Supercurriculars to study English at uni?
10
Hi! I'm leaning towards studying english at uni and I know that reading widely is obviously the main thing that you would talk about in your application but does anyone have any other ideas too? I'm aiming at top universities as well like Oxford (or maybe Cambridge..?) and St Andrews etc. so could anyone studying English tell me if there's a particular genre or period of literature that they like to see written about? If it helps, I'm currently planning on doing an EPQ on how film and literature have shaped India's post colonial national identity, take part in MUN/debating/public, and write/am an editor for various school publications.
Also not exactly relevant to this question, but I didn't study History at GCSEs nor do I take it for A Levels and I've noticed for some unis they say it's helpful to study so would my application be weaker compared to someone taking both English Lit and History A Levels?
Thanks so much
Also not exactly relevant to this question, but I didn't study History at GCSEs nor do I take it for A Levels and I've noticed for some unis they say it's helpful to study so would my application be weaker compared to someone taking both English Lit and History A Levels?
Thanks so much
Honestly mostly just reading around beyond the A-level syllabus. Some critical/literary theory probably not bad to read about too.
Note that English literature and Oxford/Cambridge is very specifically "literature in English" and doesn't really encompass comparative literature/literature in translation as much as I understand. Also both those courses have mandatory medieval literature components (Oxford both Old and Middle English language and literature, Cambridge at least Middle English). So familiarising yourself with some medieval lit may not be a bad idea for those.
Note that English literature and Oxford/Cambridge is very specifically "literature in English" and doesn't really encompass comparative literature/literature in translation as much as I understand. Also both those courses have mandatory medieval literature components (Oxford both Old and Middle English language and literature, Cambridge at least Middle English). So familiarising yourself with some medieval lit may not be a bad idea for those.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 2
s_kh3
OP
10
Original post
by artful_loungerHonestly mostly just reading around beyond the A-level syllabus. Some critical/literary theory probably not bad to read about too.
Note that English literature and Oxford/Cambridge is very specifically "literature in English" and doesn't really encompass comparative literature/literature in translation as much as I understand. Also both those courses have mandatory medieval literature components (Oxford both Old and Middle English language and literature, Cambridge at least Middle English). So familiarising yourself with some medieval lit may not be a bad idea for those.
Note that English literature and Oxford/Cambridge is very specifically "literature in English" and doesn't really encompass comparative literature/literature in translation as much as I understand. Also both those courses have mandatory medieval literature components (Oxford both Old and Middle English language and literature, Cambridge at least Middle English). So familiarising yourself with some medieval lit may not be a bad idea for those.
Ok thanks so much!! Do you have any recommendations for books in critical/literary theory? And would you still say it is helpful to read literature in translation since it's beyond the A Level syllabus even if it's not taught in the courses?
Original post
by s_kh3Ok thanks so much!! Do you have any recommendations for books in critical/literary theory? And would you still say it is helpful to read literature in translation since it's beyond the A Level syllabus even if it's not taught in the courses?
Any introductory book on literary/critical theory probably good to familiarise yourself with the basics I would guess? People seem to really like the Terry Eagleton book. I looked at the Bennet & Royle book when I had a lit-related module a few years back and I liked that, as it also had kind of examples of applying different critical approaches to well known text excerpts. I also got "Beginning Theory" which is quite readable too
I am sure reading literature in translation is rewarding in it's own right - also if nothing else reading some Greek tragedy or Greek or Roman epic/comedy in translation probably useful background in that those genre forms were very influential to English literature later. Also you probably don't know Old English yet so would likely read those texts in translation first anyway and they would be fair game for certain (although some translations are really more interpretations/re-imaginings more than translations e.g. the recent "Bro-owulf" version of Beowulf by Dahvana Headley; arguably worthy of analysis in its own right but not necessarily as useful for scholarly analysis of the original narrative).
For other world literatures in translation I think it's worthwhile for one's own development to read those, but wouldn't spend overmuch space in your PS writing about it perhaps just in recognition that at least for those courses (and a few other Eng lit courses at notable unis), that isn't covered as much compared to comparative literature degrees (or degrees where you are studying those texts in the original language(s).
