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BA (Hons) English Language and Literature

University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Course Overview

English Language and Literature allows you to combine an interest in the ways in which language is used in everyday situations, with an enthusiasm for the in-depth study of literary texts.

Our BA programme introduces you to a broad range of types and periods of literature, with a huge variety of different areas to pursue, from medieval literature to twenty-first-century digital literary culture. These include unparalleled resources for the study of Shakespeare, through our world-leading Shakespeare Institute.

On the Language side, you will have the opportunity to study the ways in which the English language has developed over time, variation in language use, ways in which language is acquired by both native and non-native speakers and the study of language use in different social contexts.

General Eligibility

  • Three GCE A levels (including International A Levels)

  • The International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • SQA Highers and Advanced Highers (many programmes will accept Highers without additional Advanced Highers)

  • The Cambridge Pre-U (minimum three separate subjects)

  • A mix of A levels and Cambridge Pre-U subjects (minimum three in total)

  • The Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level

  • The European Baccalaureate

  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (the grade required will be the same as from an A level and must be combined with 2 A levels.)

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

What You'll Study

1 Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Fundamentals of Language: Grammar and Discourse

  • Fundamentals of Language: Sounds and Words

  • Investigating Language

  • English in the World 

  • Poetry

  • Prose

  • Reading English

2 Year 2

Compulsory modules 

  • Structure of English

  • Stylistics 

Optional modules 

  • 80 credits of Literature optional modules; or 20 credits of Language optional modules + 60 credits of Literature optional modules; or 40 credits of Language optional modules + 40 credits of Literature optional modules

3 Year 3

Compulsory module

  • Language Dissertation; or Dissertation in English Literature; or Link Dissertation

Optional modules 

  • 80 credits of optional modules, including, if you wish, a work-based placement module 

Language Requirement

In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.

You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.

English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.

For those joining us for 2022, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:

  • TOEFL Home Edition

  • IELTs Online

  • PTE Academic Online

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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