The way we communicate has the power to inspire, shift perspectives and drive action. It can change the way people see the world, but it can also be used to try to control ideas and opinions.
The BA English programme will help you to consider how literature and language can influence public opinion, and address current political, social and environmental challenges.
Your passion for reading and communication are at the heart of BA English at the University of Hull. We encourage you to value your own lived experiences, to explore how communication has impacted on these, and to connect them with those of people from diverse cultures and time periods.
You will be taught by experts in a region with a rich literary and cultural history. Renowned authors Andrew Marvell, Phillip Larkin, Stevie Smith, Tom Paulin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Winifred Holtby and Matt Haig, as well as film director Anthony Minghella, all have ties to both the University and the city.
Joint 3rd in the UK
for Value Added Score
The Guardian University Rankings, 2026
1st in Yorkshire
for Learning Resources
National Student Survey (NSS) 2025, HEIs only
Study part-time
alongside your career
Published writers
and scholars teach on this course
90+ years
of teaching English, since 1928
About this course
On our BA English programme, you’ll study contemporary and international writing and communication, and how it links to past, present – and imaginary future – narratives.
With an array of modules, such as ‘Emotional and Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Prized Texts’, ‘Scandalous Lives’, ‘Movement and Migration’ and more, you’ll be able to follow your passions to create a personalised academic experience.
You will engage with a range of textual forms from manuscripts to printed works, from stage performances to films, and digital media. The nature of the ‘texts’ considered is wide-ranging and varied, including non-fiction forms, and this programme will encourage you to explore how ideas are communicated to and received by various public audiences.
Hull’s vibrant literary scene offers countless opportunities to showcase your unique voice. Join thriving societies, connect with leading authors, and gain hands-on experience designing, editing, and publishing work through our in-house magazines, Document 1 and Torchfire.
How are worlds shaped? With words.
Foundation year
A foundation year at the University of Hull gives you a solid grounding of knowledge and boosts your academic skills, so you can progress on to your chosen programme with confidence.
The foundation course you enrol on may not be an exact match to your chosen degree, but don’t worry. Our foundation courses combine content from multiple related courses in the same subject area, giving you more flexibility and choice about the degree path you take.
For example, if you apply for a Music Foundation Year, you’ll join our Media Foundation course. So, if you decide to switch - say, from Music to Graphic Design - you can do so without restarting your foundation year.
Module options
Each year, you’ll study modules worth a certain number of credits, and you need 120 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits – so you’ll study six modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more. In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 120. Some modules are compulsory, some are optional, so you can build a course that’s right for you.
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Preparing for Learning in Higher Education
This module is designed to give you the best possible start to your university studies, making sure you have all the essential skills you need to succeed. Through lectures and workshops we will teach you how to write in an academic style, how to find quality sources, and how to reference work, culminating in writing up a mini-research project.
core
20 credits
Introduction to Study in the Humanities
This module equips you with a suite of analytical and theoretical tools to support you as you progress along your academic journey. You'll develop an interdisciplinary understanding of approaches to study in the humanities by working with a variety of resources, including novels, films and aspects of the visual arts.
core
20 credits
Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
This module will equip you with the necessary skills to conduct and analyse research in a specific interest, supported by academics within your subject. You'll navigate through the research process, from identifying an area of interest to presenting findings to your peers.
core
20 credits
Group Challenge (Humanities)
Formulate and execute a group led enquiry into texts, cultural artefacts, film, music or dance. You'll explore their topics in groups at supervised workshops and develop questions on the cultural object relates to the living world of human experience, as well as developing your own methods to answer these questions.
compulsory
20 credits
Foundation in Data Analysis
Develop a strong foundation in data collection and analysis. This module will introduce you to qualitative and quantitative data and how to analyse it; the collection of primary and secondary data; the production of high-quality graphics; and report writing.
compulsory
20 credits
Academic Writing Skills
Developing confidence in expression, oral as well as written, is a key feature of this module, which aims to familiarise you with university submission and assessment procedures. This is a clear building block towards your degree programme and places you at a distinct advantage when you move into the following year.
compulsory
20 credits
Emotional and Artificial Intelligence
What makes us human in an age of artificial intelligence? This module explores the fascinating intersection between emotional intelligence and emerging AI technologies.
You’ll gain a practical introduction to using AI tools such as MS Copilot, while analysing contemporary literature and film that question how technology is reshaping our lives, creativity, and identity.
Through exploring empathy, emotion, and human connection, you’ll develop critical, digital, and interpretive skills while reflecting on both the opportunities and challenges AI presents.