Reply 4
s_kh3
OP
10
Original post
by artful_loungerAny introductory book on literary/critical theory probably good to familiarise yourself with the basics I would guess? People seem to really like the Terry Eagleton book. I looked at the Bennet & Royle book when I had a lit-related module a few years back and I liked that, as it also had kind of examples of applying different critical approaches to well known text excerpts. I also got "Beginning Theory" which is quite readable too
I am sure reading literature in translation is rewarding in it's own right - also if nothing else reading some Greek tragedy or Greek or Roman epic/comedy in translation probably useful background in that those genre forms were very influential to English literature later. Also you probably don't know Old English yet so would likely read those texts in translation first anyway and they would be fair game for certain (although some translations are really more interpretations/re-imaginings more than translations e.g. the recent "Bro-owulf" version of Beowulf by Dahvana Headley; arguably worthy of analysis in its own right but not necessarily as useful for scholarly analysis of the original narrative).
For other world literatures in translation I think it's worthwhile for one's own development to read those, but wouldn't spend overmuch space in your PS writing about it perhaps just in recognition that at least for those courses (and a few other Eng lit courses at notable unis), that isn't covered as much compared to comparative literature degrees (or degrees where you are studying those texts in the original language(s).
I am sure reading literature in translation is rewarding in it's own right - also if nothing else reading some Greek tragedy or Greek or Roman epic/comedy in translation probably useful background in that those genre forms were very influential to English literature later. Also you probably don't know Old English yet so would likely read those texts in translation first anyway and they would be fair game for certain (although some translations are really more interpretations/re-imaginings more than translations e.g. the recent "Bro-owulf" version of Beowulf by Dahvana Headley; arguably worthy of analysis in its own right but not necessarily as useful for scholarly analysis of the original narrative).
For other world literatures in translation I think it's worthwhile for one's own development to read those, but wouldn't spend overmuch space in your PS writing about it perhaps just in recognition that at least for those courses (and a few other Eng lit courses at notable unis), that isn't covered as much compared to comparative literature degrees (or degrees where you are studying those texts in the original language(s).
I really appreciate all your advice and I'll definitely look into some of the books and areas of literature you mentioned, thanks!
Reply 5
Hi.
I think that something that may be good to do is look at literature in its societal context and how it portrays these influences.
For example, the high political tension and fears in west about communism after WW2 and during the Cold War was a big influence for many writers (e.g., George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, and Ray Bradbury). You could try to understand how this period in time influenced the portrayal of themes such as political corruption and rebellion in the literature written during it.
However, unless you're super interested in that time period and those themes and can bring something new to the discussion, I'd try to pick something more unique than my example.
I wouldn't say that universities want to see you write about a specific genre or time period. They more just care about the fact that you've done wider reading outside of your A-Levels. I will say though that you don't just want to list off books that you've read. Instead, you want to explain what you learnt from it and what this led you to do (e.g., if you found the theme of social isolation in Frankenstein very interesting you could say that you went on to explore how this is portrayed in poetry/plays of a different time period).
The only subject you need for an English degree is English. Humanities subjects, like history, can be seen as useful because they study elements of society that could have influenced literature. However, you can study this in your own time, so there's nothing to say that you can only develop these skills if you take humanities subjects.
I'm hoping to apply to English and History degrees next year during the 2026-2027 cycle, so I've done a lot of research the sort of supercurriculars that are good to mention in an English personal statement.
I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask me. 😊
I think that something that may be good to do is look at literature in its societal context and how it portrays these influences.
For example, the high political tension and fears in west about communism after WW2 and during the Cold War was a big influence for many writers (e.g., George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, and Ray Bradbury). You could try to understand how this period in time influenced the portrayal of themes such as political corruption and rebellion in the literature written during it.
However, unless you're super interested in that time period and those themes and can bring something new to the discussion, I'd try to pick something more unique than my example.
