BA (Hons) — 2025 entry English Literature and French
Our English Literature and French BA (Hons) course is innovative and interdisciplinary, allowing you to develop a high level of literary, linguistic and cultural competence.
Why choose
this course?
- A course for the digital age in which you'll develop 'future-proof' skills that are highly valued by employers, such as applied creativity, problem-solving and emotional intelligence.
- You’ll study modules which balance traditional texts with modules on Writing Gaming, Queer Ecologies, Monsters, Mystics, and Demons, and The Gothic Imagination.
- Excellent pastoral care with small class sizes, sector-leading staff-student ratio and an individualised approach.
- Our focus is on employability, preparing you for careers in journalism, publishing, marketing, media, communications, education, and copywriting.
- Outstanding professional placement and study abroad opportunities with companies such as EDF, Volkswagen, Macmillan, Disney and with our partner universities across the globe.
Statistics
3rd in the UK
For French Studies for overall student satisfaction* in the National Student Survey 2024
4th in the UK
For Languages and Linguistics by the Guardian University Guide 2025
6th in the UK
For English by the Guardian University Guide 2025
*Measured by % positivity across all questions for all providers listed in the Guardian University Guide league tables.
What you will study
The English literature part of this course covers a range of literary periods, authors, genres and theories. You’ll analyse classic works, as well as innovative texts and genres, such as travel writing, nineteenth-century theatre and fiction, science-fiction, and contemporary global literatures.
The foreign language component is taught almost exclusively in French, giving you high-level language training.
You can spend your third year on placement in a country where French is spoken, giving you the opportunity to study English literature at one of our partner institutions across Europe and/or work in one of the many companies with which we have links.
The two elements of this course complement one another and enhance your learning, giving you unique insights into language, literature and culture.
Events and workshops
Alongside your lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops, you'll have a wide range of opportunities to engage with our vibrant research culture and arts activities.
Literary events on and around campus include the annual Morag Morris Poetry Lecture, the Surrey Poetry Festival and the Surrey New Writers Festival.
Literature and Languages also regularly hosts talks by major writers and critics, as well as literary agents, publishers and other speakers of interest.
Our current Distinguished Writer in Residence is the acclaimed writer, Neel Mukherjee, and our new Poet in Residence for 2023-24 is Briony Hughes. Both offer regular writing workshops and, in the case of our Distinguished Writer in Residence, one-on-one writing surgery sessions.
Facilities
Our language teaching facilities include digital language labs, a multimedia lab, state-of-the-art interpreting facilities, our own virtual learning environment and an e-portfolio system that appeals to the most creative among you.
Between classes, you can use our Language Study Area, designed for independent language learning. This is located in our purpose-built Learning Centre, which is open 24 hours a day, six days a week, as well as during most of Sunday during semester time.
We have a computer suite of PCs offering the latest in language learning technology, including specialist software to practise subtitling and audio description, and interactive programs in 18 different languages to develop your language skills.
You can read the international press and choose from a range of books and audio materials.
If you prefer film or video as a means of learning, you can access our media store of programmes and films, watch online, watch live satellite TV from five countries, or choose a foreign film from our world cinema collection.
The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.
The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.
Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course is available in the relevant programme specification.
The course content and modules listed for this course are subject to change while we undertake a curriculum design review. Please contact the programme leader if you have any queries about the course.
Teaching and learning
Teaching on our English literature courses is both stimulating and encouraging. You will experience a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops.
Our academics produce internationally excellent research and are skilled and dedicated teachers who convey ideas enthusiastically and accessibly.
In addition to lectures in your first year, you’ll work closely with tutors and fellow students in smaller seminar groups. During your second and third year, you’ll become increasingly independent, working on your dissertation and contributing to student-led sessions in Year 3.
In the language component of your degree, we support you in becoming an independent language learner and confident communicator, and place great emphasis on the teaching of study skills. Our teaching style is innovative and highly engaging, involving student participation at every level. You are taught mostly in small groups, and almost always in the target language, thus gaining confidence in a range of transferable skills whilst improving your language competency.
Individual module tutors happily discuss academic concerns and personal tutors are always ready to advise and assist you if you have any personal or academic issues.
All learning is fully supported by the University’s virtual learning environment, and you will gain a range of computing skills throughout the course.
- Group work
- Independent study
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Practical sessions
Assessment
We assess modules individually and award credits for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and reports.
Check individual module information to see full details at a module level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Our graduates are exceptionally employable as a result of their academic excellence and their experience abroad. The survey, Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA, shows that 90 per cent of our Literature and Languages undergraduate students go on to employment or further study. Our students’ proficiency in languages, combined with their significant understanding of intercultural processes and socio-political contexts, gives them a distinct advantage in an increasingly competitive international employment market.
We emphasise transferable skills such as presentation and research techniques, and communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries, which ensures that our graduates meet the expectations of prospective employers.
Our modern language graduates have gone into a wide range of careers. Recent graduates have entered employment in roles such as:
- Customer Relationship Manager, Eton College
- Journalist (freelance and with specific publications), The Guardian, Mail Online, The Wall Street Journal, VGR (US gaming website)
- Marketing and Public Relations, Marlin PR
- Account Manager, Allianz UK
- Quality Manager, Transperfect
- Editorial Assistant, The Handbook
- Junior Account Executive, Livewire Public Relations
- Teacher of English, Teach First
- Editor and Marketing Executive, Warner Group Publications
- English Language Assistant, Academie de Bordeaux
- Copywriter, Tesco MPC.
