The education and library facilities here are first-class, and the course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of English Literature over time. Although you will have less contact time than in many other courses, you will also be expected to do a lot more independent reading than your peers.
In first year, you take papers on Shakespeare and general critique, and begin two of the historical papers you will take in second year. These topics range from the Medieval period to the present.
In your second year, you study three historical papers, as well as a compulsory paper from the period 1300-1550. One of these (except the mandatory paper) may be substituted with a dissertation.
In the final year, you take mandatory papers in general critique and Tragedy. You will also complete a dissertation (6,000-7,500 words). You may either submit a second dissertation and one optional paper or select two papers from an extensive list. Students should note that these optional papers refresh regularly, depending on which faculty members are available, but current options include Chaucer, postcolonialism, drama, sexuality, and American prose. You may have the option to take papers from ASNC or MML courses, too.
Cambridge boasts one of the largest English faculties worldwide, with an average intake of over 200 applicants per year. The course has a moderate acceptance rate, with an average of 30% of applicants receiving an offer over the last three years. You must take an A-Level (or equivalent) in English Literature, although English Language may be suitable for some colleges.
After graduation, you will be able to demonstrate your writing, analysis, and research skills. Many graduates go on to careers in arts management, media or academia, though these skills extend to wide-reaching professions such as corporate and community engagement.