Don’t just adapt to the age of AI. Understand it, question it, and explore what it means for the future of humanity.
compulsory
20 credits
Just Read
Looking to develop your passion for reading? In this module, you’ll get the chance to work with tutors to create a personalised reading list, exploring texts that challenge and inspire you.
By analysing these texts and their historical contexts, you’ll improve your reading skills, deepen your understanding of literature, and enhance your critical awareness, while preparing for more complex concepts to come.
If you're ready to reconnect with literature and build the skills to thrive, this module is made for you.
compulsory
20 credits
Transforming Stories
Study key concepts like adaptation, appropriation, and intertextuality, examining how literature transforms existing stories. Explore texts like Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Chaucer, and Shakespeare to see how myths and narratives are reworked across time and cultures. This module incorporates feminist, postcolonial, and LGBTQ+ perspectives and encourages creating creative responses, blending English Literature and Creative Writing.
compulsory
20 credits
It takes a human to harness the power of AI
Featured module- compulsory
- 20 credits
What makes us human in an age of artificial intelligence? This module explores the fascinating intersection between emotional intelligence and emerging AI technologies.
You’ll gain a practical introduction to using AI tools such as MS Copilot, while analysing contemporary literature and film that question how technology is reshaping our lives, creativity, and identity.
Through exploring empathy, emotion, and human connection, you’ll develop critical, digital, and interpretive skills while reflecting on both the opportunities and challenges AI presents.
Don’t just adapt to the age of AI. Understand it, question it, and explore what it means for the future of humanity.
Our facilities
Watchlist
Your course in their words
Student Story
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Your course in their words
Student Story
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Life on campus
University life
2 mins
Teaching Facilities
University life
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Featured academics
You’re taught by internationally-renowned scholars, published poets, fiction writers, and scriptwriters. People who bring their expertise, creativity and passion into everything you learn.
We’re part of the Larkin Centre research group. In REF 2021, 93% of our research was ranked world-leading or internationally excellent.1
Dr Catherine Wynne
Reader in Victorian and Early Twentieth-Century Literature and Visual Cultures
Catherine has contributed to TV and radio programmes on Bram Stoker and Arthur Conan Doyle for Channel 4, BBC TV, BBC radio, and Irish Radio. She was also a guest expert on Bram Stoker at a British Library event.
Dr Richard Meek
Lecturer
Richard's research interests include Shakespeare and the history of emotion. He gave the opening keynote lecture at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the History of Emotions conference 'Hamlet and Emotions: Then and Now' in Perth, Australia.
Entry Requirements
What do I need?
When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need 72 UCAS points.
For applicants with qualifications in subjects other than those key to the degree, we will usually require a minimum of 72 points from A levels, BTEC, or other equivalent qualifications.
We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.
But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.
Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.
Typical offer
72 UCAS points
A levels
DDD
BTEC
MPP
Fees & Funding
How much is it?
Tuition fees for 2027 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2026-27 information as a guide.
For UK students, our standard course fee is £9,790 per year. Keep in mind that some courses are longer - for example, spending your third year abroad will make your degree four years in total.
If you choose to study a foundation year as part of your course, the fee is £5,760.
How do I pay for it?
You can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of your course. Once you’ve successfully applied for this, you don’t need to do anything else – the money is sent straight to us.
You can also take out a maintenance loan of up to £10,544 a year to cover your living costs, depending on your household income.
Remember, you won’t start paying your loans back until you’ve left university and earn more than £25,000 per year.
See our full fees and funding information for more details and to find out what support we can offer.
Foundation Year Fee
£5,760
Standard Tuition Fee
£9,790 / year
The amount you pay may increase each year, in line with inflation - but capped to the Retail Price Index.
Future prospects
Hull counts poets Douglas Dunn and Roger McGough among its alumni. But an English degree doesn’t just pave the way for a literary career. It trains you to analyse, research and communicate at a very high level. It gives you the skills that are prized in many professions.
With this kind of grounding, you’ll gain the adaptability to flourish in many arenas. These may include more obvious paths, such as teaching or library and archive work. Or in any field requiring research skills and the ability to translate concepts into written or spoken forms, such as those needed by managers in any industry.
Become part of the next generation of futuremakers
Like what you've seen? Then it's time to apply.
The standard way is to apply through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skills qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing us with your academic qualifications.
Not ready to apply yet?
Visit our next Open Day, and see all that the University of Hull has to offer. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.
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All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.