Front Quad of Lincoln College, the walls covered in bright green ivy

English Language and Literature

The English Language and Literature course at Oxford is one of the broadest in the country, giving you the chance to study writing in English from its origins in early medieval England to the present.

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The course

The Oxford English course offers an unrivalled opportunity to study the entire range of literature in English from its early medieval roots to the present day, in a rich combination of college tutorials and classes, and faculty lectures and seminars.

The course rewards independent initiative, with almost limitless opportunities to pursue one’s own interests across all periods and genres under the guidance of an expert tutor. It also requires a serious commitment to reading during the vacations and working hard during term. Weekly essays and discussions in tutorials equip students with invaluable transferable skills in critical thinking, writing, and speaking. Oxford English is the perfect way to pursue a love of language and literature at the highest level of enjoyment and achievement.

Why study English at Lincoln?

Lincoln has a long history of commitment to English as an undergraduate subject. Tutors get to know students closely and support each individual’s growth as a reader and critic from Freshers’ Week all the way to Finals. Although a small college overall, Lincoln has a large school of English, taking 10-12 students per year – giving the perfect combination of a strong, diverse subject group within an intimate college environment. The English section of the College Library is a treasure trove in a jewel-like building. And Lincoln’s central location, at the heart of Oxford between the Bodleian Library and the High Street, means that nothing you could want for either body or mind is ever far away. English is also one of the highest-achieving subjects in College in Finals, and our students go on to a wonderful range of post-graduate careers, including teaching, publishing, law, advertising, the charity sector, civil service, and journalism, as well as pursuing higher degrees in English and other subjects.

Image of Ben Wormald, a man in a purple shirt

English at Lincoln has allowed me to discover information and ideas from all branches of culture, history and philosophy, and the wonderful tutors have given me the freedom and encouragement to delve into different periods and topics at a new level.

Ben Wormald
  • Undergraduate, English Language and Literature
View Ben Wormald's profile

Where next?

  • Visit Lincoln at our next Open DayRead more
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  • Discover the finance and funding packages availableRead more