Undergraduate

English and Literary Studies

English and Literary Studies gives you a unique opportunity to develop your reading, writing and thinking skills through the study of literature, film and television, and through producing your own creative writing.
3
Years Full Time

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

This course opens up a world of future study pathways and career opportunities.

Career Pathways

English and Literary Studies graduates are highly successful in obtaining careers from teaching to management, journalism to advertising and the public service, and in all aspects of cultural life. Many proceed from studies in English to specialised training in professions such as law, medicine, psychology, librarianship, education, publishing, journalism, industrial relations or theatre and media work.
English and Literary Studies graduates are highly successful in obtaining careers from teaching to management, journalism to advertising and the public service, and in all aspects of cultural life. Many proceed from studies in English to specialised training in professions such as law, medicine, psychology, librarianship, education, publishing, journalism, industrial relations or theatre and media work.

Further Study

This major lays the foundation for further study at honours and postgraduate level.
This major lays the foundation for further study at honours and postgraduate level.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

The University of Western Australia welcomes applications from international and domestic school-leavers. If you’re interested in studying this major, find out the admission details below.

Minimum entry requirements

Below you’ll find a list of admission equivalencies for this course's Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).

Admission requirements

For applicants with recent secondary education, information on admission criteria is available on our entry requirements page or on the UWA Handbook for course specific requirements and prerequisites.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

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Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

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Course details

In English and Literary Studies, we take the imagination seriously. We address the creative texts societies produce and ask what they mean. From Shakespeare to Netflix, and from critical theory to creative writing, English and Literary Studies offers units that look at the exciting ways in which literature works in a newly globalised world.

About the course

This is a diverse and vibrant major that gives students the opportunity to tailor their learning according to their interests and career pathway, from creative writing and performance studies, to the rich history of the western literary tradition.
English Literary Studies

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
  • Albany (Regional campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 12-15 contact hours, plus at least twice as much of your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-EGCST
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
English Literary Studies
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
  • Albany (Regional campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • 12-15 contact hours, plus at least twice as much of your own study time
Level of study
  • Undergraduate
Course Code
  • MJD-EGCST
Full time/part time duration
  • 3 years (BA); 4 years (BPhil [Hons])
Honours Available
  • Yes
Degrees course is available in
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Alumni Story

James Evans

James Evans Headshot

After he was introduced to Shakespeare by a teacher in year 6, James Evans fell in love with acting and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a major in English and Linguistics at UWA in 1998. James is now the Associate Director of Bell Shakespeare, Australia’s national theatre company specialising in Shakespeare and the classics.

Alumni Story

Course Structure

Our undergraduate degrees offer you a broad range of options allowing you to combine subjects in a way that matches your career goals and personal interests.

Popular combinations

Why study this course?

  • English and Literary Studies develops the valuable skills employers look for, such as analytical thinking, creativity, problem solving and the advanced ability to communicate
  • Expand your understanding of life, ethics, different cultures and our changing society
  • Challenge yourself and open your mind to new ideas
  • English and Literary Studies at UWA has a proud history of developing world-class, award-winning authors
  • Students have the opportunity for work placements with the internationally renowned journal, Westerly, which has been edited in the department since 1956 and is one the oldest literary publications in Australia

Put theory into practice

Current UWA students are eligible to take one of our professional experience units. These units bridge the gap between university and the workplace by providing opportunities to gain hands-on, practical experience. You can master new skills, make connections and network, get a taste of the opportunities in the workforce and add experience to your resume, all before graduating.

Find out more about Work Integrated Learning.

Your degree options

This major is offered as a degree-specific, or first, major for these degrees. It is also offered as a second major in our other bachelor's degrees.

You'll learn to

  • interpret a wide range of texts in a variety of historical and cultural contexts
  • be innovative and creative
  • research, synthesise and present information
  • communicate clearly in written and oral forms
  • exercise critical reasoning and analysis
  • work effectively, both independently and in groups
First in Western Australia
Ranked 1st in WA, 8th in Australia and Top 150 in the world for English Language and Literature (QS 2024)
ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES

Hear about our major

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Why take a second major

  • Expand your skills - Taking a second major either in a complementary area or in something like Economics or Business Law will show you have developed transferable skills such as, teamwork, critical thinking, digital literacy and presentation skills – which are highly sought after in the workforce.
  • Add it to your resume – Employers are looking for graduates who have skills in a variety of areas. Two majors will expand your career prospects and help you stand out amongst the crowd.