Many of our students go on to further study across Europe. Examples include:
- MSc in Development Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
- École supérieure de commerce de Paris, Madrid/Berlin
- MBA European Business, University of Reutlingen, Germany
- MBA International Marketing, Sorbonne, Paris
- MA European Studies, Cambridge/Sorbonne
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Certificat d’aptitude pour l’enseignement secondaire.
See the developing careers of some of our English literature alumni and modern languages alumni.
We offer a broad range of postgraduate courses in Literature and Languages. Graduates of our internationally recognised courses are well prepared for the professional market, as well as for further research.
Max Fontaine-Anderson
Student - English Literature and French BA (Hons)
"Studying English Literature alongside French has offered me an opportunity to explore a rich palette of texts and insights into literary and historical periods, such as Romanticism and the Middle Ages, that I had not encountered in depth prior to my degree course"
Leon Lynn
Student - English Literature with Creative Writing BA (Hons)
"The staff on my course are brilliant. The literature academics and creative writers know their areas so well and are excited to share and build their knowledge with their students."
Learn more about the qualifications we typically accept to study this course at Surrey.
Typical offer
Overall: BBB. Alternatively, ABC with grades of AB in the required subjects.
Required subjects: French and either English Language or English Literature.
If you do not have French at the required level but you have achieved GCSE grade 7 (A) in a modern language OR you expect to achieve at least A-level grade B in a modern language, we can consider offering you a place in the French ab initio group. Ab initio study will involve additional contact hours and intensive study of the language during the first year of the programme. Please be aware: English language would not be treated as a modern language.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: DDM.
Required subjects: Please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: 32.
Required subjects: English Language or Literature HL5/SL6. French HL5/SL6, unless you wish to be considered for French ab initio.
Please contact us if you do not have French at the required level but you are interested in studying French ab initio. This will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
Overall: 75%.
Required subjects: English Language or Literature 7.5. French with at least 7.5, unless you wish to be considered for French ab initio.
Please contact us if you do not have French at the required level but you are interested in studying French ab initio. This will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
Overall: QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 level 3 credits overall including 27 at Distinction and 18 credits at Merit.
Required subjects: Please contact us to discuss suitability.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language at Grade 4 (C).
Overall: ABBBB.
Required subjects: French and either English Language or English Literature.
Please contact us if you do not have French at the required level but you are interested in studying French ab initio. This will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language: Scottish National 5 - C .
Overall: BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and two A-levels.
Required subjects: A-level French and either English Literature or English Language.
Please contact us if you do not have French at the required level but you are interested in studying French ab initio. This will involve additional contact hours and intensive study during the first year of the programme.
Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted. Applicants taking an A-level science subject with the Science Practical Endorsement are expected to pass the practical element.
GCSE or equivalent: English Language. Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.
Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.
Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
International Foundation Year
If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements for this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.
Selection process
We normally make offers in terms of grades.
If you are a suitable candidate you will be invited to an offer holder event. During your visit to the University you can find out more about the course and meet staff and students.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information.
Contextual offers
Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all undergraduate courses.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule.
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices. Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis, cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
Professional training placement fees
If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.
Our award-winning Professional Training placement scheme gives you the chance to spend a year in industry, either in the UK or abroad.
We have thousands of placement providers to choose from, most of which offer pay. So, become one of our many students who have had their lives and career choices transformed.
English Literature and French placements
We believe that academic knowledge should be coupled with strong and continuous professional training experience so that you graduate with a wider range of skills. Our Professional Training placement scheme is one of the main reasons for our very high employment rates.
You can take Professional Training on this course in a work placement or a study period abroad.
In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to practise and develop your linguistic, intercultural and transferable skills while working and/or studying abroad. The majority of our students spend their third year working abroad, gaining valuable international work experience. Our placement team will help you organise a placement that fits your needs.
Some examples of organisations that have participated in this scheme include:
- EDF France
- Ernst & Young
- Hilton Hotels
- Langue et Nature
- Les Pensières
- Office du Tourisme
- RTE International
- Volkswagen.
Applying for placements
Students are generally not placed by the University. But we offer support and guidance throughout the process, with access to a vacancy site of placement opportunities.
Find out more about the application process.
Professional Training placement at Toyota
Discover more about English literature student Alice's placement experience within the social media team.
Professional Training placement at Toyota
Discover more about English literature student Alice's placement experience within the social media team.
Study and work abroad
Studying at Surrey opens a world of opportunity. Take advantage of our study and work abroad partnerships, explore the world, and expand your skills for the graduate job market.
The opportunities abroad vary depending on the course, but options include study exchanges, work/research placements, summer programmes, and recent graduate internships. Financial support is available through various grants and bursaries, as well as Student Finance.
Perhaps you would like to volunteer in India or learn about Brazilian business and culture in São Paulo during your summer holidays? With 140+ opportunities in 36+ different countries worldwide, there is something for everyone. Explore your options via our search tool and find out more about our current partner universities and organisations.
Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.