diploma de Ensino Secundário with 18 with high marks in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Romania
School Leaving Certificate
Diploma de Bacalaureat with 9 including 8 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Russia
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education)
Attest o (Polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii with an average of 4.5 including 5 in English), plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Russian university. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Saudi Arabia
School Leaving Certificate
College of Technology Diploma OR Higher Technical Institute Diploma OR Junior Health College Diploma OR Undergraduate Diploma with 85% OR 3 Cambridge International A levels at AAA. All including high marks in English (Literature or Language/Literature combined). Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Singapore
Singapore A Level
AAA in three content-based H2 subjects (including English Literature, or English literature/language combined). Knowledge and Inquiry is not considered as part of the offer. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Slovakia
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuska/Maturita
Vysvedcenie Maturitnej Skuske/Maturita with 2 including 2 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Slovenia
Maturitetno Spricevalo (Secondary School Leaving Certificate)
Maturitetno Spricevalo with 5 including 5 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
South Africa
South African Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement
The National Senior Certificate with Matriculation endorsement with AAAAB including A in English Literature. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller
Titulo de Bachiller with 9 overall including 8 in English . Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Sweden
Fullständigt Slutbetyg (School Leaving Certificate)
Fullstandigt Slutbeytg with MVG including MVG in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Switzerland
Federal Maturity Certificate
The Federal Maturity Certificate with an overall mark of 5 including 5 in English. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi (High School Diploma)
Lise Diplomasi with an overall mark of 4 with high marks in English plus at least a foundation/Access year or one year of undergraduate study at a Turkish university. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
United Kingdom
A levels
AAA
Compulsory subjects
Grade A in English Literature or combined English Language and Literature. Preferred subjects: English Literature and another arts subject at A-level , and a GCSE in a Modern or Ancient Language.
12 unit A level in vocational subjects
Not acceptable
General Studies and Critical Thinking - College policy
Please note that AS/A level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted by King's as one of your A or AS levels. However, if offered the grade achieved may be taken into account when considering whether or not to accept a candidate who has just fallen short of the conditions of their offer
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma study of English Literature or combined English Language and Literature at Level 3 required with 36 Level 3 credits from units awarded at Distinction, with the remaining credits at Merit. Supplementary information and achievement e.g marks for certain credits/subjects may be required depending on course content. Subject combinations balanced more towards the arts are preferred. GCSE: Modern or Ancient Language.
Cambridge Pre-U
3 Pre-U Principal Subjects with grades of D3 D3 D3 including D3 in English. Two Arts subjects as Principals subjects and GCSE (or equivalent) Modern or Ancient Language preferred
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
Considered on an individual basis
Scottish Highers & Advanced Highers
AAAAB in Highers and AA at Advanced Higher, with grade A in English .Preferred other subjects: arts subjects, modern/ancient language.
International Baccalaureate
35 points overall with HL 666 including 6 in English Literature. Preferred subjects: English Literature and another arts subject
European Baccalaureate
85% overall including 8.5 in English, and and preferably at least one other 'arts' related subjects. Study of a modern or ancient language also preferred.
USA
Advanced Placement Tests and/or SAT/ACT (SAT/ACT acceptable only where stipulated)
Three AP subjects with 555 including 5 in English at grade 5. Or SAT with a total score of 1900 with at least 600 in each section or the ACT with a score of 28 plus 3 SAT-S including English with a score of 600 in each. Preferred subjects: one other 'arts' subject, and study of a modern/ancient language.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Aptitude testing
No test required
NON ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Scholastic activities
We look for applicants with an enthusiasm for scholastic activities such as reading, drama, philosophical interests, debating or writing which shows signs of an enquiring and critical attitude in the appreciation of literature and the arts. Participation will be valued but achievement in these areas of interest will also be recognised. We also look for signs of breadth of applicant's reading - especially reading that goes beyond the scope of school syllabus (eg reading that extends beyond A level set texts).
Community activities
We look for applicants who have participated as fully as possible in school, college or community life, making the most of the opportunities available to them. Artistic and literary interests, achievements, and contributions to the school and broader community are taken into account, eg membership of writing or literary appreciation clubs, and participation in theatrical productions, poetry readings and literary festivals and exhibitions.
General activities/interests
We look for applicants who have varied extra-curricular interests and enjoy active participation in areas such as sport, travelling, outdoor activities, crafts and community work. Participation will be valued but any achievement in extra-curricular activities will also be recognised. We hope to attract applicants who enjoy reading and analysing literature and poetry in their leisure time, and also those who enjoy writing, be it poetry, plays, books or journalistic articles. King's aspires to recruit applicants who will continue with their personal interests and contribute to the vitality of the College community.
Paid or voluntary work
Although we do not require applicants to have been in paid or voluntary employment, we welcome applications from those who can demonstrate tenacity and an ability to prioritise by being employed in work alongside their studies.
Interviewing
Are all applicants interviewed? No, interviewees are selected. We aim to interview all mature applicants who can demonstrate commitment to English by engaging in recent academic study (eg Access, Open University, extra-mural study). We interview a select number of candidates whose qualifications, experience etc. indicate that they are of borderline standard when considered alongside our standard entry requirements, or whose recent personal circumstances may have adversely affected their A-level predictions.
Are all those made an offer interviewed? No. Majority of admissions decisions are made on basis of information provided on UCAS form. In addition to qualifications predicted or achieved, we read Personal Statement carefully for signs of width of reading and enthusiasm for English; we also assess school or college reference.
What form does it take? 15 minutes, structured around literary example, with tow interviewers. Interviewees will be asked to arrive 30 minutes early, and will be given literary extract to read. Interview questions will ask applicant to (i) talk about extract; (ii) talk about English studies at school; (iii) talk about reading outside school. Interview may also draw upon information provided in applicant's Personal Statement.
What is considered at interview? Skills in literary analysis. Original thinking. Enthusiasm for English. Oral communication skills. Exploring aspects of interviewee's UCAS form.
If you are interested in coming to King’s, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply online via the UCAS website (click on 'apply'). If you are applying through a school or college, you will need to obtain a 'buzzword' from the centre you are applying through. Alternatively, you can apply as an individual, independent of a school or college. Please see the UCAS website for instructions. The UCAS institution code name for King’s is KCL, and the institution code is K60.
There are a few programmes which require direct application to King's, this will be stated above
The majority of our admissions decisions are made on the basis of information provided on the UCAS form. We aim to interview the majority of mature applicants (with relevant life experience) who apply by the UCAS deadline and who can demonstrate a commitment to English by engaging in recent study (eg Access). We also interview a proportion of other candidates who we consider borderline when considered alongside our standard entry requirements. Interviews will draw upon information provided in the interviewee’s personal statement; interviews may also be structured around a discussion of a short literary text. Any candidate offered a place will be given the opportunity to attend an open afternoon at which presentations are made on various aspects of the BA programme, and to tour the campus. As we receive a large number of applications each year, entry is highly selective.