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English

English provides students with an understanding and appreciation of the importance of literature and literary culture to the history of ideas, to national and transnational cultural identities, to the ethical formation of individuals and communities, to cultural politics, to artistic movements, and to public life. The English program involves the rigorous study of literary texts in a variety of genres from different cultural contexts and historical periods. Studying English develops and consolidates an understanding of the complex nature of literary languages and the ability to examine and apply a variety of critical and theoretical approaches to literary texts.

English at UNSW

UNSW offers an innovative and comprehensive English major taught by staff with internationally acclaimed research in textual analysis, literary history and literary theory from all major periods. Particular strengths include English literature from the Early Modern period through to the present, post-colonial literary studies, Australian literature, and creative writing. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to English, with literary studies linked with music, science, the visual arts, popular culture, theatre, biography, history, philosophy and linguistics.

Course choice and flexibility.
Teaching by academic staff who are experts in their field
Innovative teaching methods, including online components and collaborative
learning tasks

Download the English Information Brochure (PDF) (436 Kb)

Creative Writing

School of the Arts and Media (SAM) offers several creative writing courses which include small-group workshops and student readings. These courses not only help you develop your creativity and literary skills; you will also acquire editing skills and improve your confidence and ability to work in a team. There are opportunities for publishing your work in the School's on-line journal, Rubric.

Practical Experience

Juvenilia Press is an international research and teaching enterprise hosted by SAM, which produces editions of early writings by established authors, with the involvement of students who wish to study the early work of a writer and learn the professional skills of scholarly editing. Students may participate in a small team as part of a course, or include work for an edition as part of their Honours, MA or PhD, in each case working with an experienced academic editorial mentor. Collaboration with students and staff from other disciplines in SAM and Fine Arts is welcomed. Visit the Juvenilia Press website for more information

Career Opportunities

Publishing and editing
Print and electronic media
Academia
Marketing
Communications
Political administration and policy
Public service
Libraries and archives
Advertising
Language and literature teaching
Arts administration
Public relations
Film and theatre
Museums and gallerie

Honours Program

Honours is an extra year of study, usually following immediately on from a pass degree, that combines aspects of undergraduate study with those of post-graduate research. Studying Honours in the SAM at UNSW offers a chance to develop your research and professional skills guided by staff who are passionate about research and the development of new researchers.

Honours Year

International Opportunities

As one of Australia's most international universities UNSW encourages students to spend a session or two overseas studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.

UNSW International Exchange

Program Information

English can be studied as a major or minor within the Bachelor of Arts and combined degree programs. After first year, you structure your English program according to your interests. We offer second and third level courses in a wide range of areas including Shakespeare, 18th, 19th and 20th century English Literature, Australian, American, Postcolonial Literature, and popular genres such as Gothic and Crime Fiction using a variety of critical approaches including gender studies.

Discipline Convenor: Professor Julian Murphet

Please contact your Student Centre for information on how to include this area of study as an elective or general education course within your program.