English

English at Cambridge

Over the centuries, many writers have studied in Cambridge: Edmund Spenser, John Milton, William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, EM Forster, Sylvia Plath, Ted Hughes, Kamau Brathwaite, AS Byatt, Zadie Smith and Helen Oyeyemi. When established, the Cambridge course was considered ground-breaking and this ethos of innovation and progress continues to shape teaching and research here.

Today’s course balances a strong grounding in literary works written in English with the chance to explore other art forms, including music and film, in relation to literature, as well as literature’s connections to intellectual traditions including philosophy, art history and politics. 

Teaching and resources

You are taught by some of the world’s most eminent critics and thinkers who, between them, have expertise in almost all aspects of literature. We have no set approach beyond instilling the valuable skills of critical thinking, scholarly rigour and good writing.

You have access to the vast resources of the University Library as well as the Faculty Library, which houses around 80,000 books and provides computer facilities, skills training and a warm welcome. Our modern Faculty building also includes a drama studio and garden.

Socially, many English students pursue interests in creative writing, journalism and the performing arts during their time in Cambridge.

What we’re looking for

English students need an intellectual curiosity which drives them to analyse new texts and ideas and to ask probing questions. We look for reading beyond the syllabus, and for independent, well-informed critical thinking.

Course costs

Tuition fees

Information on tuition fee rates for English is available on the tuition fees page.

Additional course costs

There are no compulsory additional course costs for English.

Prior to arrival, students may be required to undertake some preparatory reading (depending on papers taken). Many of the recommended texts will be available at no cost through local public lending libraries, or are available online as free e-texts because they are now out of copyright. Sometimes, students choose to purchase their own copies of certain texts relevant to the papers they take. The cost of this is approximately £20-100, depending on texts chosen, and whether the books are bought new or through inexpensive second-hand book markets online. 

Once students arrive in Cambridge, there are no compulsory costs associated with the course because: 

• English students have access to lending library collections at the Faculty of English and University Library, including electronic versions of many texts; 
• College libraries are well stocked with lending copies of key texts;
• The English Faculty Librarian and most College librarians will take requests for new books as well, sometimes with the approval of that College’s Director of Studies for English.

Full course details are available on the Faculty of English website and if you have any queries about resources/materials, please contact the Faculty.

Changing course

To be able to change course, you need the agreement of your College that any change is in your educational interests, and you must have the necessary background in the subject to which you wish to change. If you change to English after Part I in another subject, you may be required to take Part II over two-years and study an additional paper. If you think you may wish to change course, we encourage you to contact a College admissions office for advice. You should also consider if/how changing course may affect any financial support arrangements.

After English

Our students develop the skills of critical thinking, close reading and clear communication. After graduation, many draw directly on their subject and pursue careers in teaching, academia, journalism, theatre and film, or become writers, critics or campaigners.

Those same skills developed during an English degree at Cambridge are highly valued by employers in many other professions, including the Law, the Civil Service, industry, the charity sector and social work.