BA English Literature and Digital Media and Communications

Investigate time-honoured stories and narratives alongside contemporary communication landscapes with a BA English Literature and Digital Media and Communications at the University of Birmingham. Your education will cover the many ways we talk to one another – face-to-face conversation, news and social media, classical literature, cinema and theatre and beyond.

Please note: This programme has been suspended for 2025 entry and will not be accepting applications. Alternatively, you may be interested in our BA Digital Media and Communications, BA Cultural and Creative Industries or one of our other English courses.

This innovative degree path combines the timeless impact of literature with the dynamic variety of digital communications. At the University of Birmingham, you will engage deeply with diverse cultures and historical narratives through the lens of English Literature, all while honing your ability to engage critically with multiple forms of communication – from face-to-face conversation, the news, social media, TV, AI and beyond – and to explore how media shapes communication globally.

You’ll explore a combination of literary specialisms and key principles in digital cultures, media studies and professional communication, with opportunities to study subjects such as:

• Creative practice, including filmmaking, podcasting and writing
• Discourse analysis
• Marketing and communications
• Programming
• Sustainability and environmental politics
• Fantasy and fandom
• Shakespeare
• Dystopian fiction
• Women’s writing

By offering you a balance of classroom-based study and practical, hands-on creative learning in our state-of-the-art facilities, including language labs, studio spaces and editing suites, this programme will get you graduate-ready for roles in sectors as varied as advocacy, the creative arts, journalism, media, marketing, publishing and many more.

Unlock the potential to tailor your learning experience at an elite Russell Group institution through optional modules in Creative Writing, Film Studies, and English Language, as well as opportunities to explore diverse topics across departments.

You may also be interested in the BA Digital Media and Communications programme.

Course details for prospective students on our BA Digital Media and Communications and English undergraduate degree programme at the University of Birmingham, UK.

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

English Language

You will need to demonstrate a certain level of English language, either through an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or we may be able to accept your previous or alternative qualifications as evidence. Please view the entry requirements for specific programme requirements, and details on our presessional English language courses.

Number of A levels required:

3

Typical offer:

AAB

Required subjects and grades:

A level English Literature (English Language and Literature A level also accepted)

General Studies:

Not accepted.

IB Diploma:
6,6,5 in Higher level subjects, including English Literature or English Language and Literature, plus 32 points overall.

BTEC qualifications:

• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
• BTEC Diploma: DD, plus a B at A level in the required subject/s mentioned above.
• BTEC Subsidiary Diploma: D, plus AB at A level, including the required subject/s mentioned above.

Other qualifications are considered - learn more about entry requirements.

International Students

We welcome applications from international students and invite you to join our vibrant community of over 4500 international students who represent 150 different countries. We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.