the United Kingdom
University of Portsmouth| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | Full-time, Sandwich | 3 - 4 years | September | - | - |
Overview
Explore how language shapes everything from social justice to personal identity, and how stories help us make sense of it all.
This degree blends the best of both subjects. You’ll dive into literature from Shakespeare to the present day, engaging with powerful voices from around the globe and across genres. Study how stories respond to and reflect the world, tackling issues like inequality, identity, and the power of persuasion. You'll learn to analyse texts critically, analysing their rhetorical techniques and assessing the validity of their claims, a crucial skill in an age of ‘fake news’.
In the English Language component, you’ll gain a strong foundation in how language works — from rhetoric and pragmatics ,to accents and dialects. Explore how language shapes society and how its analysis can be applied in real-world contexts, from identifying criminal suspects and diagnosing speech impairments, to building rapport and spotting ideological bias. These modules also connect closely with your literary studies, as you examine how language evolves, how context shapes meaning, and how we communicate across different settings.
This course develops your ability to think deeply, write clearly, and communicate with purpose — skills that open doors in fields from publishing and media to education and beyond.
Careers and opportunities
This combined degree sets you up for careers where communication, cultural insight and analytical thinking make a difference. Employers across a wide range of sectors value the unique blend of skills you'll develop through studying both language and literature. Your CV will demonstrate:
What areas can you work in with an English Language and Literature degree?
After the course, you could work in areas such as:
You could also study at postgraduate level.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Careers and Employability Service to help you find your perfect role.
65%in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.
Data for courses in Literature in English at University of Portsmouth
Placement year (optional)
After your second or third year of study, you can choose to do a paid work placement year in the UK or overseas. This lets you put your new skills to work while developing valuable links with employers.
It’s fantastic for your CV and will really help you stand out when applying for jobs after graduation.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. Mentoring and support throughout your placement will help you to get the most from the experience.
You could also choose to set up your own business, take a voluntary placement or study abroad.
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Consider a Foundation or Pathway course at University of Portsmouth to prepare for your chosen course:
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course then consider one of these courses from another institution:
There are 525 other courses listed from University of Portsmouth. A selection of these are displayed below:
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