BA (Hons) English Language and Literatures with Foundation Year

The course aims to inspire a passion for and knowledge of literary and cultural texts from the medieval era to the present day, by writers from the West Midlands to the wider world beyond. Another aim of the course is to enable you to learn about the form and functions of the English language in a wide variety of contexts and to promote your understanding of the political and ideological significance of language, literature and culture in a wide range of social and historical contexts, especially in relation to gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, class and disability. One other important aim is to develop your awareness of the significance of ethical evaluations of reading, writing and linguistic interpretation, supporting an understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in literature, language and culture. You will be encouraged to reflect critically on literary and linguistic production and reception, value and cultural capital. The course aims to advance your understanding of the different forms, aesthetics, genres, and functions of literary and cultural texts and to enhance your verbal, written and digital communication skills for developing and sustaining a professional career. Combining Language and Literatures will foster your skills in critical and creative thinking, analysis, research, and problem-solving, for academic success and employment beyond your degree. Ultimately the aim is to help you develop your confidence in making your voice heard, at university, in employment, and in culture and society.

The Foundation year prepares students for university level study. Successful completion of our Foundation course permits access to any of our Humanities or Media BA (Hons) degree courses, which include English Literatures, English Language, Creative and Professional Writing, Linguistics, and Media – many of which can be taken singly as specialist degrees or together as ‘joint’ degree routes. The Foundation year begins with modules aimed at providing transferable study skills and then, in the second semester, gives students the opportunity to study more specialist modules, with a focus on various aspects of Humanities and Media.

The degree fosters your skills in critical and creative thinking, analysis, research, and problem-solving, for academic success and employment beyond your degree. This programme will enable you to develop your confidence in making your voice heard, at university, in employment, and in culture and society. This degree equips students for employment in any area where critical thinking, analytical skills, and where exemplary written and verbal communication skills are important. English Language and Literatures graduates are valued for their capabilities in critical thinking, evidence gathering and evaluation, argument or point-of-view construction and advocacy, and problem solving, with these transferable skills proving highly desirable throughout the employment market. Many graduates have proceeded to postgraduate study, gaining Masters degrees, teaching and other postgraduate professional qualifications, and PhDs. Our graduates go into diverse careers and occupations, including education at all levels, management and leadership, local government, librarianship and information services, social work, the civil service, retail and the service sector, fundraising and charity work, journalism and professional writing, proof-reading, copyediting and publishing.