English
English at Birmingham City University is a subject that encompasses the study of literature, language, journalism and creative writing.Ours is a community where each individual is empowered to shape their learning, research and practice in creative, innovative and thought-provoking ways.
Top 10
in the UK for career prospects in English (Guardian League Table 2025).
Excellent research
94% of research in English at BCU was judged to be either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in REF2021.
Partnerships
Benefit from workshops, competitions and networking events through our partnership with Writing West Midlands to support creative writers.
TEF Gold
BCU was awarded the highest possible rating of Gold for Student Experience in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
We are ambitious in our creative and critical practice, in challenging convention and in developing an inclusive curriculum that reflects the distinctiveness of our students.
We take full advantage of our location in Birmingham, and are committed to developing strong links with employers in the city and the West Midlands. Several language and creative writing modules have explicit employer and industry engagement, where you’ll work in collaboration with employers and partners over the course of a semester and be encouraged to adopt industry standard practices to facilitate connections and links independently with external organisations.
Explore BCU
Take a virtual tour of your subject facilities and spaces that would be part of your daily life as a student at Birmingham City University.
Our courses
Undergraduate courses
Find out about our range of undergraduate courses for English.
Postgraduate courses
Take a look at the English postgraduate courses and research degrees available.
Our Research
We have a thriving research community conducting research in English Language, Linguistics and Literature from the Middle Ages to the present.
Explore English
Facilities
Take a look around the facilities available to you as an English student at BCU.
Our staff
When you study your degree with us, you will enjoy a wealth of expertise from those in your relevant field.
Our graduates
We're proud to boast an alumni community of more than 200,000 graduates in 120 countries across the world.
Working in industry
If you choose to study at BCU, you will get the chance to work with industry, where you'll gain valuable experience.
Blog
Check out our blog where we share our experiences and visionary ideas with each other, the industry and the world.
Institute of Creative and Critical writing
The Institute of Creative and Critical Writing exists to cultivate the literary arts and the life of ideas.
Our Heritage and History
We have a rich history of delivering creative arts education in Birmingham dating back to 1843. Our long-standing history means that we are an integral part of the city, with excellent industry links locally, nationally and internationally.
Find out more
News
There is always something happening around the University and our latest news is a great way to find out what's going on.
Placements
You may be required to undertake a placement as part of your course, or offered the opportunity to do so voluntarily during your time at BCU.
Living in Birmingham
Whether you’re moving to Birmingham or you’re a Brummie at heart, there’s so much to student life here to explore, no matter which campus you're based at.
Open Days
The best way to explore what's on offer is to come and see us. Our in-person events provide the perfect opportunity to chat to our staff and students, and check out our state-of-the-art facilities.