Reading English Literature

A group of mature students in a classroom in discussion

This course aims to be an enjoyable introduction to the study of classic and modern literature. Share your ideas, explore poetry and gain a greater understanding of Shakespeare.

Details	Description
When	Wednesday evenings: 6 pm to 8:45pm, 15 January to 26 March 2025 with break for half-term (19 February)
Where	Barton Hill Micro-campus, East Bristol, BS5 0AX and the University of Bristol Arts Complex, Woodland Road, BS8 1TB
Description	Reading English Literature is a short 20-credit course designed to help mature students progress to a part-time degree in the English department or to explore other opportunities for further study. It enables students to develop skills in literary study, critical thinking and essay-writing. Students will have full access to the University library and student study centres.
Example Course outline	Week 1: 'Head of English' by Carol Ann Duffy 'Do not go gentle into that good night', Dylan Thomas, reading by Benjamin Zephaniah Week 2: 'Bliss' by Katherine Mansfield 'Who is Like God' by Akwaeke Emezi Weeks 3-4: Shakespeare's Macbeth Week 5: Poetry in Time - medieval lyric to Nineteenth Century Week 6: Poetry in Time - early Nineteenth Century to the modern period Week 7: Writing skills Week 8: 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin Week 9: excerpts from Exile and Pride by Eli Clare excerpts from Letters to My Weird Sisters by Joanne Limburg Week 10: Girl by Jamaica Kinkaid The Husband Stitch by Carmen Maria Machado
Course fee	Course Fee £420. Payment can be made in instalments. Students from low income backgrounds are welcome to apply for funding support.‌ Click the following link to download the Pathway Funding Guidance (PDF, 64kB)
Application deadline	10am, 13 December 2024 Informal interviews will be taking place 16 to 18 December 2024. If you require the form in an alternative format, please email us at English-Lifelong@bristol.ac.uk. Click here to apply
Previous qualifications/experience	No qualifications needed. Open to the public.

Apply here

Further information

‌Reading English Literature Information Pack start January 2025 (PDF, 227kB)‌

What our students say...

It was a great confidence boost to have an essay marked, after 15 years out of education, and know that I can write something that is worthwhile reading and got good marks. I would recommend it to anyone who feels like they aren't sure if they're clever enough for university level work, your confidence and knowledge is built up slowly and in a fun and engaging way.

Reading English Literature student, 2022

The REL course has been illuminating and enabled me to think about texts in much more depth. I have been introduced to literature that has really interested me and has contributed to many more ideas. I have found the expertise of each tutor to be equally valuable and have benefitted from every session. The tutors have been patient and have taken much trouble to ensure that I feel confident to make comments and have responded encouragingly.

Reading English Literature student, 2021

Contacts

Please address any enquiries about the courses to:

Department of English Part-time Courses
School of Humanities
3-5 Woodland Road
Bristol BS8 1TB

Email: english-lifelong@bristol.ac.uk
Telephone: 0117 455 8271