I wouldn't say that universities want to see you write about a specific genre or time period. They more just care about the fact that you've done wider reading outside of your A-Levels. I will say though that you don't just want to list off books that you've read. Instead, you want to explain what you learnt from it and what this led you to do (e.g., if you found the theme of social isolation in Frankenstein very interesting you could say that you went on to explore how this is portrayed in poetry/plays of a different time period).
The only subject you need for an English degree is English. Humanities subjects, like history, can be seen as useful because they study elements of society that could have influenced literature. However, you can study this in your own time, so there's nothing to say that you can only develop these skills if you take humanities subjects.
I'm hoping to apply to English and History degrees next year during the 2026-2027 cycle, so I've done a lot of research the sort of supercurriculars that are good to mention in an English personal statement.
I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask me. 😊
Reply 6
s_kh3
OP
10
Original post
by jasmineva3128Hi.
I think that something that may be good to do is look at literature in its societal context and how it portrays these influences.
For example, the high political tension and fears in west about communism after WW2 and during the Cold War was a big influence for many writers (e.g., George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, and Ray Bradbury). You could try to understand how this period in time influenced the portrayal of themes such as political corruption and rebellion in the literature written during it.
However, unless you're super interested in that time period and those themes and can bring something new to the discussion, I'd try to pick something more unique than my example.
I wouldn't say that universities want to see you write about a specific genre or time period. They more just care about the fact that you've done wider reading outside of your A-Levels. I will say though that you don't just want to list off books that you've read. Instead, you want to explain what you learnt from it and what this led you to do (e.g., if you found the theme of social isolation in Frankenstein very interesting you could say that you went on to explore how this is portrayed in poetry/plays of a different time period).
The only subject you need for an English degree is English. Humanities subjects, like history, can be seen as useful because they study elements of society that could have influenced literature. However, you can study this in your own time, so there's nothing to say that you can only develop these skills if you take humanities subjects.
I'm hoping to apply to English and History degrees next year during the 2026-2027 cycle, so I've done a lot of research the sort of supercurriculars that are good to mention in an English personal statement.
I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask me. 😊
I think that something that may be good to do is look at literature in its societal context and how it portrays these influences.
For example, the high political tension and fears in west about communism after WW2 and during the Cold War was a big influence for many writers (e.g., George Orwell, Margaret Atwood, and Ray Bradbury). You could try to understand how this period in time influenced the portrayal of themes such as political corruption and rebellion in the literature written during it.
However, unless you're super interested in that time period and those themes and can bring something new to the discussion, I'd try to pick something more unique than my example.
I wouldn't say that universities want to see you write about a specific genre or time period. They more just care about the fact that you've done wider reading outside of your A-Levels. I will say though that you don't just want to list off books that you've read. Instead, you want to explain what you learnt from it and what this led you to do (e.g., if you found the theme of social isolation in Frankenstein very interesting you could say that you went on to explore how this is portrayed in poetry/plays of a different time period).
The only subject you need for an English degree is English. Humanities subjects, like history, can be seen as useful because they study elements of society that could have influenced literature. However, you can study this in your own time, so there's nothing to say that you can only develop these skills if you take humanities subjects.
I'm hoping to apply to English and History degrees next year during the 2026-2027 cycle, so I've done a lot of research the sort of supercurriculars that are good to mention in an English personal statement.
I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask me. 😊
Hi, thank you so much for your advice, I'm looking at applying for english next year! I'll definitely read around different historical and social contexts. What period interests you most in terms of literature? It would be great to talk some more xx
Reply 7
Original post
by s_kh3Hi, thank you so much for your advice, I'm looking at applying for english next year! I'll definitely read around different historical and social contexts. What period interests you most in terms of literature? It would be great to talk some more xx
Hi. I'm glad to hear I helped!
For me, I think that it depends on what type of text I'm reading. I really enjoy classical Greek dramas, but then more modern mid-to-late 20th century poetry. When it comes to books, I honestly like a bit or everything and don't really mind what time period it's from.
What about you?
