English at Birmingham City University is a subject that encompasses the study of literature, language, drama 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. 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.
The School of English takes full advantage of its location in Birmingham. We 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.
Foundation courses
Our Foundation Years offer you an additional year of study to ensure successful progression to your chosen degree.
View coursesUndergraduate courses
Find out about our range of undergraduate courses, including English and Journalism, and English and Creative Writing.
View coursesAbout us
An English degree can open up a whole world of possibilities, from drama and screenwriting, to fast-track graduate schemes and presenting on the radio. Join us at an Open Day and discover where an English degree could take you.
Open Days
The best way to explore what's on offer is to come and see us in person at one of our Open Days.
Book your placeOur Blog
Check out our blog where we share our experiences, stories and the latest news from the School.
Read moreRound-up
Find out what's been going on in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media this month.
Round-upOur Facilities
Take a look around some of the facilities, studios and workshops that you’ll have access to.
Take a lookInstitute of Creative and Critical Writing
The ICCW enriches our creative writing programme through a series of masterclasses and guest author seminars.
More about ICCWResearch
94% of research in English at BCU was judged to be either world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in REF2021.
Learn moreStories started here
Sumaiyya Ravat
My story started at a young age. The passion and emotion I felt for reading at a young age lead me to studying English.
Sumaiyya's storyKseniia Yakutina
My story started in Ukraine, but Birmingham became my new home because of the war. BCU allowed me to continue my passion for English.
Kseniia's storyShirley Harding
My story started when I lost my husband of over fifty years. Grief inspired me to relight my passion for writing and English.
Shirley's story