English Language and Literature BA (Hons)

Course overview

This English literature and language degree explores how language is used in everyday communication, how it varies depending on use, how it is framed, where it is used, and why. The course looks at literary texts and genres from the Renaissance to the 21st century.

• Develop transferable skills in criticism, analysis and interpersonal communication which are vital in many careers, such as the legal, media, marketing, policy writing, financial and public sector professions
• Through your study of English language, develop an understanding of how English works as a system of communication that helps to define ourselves, the societies we live in, and the whole world.

Why you should study this course

• With links with a wide variety of potential employers such as secondary schools, magazines, newspapers and local charities you could receive further insights on how to enter your desired career path.
• Develop further grounding in both linguistic and literary analysis, and develop your understanding of language use and literary genres and periods
• In English literature, you’ll examine a range of fictional works from different countries and explore the ways in which the world is interpreted through them

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of literary works from selected periods and geographic regions
• interrogate and critically evaluate the arguments of others and to formulate and construct critical arguments of their own
• analyse and critically assess a range of theoretical approaches used in literary and language studies
• identify and critically comment upon the typical features of literary genres including poetry, fiction, drama, the short story, prose non-fiction
• demonstrate an advanced awareness of the diverse contexts (including social, cultural and historical) of literary production and language use
• research subject-based materials to an advanced standard using specialist digital tools and methods
• identify how language underpins intercultural and interpersonal interactions and transactions and varies according to context and identity
• demonstrate a systematic understanding of the history, evolution, spread, and nature of the English language
• communicate effectively in professional, academic and social contexts, and across a range of mediums including in person, on paper and online.

A degree in English can open up a wide range of career options over and above the professions associated with English, such as journalism, publishing, marketing, public relations, advertising, teaching, the civil service or the media.

We’re committed to preparing you for your future career and aim to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's dedicated employability support, the Talent Team, provides a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.