Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per 20-credit module
Course summary
Our English Literature and Language BA gives you the opportunity to study English literature by focusing on both the wider social context and the language that is being used.
You'll be able to engage with an exciting variety of texts, both traditional (such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens) and non-traditional, alongside all sorts of other aspects of culture. You'll become a sophisticated reader of texts in their wider cultural contexts, at the same time as sharpening your skills in research. This training in critical and creative reading is particularly suitable if you are considering English teaching, the publishing or journalism industries, or any career that involves sophisticated communication skills and an advanced level of language use. It is of particular interest to those wishing to develop their skills as a writer. Our degree is strong in promoting the transferable and cognitive skills that employers value, and that contribute to lifelong personal and professional development.
We begin the course with an examination of what literature is and the tools that we use to discuss it, alongside focusing on how the English language works and the ways it is used to create different kinds of texts. As you progress through the course, you'll have the choice of a wide variety of literature from Old English, through Shakespeare, the 19th and 20th centuries to the present day; this may include texts from outside the traditional literary canon such as genre fiction and new forms of digital content.
Top reasons to study with us
- Learn from experts – You'll be taught by experts in their field, both in English literature and language and in neighbouring disciplines
- Benefit from small group learning – We offer weekly small group tutorials of five to eight students per tutor in addition to our regular seminars, which are designed to support your individual learning needs during the first two years of your degree
- Engage with a variety of texts – You'll be studying both traditional and non-traditional texts alongside all sorts of cultural works from film, the visual arts and museums
- Get experience before graduating – you’ll have the option to do a work placement as part of this course
- Learn transferable skills – Our degree will prepare you for a variety of careers by helping you to build your communication skills, research skills and creativity in problem-solving
Course structure
There is a range of optional modules available from within the School of Humanities and across the University in each year of study. In Year 3 you have a particularly extensive array of modules to choose from, which allows you to tailor the degree to your own interests and future aspirations. In Year 3 you also complete a dissertation in a topic of your choice, with one-to-one supervisory support.
Our principal mode of teaching is through seminars of 15-25 students, with some larger university lectures. A key feature of our degree is our weekly small group tutorials (five to eight students per tutor). These are designed to support your own individual learning needs as you go through the first two years. The tutorials are specific to this degree and provide an important space for you to find suitable support in your studies more generally, alongside enhancing your study and employability skills.
At university, much of your learning is independent, conducted beyond the classroom (individually and in groups) in the library, at home, and via our online learning system (Blackboard), and the tutorials provide essential support for independent study.
Assessment on the English Literature and Language BA varies from traditional essays, presentations and small analytic exercises of texts through to the preparation and execution of small research projects and ultimately the preparation and writing of your own dissertation in the final year. Some modules combine coursework with a short exam.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- English Literature and Language Tutorial
- What is Literature?
- Introducing English language
- Language and Text
- Keywords for Literary Studies
- World Varieties of English
- Shakespeare and Performance
- Poetry and Politics
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- English Literature and Language Tutorial
- The Novel
- Romanticisms
- The Victorian World
- Discourse across Time
- Language and Literary Style
- Child Language Acquisition
- Writing Revolutions
- Making Memory: Culture History and Representation
- Monsters
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 you’ll have the option to undertake either a study or work placement at a partner institution abroad. The optional year abroad helps you develop cultural and intercultural awareness of the country you visit and gives you an opportunity to gain experience in a different setting.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- English Literature and Language Dissertation
- Language Contact and Change
- Studies in Literary Language
- Language and Power
- Language Form
- Applied Language Studies
- The Modernist World
- Tragedy: Ancient to Modern
- Fiction after 1950
- Issues in Culture
- Sexualities in Literature and Culture
- Special Topic
- Reading the Present
Credit Level 6
Hear from our students
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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Careers
Graduates from this degree are prepared for a wide array of careers with their much sought-after skills in communication, analysis and research. This is not a narrowly focused vocational degree, but a degree that prepares you for any career that values advanced skills in spoken and written communication, and where you need to demonstrate initiative and creativity in problem-solving.
Get career-ready
Our degree enhances your communication skills, research skills, initiative and creativity in problem-solving – skills that are valued in a wide range of careers.
CV and interview skills
We provide guidance in CV writing and drafting job applications, and preparing for interviews and psychometric tests, giving you a headstart in your graduate career.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers and support you to achieve your full potential.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields, including:
- Advertising
- Further research in higher education institutions
- Marketing
- Publishing and editing
- Public relations and communications
- Recruitment and human resources
- Speech and language therapy
- Teaching English (both in the UK and abroad)
- Web content management
Work experience
You’ll have the option to complete a work placement as part of this course. Our students gain valuable skills and knowledge through this experience.
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Base Quantum Ltd
- BBC
- Ignition People
- Red Consultancy
- St. James’s Place Wealth Management
- Tesco
- The Restaurant Group plc
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Andrew Caink
Principal Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
Andrew is a Principal Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics. He was educated at local comprehensive schools and the universities of Oxford (English Language and Literature BA), Bristol (PGCE English) and Durham (MA Applied Linguistics and PhD Theoretical Linguistics).
He has lectured at the Universities of Durham, Lapland, and Wolverhampton, and has taught English Language in Finland, Poland and Bulgaria. He teaches modules in both Linguistics and English Language, focusing particularly on language form (grammar) and the way language is used in literary texts.
His most recent publications focus on the language of literary texts, and when he's not thinking about theory, he writes and publishes short fiction.
Language is at the heart of what it is to be human. Linguistics connects with everything."
Course Team
- Professor Louise Sylvester - Professor of English Language
- Dr Sylvia Shaw - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Petros Karatsareas - Reader
- Dr Anand Syea - Reader in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Sean Sutherland - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Dr Saul Frampton - Senior Lecturer
- Dr Charles Denroche - Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics
- Professor John Beck - Professor
- Dr Lucy Bond - Principal Lecturer
- Dr Kate M. Graham - Senior Lecturer in English Literature (Theatre)
- Dr Matthew Charles - Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Critical Theory
Why study this course?
A literary city
Study English literature and language in the heart of London, a historic literary city and home to some of the world's most celebrated writers.
Benefit from small group learning
Our fortnightly small group tutorials are designed to give you additional support during the first two years of your degree.
Gain a broad perspective
On our course, you'll study both traditional texts and texts from outside the usual literary canon, while focusing on the broader context of Western history and thought, and art and culture.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £1,540 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
You should budget between £50–£100 for additional materials at Level 4, £50–£100 at Level 5 and £50–£100 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £2,830 (Price per 20-credit module)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
You should budget between £50–£100 for additional materials at Level 4, £50–£100 at Level 5 and £50–£100 at Level 6.
See also our general policy on what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Our Regent Campus is comprised of two sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Subjects including Criminology and Sociology, English and Creative Writing, History, Languages, Politics and International Relations and Visual Culture are based at 309 Regent Street, which includes recently refurbished social spaces, gym facilities and our Regent Street Cinema.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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