English Language & Literature

On this course you’ll analyse the relationship between language and the development of literature. You’ll work with everything from classic works of English literature to popular media texts such as adverts and films. You’ll enhance your skills in analysis and interpretation, communication skills (oral and written) and constructing a coherent argument.

This degree is particularly useful if you’re looking to teach English at secondary level, where it’s vital that you can demonstrate in-depth knowledge of both language and literature. You will be able to study modules in Education, tailored to work-based learning. We also have links with a network of regional schools, which can help you to gain useful work experience.

You’ll learn through an engaging mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops. For each module, we’ll assess you through various coursework assignments, written exams, presentations and group work.

You’ll benefit from being taught by tutors who are experts in English Literature. Many have worked for major media companies, including the BBC (both television and radio) and PBS America. They have also acted as consultants for cultural and literary institutions such as Lancaster Theatre Productions and the Lancaster Literature Festival. Others have delivered high profile events at the Whitworth Gallery; The Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library; and the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool.

Our introductory modules will provide you with a solid grounding in literature and equip you with sound analytical skills. After that, you can tailor the rest of the course to your particular interests through a wide variety of optional modules. See what takes your interest – choose from a wide variety of styles and genres, including science-fiction, gothic fiction, Shakespeare, fairy tales and short stories.

Throughout your degree, you’ll explore theories, approaches and methodologies related to the study of English Language and Linguistics.

We also place a big emphasis on employability – we’ll help you to work towards your career goals. You’ll attend sessions on project management, team-working, problem-solving, career development and more. As part of our English Language Workshops modules, you’ll take part in projects outside the University, working with local businesses and community groups. You also have the chance to publish your work in the University’s journal of undergraduate research, Diffusion.

You’ll enjoy getting stuck into our English Language Skills Initiative for Employability (ELSIE) project, where you can develop a whole range of new skills and get vital work experience. You might get involved in organising a literature festival, conference or exhibition. There are also a number of placements and short-term internships on offer, and as part of your dissertation module, you have the opportunity to gain a Career Planning Certificate.

During your course, you’ll also get to go on field trips to museums, archives and theatres, including major literary and cultural sites such as Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon and Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage in the Lake District.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in teaching and education, we have links with a network of regional schools, helping you to gain vital work experience. You could go on to gain a PGCE in primary education, or certificates in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

We are affiliated with a number of professional academic bodies, such as:

• British Association for American Studies
• Centre for the Study of International Slavery, International Slavery Museum
• Collegium for African American Research
• European Association for American Studies
• European Association for American Studies
• Multi-Ethnic Studies Europe and America (MESEA)
• National Black Arts Association
• Transatlantic Studies Association