Reply 8
Original post
by s_kh3Hi! I'm leaning towards studying english at uni and I know that reading widely is obviously the main thing that you would talk about in your application but does anyone have any other ideas too? I'm aiming at top universities as well like Oxford (or maybe Cambridge..?) and St Andrews etc. so could anyone studying English tell me if there's a particular genre or period of literature that they like to see written about? If it helps, I'm currently planning on doing an EPQ on how film and literature have shaped India's post colonial national identity, take part in MUN/debating/public, and write/am an editor for various school publications.
Also not exactly relevant to this question, but I didn't study History at GCSEs nor do I take it for A Levels and I've noticed for some unis they say it's helpful to study so would my application be weaker compared to someone taking both English Lit and History A Levels?
Thanks so much
Also not exactly relevant to this question, but I didn't study History at GCSEs nor do I take it for A Levels and I've noticed for some unis they say it's helpful to study so would my application be weaker compared to someone taking both English Lit and History A Levels?
Thanks so much
i think just carry on with the stuff you're doing! don't be prescriptive or act 'in preparation' for a course at oxford, though it's true that it's hard not to feel like you have to change yourself to be what they want. Someone else said that you shouldn't fill ur PS with comparative stuff, but if that's what you now enjoy then why not! as long as it is put in the context of what help it gave you into exploring the subject beyond A-level and in reaching for uni. I think in terms of wider reading the most valuable thing is following thoughts through. Finding a corner of an interest and looking at a book from it. reading analysis to compare your own thoughts with those before you! placing your instincts and opinions (which are incredibly valuable) into the context of the whole history of instincts and opinions, and all the factors that drove them! It sounds like your already doing it in your EPQ which is such a cool idea.
vis a vis history, don't sweat it. If it's not a specific interest, or even if its just by coincidence, it would be a shame to have to invest so much time into it! Also think about historical extra reading for the A-level, like, you're highkey blessed you don't have to combat english lit with history, both subjects of pretty significant coursework.
Your application is as strong as you make it, and it sounds like its already going well. Find out what you love, and maybe force yourself to read some big classics and see what you think. If you hate them, thats a valid opinion. Post-colonial literature (and just colonial lit for that matter) is such a powerful realm.
Reply 9
s_kh3
OP
10
Original post
by frank_sl8i think just carry on with the stuff you're doing! don't be prescriptive or act 'in preparation' for a course at oxford, though it's true that it's hard not to feel like you have to change yourself to be what they want. Someone else said that you shouldn't fill ur PS with comparative stuff, but if that's what you now enjoy then why not! as long as it is put in the context of what help it gave you into exploring the subject beyond A-level and in reaching for uni. I think in terms of wider reading the most valuable thing is following thoughts through. Finding a corner of an interest and looking at a book from it. reading analysis to compare your own thoughts with those before you! placing your instincts and opinions (which are incredibly valuable) into the context of the whole history of instincts and opinions, and all the factors that drove them! It sounds like your already doing it in your EPQ which is such a cool idea.
vis a vis history, don't sweat it. If it's not a specific interest, or even if its just by coincidence, it would be a shame to have to invest so much time into it! Also think about historical extra reading for the A-level, like, you're highkey blessed you don't have to combat english lit with history, both subjects of pretty significant coursework.
Your application is as strong as you make it, and it sounds like its already going well. Find out what you love, and maybe force yourself to read some big classics and see what you think. If you hate them, thats a valid opinion. Post-colonial literature (and just colonial lit for that matter) is such a powerful realm.
vis a vis history, don't sweat it. If it's not a specific interest, or even if its just by coincidence, it would be a shame to have to invest so much time into it! Also think about historical extra reading for the A-level, like, you're highkey blessed you don't have to combat english lit with history, both subjects of pretty significant coursework.
Your application is as strong as you make it, and it sounds like its already going well. Find out what you love, and maybe force yourself to read some big classics and see what you think. If you hate them, thats a valid opinion. Post-colonial literature (and just colonial lit for that matter) is such a powerful realm.
thank you so much for your reply, you've definitely made me more confident!!
