Our BA (Hons) Language and Literature course is a balanced programme of study that reflects the multidisciplinarity of contemporary English studies. It develops you as a reader of texts and critical concepts with an emphasis on the precise analysis of language, its structures, and effects. You will learn about how language works in practice in society, the media, the internet, politics, health, and education. Informed by research expertise in sociolinguistics and corpus linguistics, this course offers a technical and applied understanding of English language, from the sounds we make to how texts persuade us, which complements your study of literary texts, their composition, and significance.

What's covered in this course?

At the heart of our English courses is a shared interest in words and stories, and an appreciation of the real difference they make in the world. Taught by world-leading academics in a friendly, supportive learning community, you will explore the power of language and literature in ways that matter today and to you.

Alongside core modules in language, flexibility and diversity of choice are built into our inclusive course for you to shape your degree according to your interests, strengths, and career goals. You can study and practice a range of forms, genres, and modes of communication from different historical contexts and theoretical perspectives, across literature, language, creative writing, and drama. Our courses include opportunities for work experience or peer collaboration as standard and culminate in a Major Project, which allows you to research and write about ideas and questions of your choosing.

English at BCU is a top-20 research department for English Studies and research excellence is central to our taught courses. We focus on the practice and application of subject knowledge and skills to develop graduate readers, thinkers, and writers that excel in criticality, creativity, and communication. As a perceptive critical thinker, you will interpret and assess complex information and situations to form intelligent judgements and solutions. As a creative individual, you will produce new and imaginative texts, and devise interesting, challenging ideas. And, as a proficient, versatile communicator, you will be trained in clear and accurate spoken and written English to professional standards.

Our graduates are characterised by their extensive knowledge and skills in English, and transferrable qualities that are sought-after by employers. These subject-specific and professional skills and attributes are embedded in the course to open a wide range of career paths and employment opportunities, including (but not limited to) education writing, editing and publishing advertising and marketing public relations and digital content creation.