English Literature

Are you an enthusiastic reader and writer who wants to immerse yourself in literature ranging from Old English to new writing being published today? Do you want to explore the radical potential of novels, plays and poems to change lives? Would you like to analyse literary concepts and forms deeply, to creatively connect ideas across a wide range of cultures, periods, genres and media, and to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills to an advanced level? Would you like to study with world-class researchers and teachers, and develop your own unique research project? If so, the BA Humanities in English is for you.

You will study texts ranging from the Old English, medieval and early modern periods to the nineteenth and through to the twenty-first century – writing which extends across national boundaries and regions, from British to Irish to American to World Literature, and covering multiple genres. You will explore literary production, value and impact – how fiction, poetry and drama are inspired, shaped, released and received in particular historical and cultural contexts – learning how the meanings of literary texts change and renew across time and space.

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

First Year

Modules include: Reading World Literature • Literature & Crisis • Contemporary Irish Writing • Literary Genre • How to Read Poetry • Comics & Fantasy

Second Year

You will take an interdisciplinary core module based in UCD Special Collections archives and choose from other modules including: Critical Theory • Reading Medieval Literature • Reading Old English • Irish Literature in English • Modern American Literature • Renaissance Literature • Romanticism • Victorian to Modern Literature • Modern Drama

Third Year

You will choose from a range of options that will broaden your horizons and enrich your academic experience: • Apply for a competitive internship in an area that interests you and/or relates to your area of study. • Study abroad for a trimester/year to develop your language skills and immerse yourself in a new culture. • Deepen your knowledge by studying a dedicated range of English Literature modules in different literary fields, including: Literature & Science • Architecture & Narrative • Yeats & the Arts • Theatres of Change • Global Science Fiction • Masculinities & Manhood • Contemporary Irish Women’s Poetry • Global Eco-Literature • Making Shakespeare • and others

Fourth Year

Modules include: Dissertation • World Literature in English • Advanced Medieval Literature • Plus specialised option modules on: Austen • Shakespeare • Joyce • McDonagh • Heaney • Chaucer • Synge • McPherson • Talking Animals • the Crime Novel • Post- War US Theatre • Canadian Fiction • and many others

We offer a number of Erasmus and Study Abroad opportunities, including at: Albert- Ludwigs-Universität, Frieburg, Germany; Université Sorbonne (Paris IV), France; University of Turin, Italy; University of Verona, Italy; University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; University of Coimbra, Portugal; and many more.

Our English graduates have found employment in: Journalism, Arts Management, Public Relations, Business and Finance, Publishing, Law, Politics, Policymaking, Teaching, Heritage, Management Consultancy, Tourism, Marketing, Humanities Research, and many other areas.

Graduates are prepared for the wide range of MA Programmes in the UCD School of English, Drama and Film, as well as opportunities for MPhil and PhD study.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

UCD School of English, Drama and Film
p. +353 1 716 8323
e. nicholas.daly@ucd.ie

By joining the UCD College of Arts and Humanities you will be part of a vibrant community of students and faculty who are committed to creating a more sustainable, just and equitable future. Our courses are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen arts and humanities subjects. Our research and teaching and learning connect with many of the SDGs, most notably:

• SDG 4: Quality Education -Promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality - Advances gender equality by addressing social norms, histories, and cultural practices that contribute to gender disparities.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - Encourages understanding and action against social, economic, and political inequalities.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - Enhances cultural understanding and heritage preservation, fostering sustainable communities.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - Promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions through critical inquiry into human rights, ethics, and governance.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - Encourages global partnerships and collaboration by fostering international understanding and dialogue.

Our programmes equip students with critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness, essential for addressing complex global challenges.

“Studying English Literature at UCD has been an extremely rewarding experience. Getting to engage with classic literature in all of its forms has truly broadened my worldview and improved my critical thinking and writing skills. It has also enabled me to learn about history, philosophy and culture through a literary lens. Studying English Literature is perfect for those students who wish to engage with passionate staff members in a great mixture of both small group learning and large lectures. This course also gives you the opportunity to apply for an internship. I thoroughly enjoyed a trimester working as a producer in an experimental theatre company in my third year. “

Peyton Tuomi, Student

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.