Funding
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersA degree in English and American literature is the perfect opportunity to study writers and writing from cultures both united and divided by a common language.
Reflecting the varied and flexible nature of English and American literature, this course enables you to explore both in equal depth, as you look at how writers from the entwined cultures have reflected and shaped the worlds around them.
You’ll explore English literature in all its major forms – prose, poetry and drama – and from all periods since the Renaissance. At the same time, you’ll look at literature from the USA, from its inception to the present day, relating it to key social and historical contexts, while considering American writers’ enduring struggle to articulate national identity.
The course engages with a range of theoretical perspectives on literature and culture, drawn from English and American Studies, and related disciplines. But, cr...
3 years full-time
4 years with placement year or overseas study
4-9 years part-time
This course enables students to study American literature whilst taking a range of core modules and option choices from English, film and creative writing. In historical terms the curriculum covers the seventeenth century to the present, with strong emphasis on the literature of the last two hundred years. You will gain a historical introduction to American literature and its critical traditions while the English literature section of the course will focus on the major genres of drama, prose, fiction and poetry. The course is flexible, offering you the opportunity to study English and American literature in equal depth, and also the choice of option modules in creative writing, film and television, cultural studies and literature from Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean and elsewhere.
On the American literature side of the joint degree, students can expect to undertake or explore:
The joint-degree in American literature allows students to specialise in this particular literary and cultural field but also recognises that American literature is integral to, rather than separate from, the study of literature in English.
You will also benefit from regular readings, visiting speakers and literary events.
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
Full-time fee: £9,250 per year. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students.
Part-time fee: £2312.50 per 30 credits studied. This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation and may increase each academic year in line with inflation or UK government policy for both new and continuing students. The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
Full-time fee: £20,000 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time fee: £5000 per 30 credits studied. The fee per credit will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (eg no repeat years or breaks in study). The total amount you pay each year may differ based on the number of credits studied.
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. The tuition fee for the placement year for those courses that offer this option is £1,850, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study). The tuition fee for the study year abroad for those courses that offer this option is £1,385, subject to inflationary increases based on government policy and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
Part-time students may take a maximum of 90 credits each academic year.
Compulsory estimate: £300
English and American literature is a reading subject and students must have access to a copy of all set texts. Primary texts are held in the University library but students often prefer to possess their own copy. Prices vary but many are cheaply available and set texts are often available online for no cost. Students often buy texts second hand, and there is a book exchange in the atrium of the Geoffrey Manton Building. Students often choose to buy their own laptops but computers are available on campus. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents.
Some option units include trips to relevant events or venues, such as theatres, exhibitions and libraries, and although there is a cost associated with these, the activities are optional.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersGraduates enter a wide range of careers, especially media work and teaching, where their transferable skills are particularly relevant. Recent graduates have become school and college teachers, and gained employment in fields as diverse as banking, finance, manufacturing and retail.
There is also the opportunity to engage in further study and professional training, for example some of our graduates go on to study MA English Studies at postgraduate level where you have the opportunity to build your own bespoke masters experience, reflecting your interests in the further study of English. Alongside this we offer MA Publishing, delivered in collaboration with industry professionals, and many of our students go on to study MA/MFA Creative Writing at our Manchester Writing School, one of the largest and most successful of its kind in the UK.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)QTH7
Institution code: M40
Apply for other study options:
Please contact our course enquiries team.
Full-time applications through UCAS
Part-time applications - download an application form at www.mmu.ac.uk/applicationform
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.