Reply 10
s_kh3
OP
10
Original post
by jasmineva3128Hi. I'm glad to hear I helped!
For me, I think that it depends on what type of text I'm reading. I really enjoy classical Greek dramas, but then more modern mid-to-late 20th century poetry. When it comes to books, I honestly like a bit or everything and don't really mind what time period it's from.
What about you?
For me, I think that it depends on what type of text I'm reading. I really enjoy classical Greek dramas, but then more modern mid-to-late 20th century poetry. When it comes to books, I honestly like a bit or everything and don't really mind what time period it's from.
What about you?
i read pretty much anything too as long as it seems interesting so i tend to lean more towards dystopia or speculative fiction, especially from the mid to late 20th century. But I also love historical fiction. And I love any sort of poetry too because I love discovering different techniques. I've never really gotten into reading dramas myself but I love analysing Shakespeare at school! I also love greek tragedies in terms of context even though I haven't read any actual greek tragedies
)Reply 11
Original post
by s_kh3Hi! I'm leaning towards studying english at uni and I know that reading widely is obviously the main thing that you would talk about in your application but does anyone have any other ideas too? I'm aiming at top universities as well like Oxford (or maybe Cambridge..?) and St Andrews etc. so could anyone studying English tell me if there's a particular genre or period of literature that they like to see written about? If it helps, I'm currently planning on doing an EPQ on how film and literature have shaped India's post colonial national identity, take part in MUN/debating/public, and write/am an editor for various school publications.
Also not exactly relevant to this question, but I didn't study History at GCSEs nor do I take it for A Levels and I've noticed for some unis they say it's helpful to study so would my application be weaker compared to someone taking both English Lit and History A Levels?
Thanks so much
Also not exactly relevant to this question, but I didn't study History at GCSEs nor do I take it for A Levels and I've noticed for some unis they say it's helpful to study so would my application be weaker compared to someone taking both English Lit and History A Levels?
Thanks so much
Hi! I'm doing English A Level and applying for English at Oxford, so I've finished and sent my application now
So you can totally ignore this if it isn't helpful because I'm not at uni yet, but this was a lot of the advice I found on the Oxbridge websites and got from my teachers. (Also, I apologise in advance because this is such a long reply, but I hope it's helpful in some way!!)I think some A Levels can be helpful to show you can handle the course you're applying for (eg. essay subjects for the humanities, maths for STEM subjects), but they definitely won't be the make-or-break for your application (especially not for Oxbridge). Study what you love, do well in English, and you should be great
You asked if you think there's any specific genre/period they want to see written about, but they really just want to see passion. The biggest thing when you're writing your personal statement is to discuss which topics interest you and clearly show how you engage with them. Regardless of the topic, they like to see directed study. For example:
•
I read this book/article/author which led me to this activity/genre/critic
•
This is what I learn from it
•
This is why it is interesting/important to me etc.
In terms of supercurriculars, I didn't have time to find work experience or anything similar (but maybe you could volunteer at a library/bookshop/do an internship at a university). Instead, I did things in school because it was just the easiest for me. I organised a lunchtime revision club for GCSE students, started a morning reading group with the Year 4s (adorable, absolutely would recommend, they loved Michael Morporgo), and my school runs Student Societies, so I did a presentation on reading as a status symbol in the digital age. Basically, I don't think you have to do huge, wildly impressive things as long as you're talking about how they've helped you become a better student/engage with literature on a more interesting level. Your EPQ sounds like a great thing to talk about because it's unique and to me your extracurriculars could be helpful if you link them back to English lang/lit in some way!
Good luck, I'm sure you'll be amazing regardless of where you go and my biggest piece of advice is not to stress too much because uni isn't the be-all end-all of life <3
Reply 12
Original post
by s_kh3Ok thanks so much!! Do you have any recommendations for books in critical/literary theory? And would you still say it is helpful to read literature in translation since it's beyond the A Level syllabus even if it's not taught in the courses?
i saw someone recommend 'Beginning theory: an introduction to literary and cultural theory' which you can download a pdf for online, but i've only just started it
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