BA English Literature with Foundation

    BA English Literature with Foundation

    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 30,562 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    BA English Literature with Foundation

    About

    Discover how literature has shaped our view of the world, and develop core academic skills, with our BA English Literature with Foundation course.

    This four-year programme includes a foundation year that leads directly into the three-year course.

    Literature is characterised by extraordinary richness and diversity. Throughout your studies, you will explore texts from across the globe, across a range of genres and periods. Enter lively debate with others who share your passion for literature; study authors and genres that you may already know, and discover others that may be less familiar to you.

    Our BA English Literature with Foundation course will provide you with:

    • the creative and critical ability to examine texts in detail, and draw your own conclusions
    • knowledge of a variety of literary texts — including poetry, prose, drama and film — from a range of periods
    • an awareness of the ways in which literature responds to cultural context, and how texts accrue new meaning.

    You will be taught by experts from the Department of English Literature, whose expertise and research spans everything from medieval poetry to contemporary American fiction. Our BA English Literature with Foundation is flexible, and you will be encouraged to develop your own literary enthusiasms and follow your interests through our wide variety of modules.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    "At school, your grades define you. The foundation year shows you that your education, and your identity, are much more than just the grades you get."

    – Luset Kuntas

    Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

    Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

    Typical offer

    CCD

    We welcome applicants from non-traditional educational backgrounds (for example, mature students, students who study part-time or those who have studied at International Schools in the UK or elsewhere) and will consider applicants on a case-by-case basis.

    International Baccalaureate

    24 points overall

    BTEC Extended Diploma

    DMM

    Extended Project Qualification

    In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

    English language requirements

    IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

    For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

    Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

    For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

    Pre-sessional English language programme

    If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS 7.0, with no component below 6.0

    Career

    Careers for BA English Literature with Foundation graduates

    Our BA English Literature with Foundation course can open the door to graduate careers that require excellent literacy and critical intelligence. Employers value the intellectual training, versatility, and resourcefulness that you will gain during your studies. The skills you'll develop are particularly attractive within:

    • communications and media industries
    • creative industries and publishing
    • the education sector.

    96% of graduates from English Literature are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree English Literature responders.)

    Past Reading graduates have gained employment with:

    • Civil Service
    • DMG Media
    • KPMG
    • NHS
    • Teach First.

    (Based on HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes BA English Literature responders.)


    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    30,562 / year

    How to Apply

    You can apply online for all of our courses, including courses with an Integrated Foundation Year, via the national admissions service, UCAS. You can choose to apply for up to five courses in total, including more than one course at the same institution.

    1. Find a course

    Browse our undergraduate courses and identify which ones you'd like to apply for. Make sure to check your course's entry requirements before you apply. 

    2. Begin your application

    Register at UCAS and complete the application pages online, using the UCAS codes on our course pages. 

    Our UCAS code is R12. The University does not have a campus code. 

    3. Write your personal statement

    As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement to support your application. This is your opportunity to tell us more about why you want to study the course and what interests, skills and experience you have that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

    4. Submit your application

    When you're happy with your application and have added the required information such as qualifications, personal statement and reference, you can submit your application. 

    A small charge is made by UCAS for applying to university. The application fee for 2024 entry is £27.50 for up to five choices.

    Make sure to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date application deadlinesIf you have missed the January deadline, there is still the opportunity to apply (via UCAS), and we are happy to consider late applications until 30 June 2024 (all applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing). Please be aware that some of our courses may be full after the January UCAS deadline, so we recommend early applications where possible.

    BA English Literature with Foundation

    University of Reading

    University of Reading

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Reading