Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - English Language and Literature

The BA (Hons) Language and Literature degree offers a balanced and multidisciplinary approach to the study of English, combining the analysis of language with the exploration of literary texts. The programme develops students as critical readers, with a strong emphasis on the detailed study of language, its structures, and its effects.

Students examine how language operates in real-world contexts, including society, media, digital communication, politics, health, and education. Drawing on areas such as sociolinguistics and corpus linguistics, the course provides a technical and applied understanding of English, from speech and sound to the ways in which texts influence and persuade.

Alongside language study, students engage with literary texts, exploring their composition, meaning, and cultural significance. This integrated approach supports a deeper understanding of both language and literature within contemporary contexts.

Teaching is delivered by experienced academics within a supportive learning environment, encouraging engagement with the impact of language and storytelling in the modern world.

An optional professional placement year is available between the second and third years of study, providing valuable experience in a relevant professional setting. Students are responsible for securing their placement, supported by the university’s careers services and employer networks. Those who successfully obtain a placement can transfer to the placement version of the course.

The programme equips graduates with analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills, preparing them for a wide range of careers or further study in language, literature, and related fields.