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English: University of Birmingham

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Degree 
BA
Address
English: University of Birmingham, Department of English, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Subject
Literature
Duration 
3 years
Telephone 
+ 44(0)121 414 3364
Fax 
+ 44 (0)121 414 5668
E-mail 

engl...@bham.ac.uk

Website 
http://www.english.bham.ac.uk



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Studying English at Birmingham involves a rigorous grounding in the core areas of the subject along with exposure to new ideas and practices. Ours is a strong department, with members of staff working in the fields of English Literature, English Language and Creative Writing.

At the beginning of your programme you commit yourself to one of two pathways, based on your interests and experience – English Literature (mostly literature with some language), or English Language and Literature (equal proportions of literature and language).

First year

The first-year Literature Foundation module introduces you to a range of kinds and periods of literature, using a lively variety of critical and theoretical approaches. The Independent Study module guides you in using the huge print and electronic resources of the Main Library, and in writing and referencing to a professional standard.

Language Foundation introduces the essential elements of contemporary language studies (many of them pioneered at this University), along with (for English Language and Literature students) methods and skills for independent research. Landmarks in European Literature offers you the opportunity to establish a broader basis for literary study by reading key works (in translation) in their historical and cultural contexts. There may also be an opportunity to take a module outside your main discipline.

Second year

In this year you proceed (depending on your course) to take modules that address carefully chosen topics in a range of periods of English literature, and which are informed by theoretical as well as textual and historical approaches. Language modules concentrate at a more advanced level on discourse, or on the social and psychological contexts of language, with an additional module on language analysis for English Language and Literature students.

The Independent Study module in your second year sets you more challenging objectives to prepare you for the final-year dissertation. It is often possible (depending on  course) to take a further module outside your main discipline.

Third year

The final year is the culmination of your programme, in which you choose a number of special option modules, taught by specialists on their specialisms, and in which your dissertation enables you to demonstrate sophisticated understanding of the issues in literature or language that you have been building up over the last two years. All English Literature students also take a year-long Shakespeare course, drawing on the unique resources of our internationally renowned Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Year abroad

Students from the Department of English taking a year abroad are asked to write a Year Abroad Project: an extended essay prepared, in part, during their second year. All students writing Year Abroad Projects are allocated a supervisor, with whom they meet to discuss their work.

Teaching and learning

We believe that we are partners in learning with our students, and our programme is designed to ensure that you are a fully supported and an active learner. Your programme combines independent study with class work in seminar groups and lectures, as well as individual supervisions in connection with your dissertation. We provide a variety of assessment methods, including exams and written work produced throughout the year.

Career opportunities

In English you have an unparalleled opportunity not only to engage with the materials of a broad and diverse cultural, textual and linguistic discipline, but also to develop skills in intellectual analysis, critical thinking and articulate expression – skills that last a lifetime and qualify you for many possible careers. You are also encouraged to acquire practical skills, of equally wide usefulness and application, in oral presentation, professional documentation, group work, and the uses of information technology.

English graduates go on to work in commerce, the public services, journalism and other media, teaching at every level, publishing, advertising, the law, and a very wide range of other professions.

Other ways to study English

You can take English in an equal combination with another subject as part of a Joint Honours degree.

You can also take English as a Major subject (making up two-thirds of the programme) in combination with a Minor subject (one-third of the programme). Major/Minor combinations include English with American and Canadian Studies (UCAS code: Q3T7) and English with Philosophy (UCAS code: Q3V5).

Entry requirements

  • Number of A levels required: 3
  • Typical offer: AAB
  • Required subjects and grades:
    English Literature – A level English Literature or A level in Language and Literature
    English Literature and Language – A level English Language and Literature, or both A level English Language and A level English Literature
  • General Studies: may be considered
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 36 points including English at HL with a minimum of 6 points

Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details

Contact details

For general information about open days

Main University Switchboard

  • Postal address: The University of Birmingham
    Edgbaston
    Birmingham
    B15 2TT
    United Kingdom
  • Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
  • Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

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