English Literature and Musical Theatre BA

ENGLISH LITERATURE

Study English Literature at Liverpool Hope University and you will explore a wide range of literature as well as the history, ideas, people and places that shape it and are shaped by it. Throughout our course, we emphasise how literary texts address and influence the most important issues facing society today. We place an emphasis on sustainability and the environment, on work and employability, on travel and global perspectives, and on health, happiness and well-being. Key features of our course include a focus on publishing and the digital humanities, the exploration of the relationship between literature and the natural world, working with rare books and manuscripts from our library’s large Special Collections and Archives, and also going on a range of field trips.

During your three years of study, you will gain a sound grasp of the contexts and approaches within which English literature can be studied, as well as gaining a sense of developments across periods of English literature. You also develop a critical appreciation of the ways in which knowledge of other disciplines and their relationships to English literature can contribute to a deeper understanding of literary texts.

The academic staff teaching the degree have research expertise in a broad range of fields, from late medieval to contemporary literature. We pride ourselves on offering a challenging and stimulating degree, and our commitment to small group teaching allows us to help each individual student to develop sophisticated analytical and communication skills through working both independently and in groups. We not only strive to support you in the pursuit of academic excellence but also help you to explore your wide range of options after university through a focus on the diverse skills you will develop and the many sectors that will welcome you as an English Literature graduate.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Liverpool is a vibrant city, tapping into the momentum and energy of a diverse creative scene that stems from a long history as an international port city. Musical Theatre continues to play an integral role in its ever-changing theatrical landscape.

This degree allows the study of Musical Theatre from performative, as well as directorial/production points of view. With us, you will study the creative and conceptual interactions that exist between words, music and movement, that underpin the threefold performative relationships between music, dance and acting that communicate and express the art form of Musical Theatre.  

You will explore core repertoire themes and historical context, and small-group practical seminars will allow you to develop dance and acting techniques. These will be underpinned by student-led tutorials and one-to-one singing lessons.

The course is led by a team of Musical Theatre specialists, who have first-hand production and performance experience - both in the West End and regional theatres - ensuring our students receive up-to-the-minute insights and guidance.