Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Magill

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Program code

BARTS

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth Supported

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry scores

2025 CUT-OFFS Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based):70 Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based):B,B,B

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Bachelor of Arts?

To study literature is to explore humanity itself.

English literature is one of the richest cultural inheritances in human history – and it’s constantly evolving with exciting new voices. Explore complex ideas, debate cultural worth, and confront universal truths about the human condition by examining plays, poetry, fiction and more.

From Shakespeare to Nabokov and contemporary decolonial writers, you’ll analyse a range of styles and genres written in English and build skills in literary analysis, argument and evaluation.

Upon graduating, your advanced writing, analytical thinking, critical reasoning, complex problem-solving, creativity and initiative will set you apart and prepare you for the future workforce.

Overview

With a focus on the increasingly complex challenges facing individuals, communities and societies, our Bachelor of Arts gives you the relevant and transferrable skills and perspectives suited to a range of diverse careers.

Majoring in English literature, you’ll develop analytical and critical thinking skills, complex problem-solving abilities, creativity and initiative. Explore a range of texts from the Elizabethan era to the present day and develop a broad understanding of areas on which literature draws – including history, psychology, science, philosophy and more.

Your study will be underpinned by genuine community and industry engagement. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement to explore professional pathways in sectors aligned with your interests.

Key features

Explore a broad range of literary works ranging from Elizabethan classics to the modern day.
Customise your study plan to create a unique degree with broad expertise.
Enjoy enhanced flexibility with a wide range of elective choices.
Undertake a work placement to connect with community and industry.
Graduate with in-demand skills and knowledge.
Use your degree as a pathway to further study, including teaching.

What you'll learn

With a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature, you’ll be introduced to the main forms, genres and periods of the English written word. Discover major poetic movements and consider why Shakespeare has remained contemporary in literary theory and practice. To counterbalance the dominance of Western literature, you’ll delve into major modern and contemporary decolonial writers to understand diverse perspectives in English literature.

Explore long-form fiction, Australian stories, and consider how literary understanding has been a driver of social and cultural change. You’ll also study the works of writers of the early twentieth century who dared to war against tradition.

This degree is highly flexible and can lead to a variety of unique career possibilities. Common Core courses provide the collaboration, problem-solving and creative thinking skills that employers are looking for. You can also add a second major to your Bachelor of Arts, and pursue two areas of interest to boost your employment prospects.

Through your studies, you’ll be encouraged to research potential career pathways and sectors that align with your interests and expertise. An internship in your final year will allow you to apply this understanding in a practical setting and gain mentoring and networking experiences.

Majors

The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

18 units for Core courses, and
96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
12 units for all Electives

Complete 18 units comprising:

18 units from Common core

	Course code	Units
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	Units 6

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Understanding Literatures in English	Course code LITR1000	Units 6
Course name Shakespeare our Contemporary	Course code LITR1001	Units 6
Course name Decolonial Literatures	Course code LITR2000	Units 6
Course name Poetic Revolutions	Course code LITR2001	Units 6
Course name Futures of the Novel	Course code LITR2002	Units 6
Course name Global Modernisms and Postmodernisms	Course code LITR3002	Units 6
Course name Theory and Criticism of Literature	Course code LITR3000	Units 6
Course name Australian Stories	Course code LITR3001	Units 6

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Professional Pathways and Destinations 1	Course code SOCI1007	Units 6
Course name Professional Pathways and Destinations 2	Course code SOCI2019	Units 6
Course name Society and Culture Internship	Course code SOCI3902	Units 6

Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6
	Course name Elective 2	Course code AUXX1012	Units 6

Complete one Major from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Aboriginal Studies	Course code ABORBARTS	Units 48
Course name Anthropology	Course code ANTHBARTS	Units 48
Course name Archaeology and Classical Studies	Course code ARCYBARTS	Units 48
Course name Art History and Visual Culture	Course code ARTHBARTS	Units 48
Course name Creative Writing	Course code CREWBARTS	Units 48
Course name Environmental Management	Course code ENVMBARTS	Units 48
Course name French Studies	Course code FRENBARTS	Units 48
Course name Geography	Course code GEOGBARTS	Units 48
Course name German Studies	Course code GERMBARTS	Units 48
Course name Chinese Studies	Course code CHINBARTS	Units 48
Course name Cultural Studies	Course code CULTBARTS	Units 48
Course name Gender and Sexuality Studies	Course code GENDBARTS	Units 48
Course name History	Course code HISTBARTS	Units 48
Course name International Development	Course code INTDBARTS	Units 48
Course name International Security	Course code INTSBARTS	Units 48
Course name Italian Studies	Course code ITALBARTS	Units 48
Course name Japanese Studies	Course code JAPNBARTS	Units 48
Course name Linguistics and Applied Linguistics	Course code LINGBARTS	Units 48
Course name Philosophy	Course code PHILBARTS	Units 48
Course name Politics	Course code POLIBARTS	Units 48
Course name Population and Migration Studies	Course code POPUBARTS	Units 48
Course name Screen Studies	Course code SCRNBARTS	Units 48
Course name Sociology	Course code SOCIBARTS	Units 48
Course name Spanish Studies	Course code SPANBARTS	Units 48
Course name Social Research and Policy Analysis	Course code SOCRBARTS	Units 48

Career outcomes

This degree provides you with versatility and the ability to shape your career, while also preparing you for further study.

You might become an editor, reviewing documents and manuscripts for print. Or you may join a marketing team, working as a content specialist as they launch a new product. You might promote literary and education in an advocacy role for government – or decide to become a novelist yourself, adding your own voice to the English literary heritage.

Other roles may include:

Arts administrator
Content manager
Digital content manager
Marketer
Publisher.

This degree also provides a pathway for further postgraduate study or research.

Industry trends

The landscape of the writing and publishing industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Despite the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it’s projected that demand for librarians, journalists and other writers will grow by approximately 7% in the coming decade (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).

Now, more than ever, employers are seeking people with high level communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, adaptability and leadership capabilities. As an arts graduate with a major in English literature you will be well placed to meet the demands of the future workforce.

Ready to apply?

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: