Our BA (Hons) English Literature degree course with a foundation year will support you in developing your critical faculties, instilling in you the power and responsibility of informed reading and analysis, whilst deepening your appreciation for literature.
You will develop your writing, close-reading and research skills and learn to express your arguments coherently and persuasively. In the School of English, you will be taught by respected academics and practitioners offering a diverse range of modules.
You will study literature from all of the major periods, movements and genres. You will also have the opportunity to study cinema, art and philosophy. Your degree will allow you to tailor your studies to your individual interests and career aspirations with both a local and global outlook.
This diverse and creative course incorporating a Foundation Year is a must for anyone passionate about English, whether that be language, literature, drama or creative writing.
As part of the foundation year you will develop essential skills and knowledge which will help you succeed in your future degree level studies and which will be transferable to your future career.
You will study a variety of subjects, including language and literature, drama and creative writing, and will learn how these different aspects of English study interact with one another.
Alongside this you will develop core skills in research, critical analysis, planning and evaluation, creativity and effective communication. Understanding how English is studied in context, developing that knowledge and applying it through a range of assignments and assessments, will provide you with a strong foundation upon which to progress to degree-level study at the School of English.
English as a discipline continues to be relevant to the lives we lead and is central to a wide range of contemporary and social contexts. It is this basis on which the School has built its philosophy and approach to English as a subject, which has interdisciplinary reach beyond its own boundaries.
Understanding how language works in practice, engaging with multiple forms of communication, examining how language and literature engage with societies and cultures past and present, and the place of English in a global context, are all vital aspects in understanding how the discipline connects with the wider world, enabling you to focus on the production, interpretation and negotiation of meaning and to understand the world from a variety of perspectives.
You will benefit from student-focused and research-informed teaching in a friendly and supportive learning environment where you will be taught by respected academics and expert practitioners who encourage a community of experimentation, innovation and inclusivity.
Our graduates are characterised by their extensive subject knowledge, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, reflected in the skills and abilities that enables them to adapt to a wide range of career paths and employment opportunities.
The School contributes to the cultural life of Birmingham and the wider West Midlands by: working closely with partner colleges and schools; maintaining close links with cultural institutions such as the Birmingham and Midland Institute (BMI) and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG); and working with agencies such as Writing West Midlands. The aim is to provide opportunities for the community to engage with the discipline and the University.
Our students have gone on to work in jobs such as:
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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Typical Offers (UK students) | ||
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At the point of application, you must have GCSE at Grade 4 or above in English Language. Equivalent qualifications can be considered in lieu as long as the required subject is covered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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A level |
CDD. A minimum of 2 A Levels required (must include English A-Level) although other 6-unit qualifications can be considered in lieu of one A-level subject. Applicants with 2 A Level qualifications or equivalent can combine with AS levels to achieve required points. Must include English Language or Literature. We may consider Film Studies/Communication Studies/Creative Writing in lieu of English if you submit a satisfactory essay set by the department. For English and Drama we will consider A Level in Performing Arts/Drama or Theatre Studies in lieu of English. In addition, A-level subjects that include an element of essay writing will be considered in the absence of English Literature and Language. |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma |
MMP | |
Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits overall. Minimum of 45 credits at level 3. In a relevant pathway. | |
Scottish Advanced Higher |
DDD. Must include English Language. | |
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme |
Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 11 points or above from two Higher Level subjects alongside other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 80 UCAS Tariff Points. | |
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate |
Must be offered along with either A-levels, AS-levels or BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/BTEC 90 credit diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification/Foundation Diploma in Art and Design/ UAL extended diploma to achieve a minimum of 80 tariff points. |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma |
DM will be considered in combination with either A-level, AS-levels or BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/BTEC 90 credit diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma qualification/Foundation Diploma in Art and Design/ UAL extended diploma to achieve a minimum of 80 tariff points. | |
Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Essential | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
IELTS |
Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no sub-test below 6.0. If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
You are not required to submit a portfolio for this course.
Our courses include activities such as performance, exhibitions, field trips and production of works or artefacts which may require you to purchase specific equipment, instruments, books, materials, hire of venues and accommodation, or other items. Many of these activities are essential and compulsory parts of your learning experience.
The link below gives you an estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on your course. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course.
All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
During your foundation year you will be taught in small classes where active participation is part of the teaching methodology. Your study will involve reading and analysis, discussion and debate, and practical activities which allow you to test and implement your skills and knowledge. In addition to attending classes you will be required to complete preparation and follow-up tasks and activities to support your learning. In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits): |
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits): |
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules: |
Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 60 credits): |
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 60 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits): |
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules. |
Core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.
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The programme combines traditional teaching and learning approaches with innovative, multi-platform learning support, grounded in a student-partnership model which will encourage engagement beyond the scope of the course and ensure that students develop key transferable skills to enhance their employment.The modules you study will involve critical analysis, investigative skills and imaginative thinking.
In Year one, you will focus on developing core knowledge, including theory and practice-based elements, across English Studies. In the second half of Year one, you will be able to specialise further in your chosen area of study, and expand that in your Year two and Year three modules.
Teaching and learning activities may include lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips and guided independent study. You will also have access to a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including seminars by prestigious guest speakers and published authors and a programme of scholarly and creative events. Online facilities, such as the University’s Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle, are used to guide, support and enhance your learning experience.
You will benefit from tutorial support and spoken or written feedback on your learning and preliminary work to help you in preparing for and reflecting on your assignments. A wide range of assessment methods are used in the programme, including essays, presentations, exhibitions, conferences and creative portfolios, giving you the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills.
The conference in April featured four panels with topics including Philip K Dick and psychology, visual media, creative constructions and recitations, as well as a discussion on The Man in the High Castle, chaired by Professor John Goodridge and students from the School’s Science Fiction module.
The keynote speaker was Italian scholar Umberto Rossi who delivered a paper entitled ‘Vinyl and Tapes: P.K. Dick and the Reproduction of Sound’. This one-day conference explored evolving conceptions of culture and the countercultural through the lens of the life and works of Philip K Dick, a countercultural figure who appears to be in danger of recuperation into the mainstream.
77 per cent of research undertaken by lecturers from the School of English, classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF2014)
The School maintains close links with cultural institutions such as the Birmingham and Midland Institute (BMI) and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) and works with agencies such as Writing West Midlands.
In October 2015 group of third year students visited All Saints House - the former Birmingham lunatic asylum - as part of their Literature and Psychology module. In this module they were learning about the emergence of psychology as a science, medical discourse in literature and the treatment of mental health patients. The students had a guided tour of the building and had the pleasure of former student, Jessica Smith, discussing her recent Master's dissertation on lunatic asylums.
The school regularly organises talks and visits that will provide you with the chance to learn from industry experts with guest masterclasses and visiting authors.
Novelist Jim Crace delivered a series of workshops with students, giving feedback on their work and an insight into the world of professional writing and the publishing industry. Student Nabiyah Saddique said: "It was beneficial to students like me who want to write and be an author by career, to see how his experiences have shaped him and how he has created such beautiful pieces of work from these experiences."
Jim also enjoyed the chance to work with the students: "Everybody tried their hands at pitching an idea, writing the opening paragraphs of a novel, and line editing. It was testing and daunting but nobody fell short. The level of commitment and ability was astounding. London publishers should be beating a path to the School of English; it houses writing talent in abundance."
We encourage you to consider taking the opportunity provided by the Erasmus scheme during your time with us. Recent graduate, Charlotte Keogh, studied for a semester in Austria as part of her undergraduate degree.
Charlotte said: "Going to live and study in Austria was the single most terrifying and tremendous experience of my life. I left England with a self-taught basic knowledge of German (meaning I could say “hello”, “goodbye” and “can I have a glass of water please?”) and left being able to hold conversations with the gorgeous old ladies who shared my tram journeys through the city every morning."
For further information on courses contact Birmingham City University Choices - Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5595 Email: choices@bcu.ac.uk.
Employability is embedded across our programme, from sector- and industry-specific skills in creative writing, drama, linguistics and literature, through to transferable skills that hold real value regardless of your employment direction, including literacy and numeracy, time management and organisation, oral and written communication, team work, initiative and enterprise, creative and analytical thinking, self-direction and discipline, independence, information gathering and interpersonal skills.
You will have multiple opportunities to engage in problem solving and problem-based learning, particularly through individual assessments and collaborative practice modules, and to reflect on your own career development needs through participating in the Graduate+ scheme and other employability schemes over the course of your degree.
95 per cent of our English graduates are in work or continuing their studies.
(2015/16 DLHE statistics)
The School is committed to developing strong links with employers in Birmingham and the West Midlands. Several language and Creative Writing modules have explicit employer and industry engagement, where you work in collaboration with employer and external partners over the course of the semester and are encouraged to adopt industry-standard practices to facilitate connections and links independently with external partners.
In the case of the Work Placement module, you will have the opportunity to develop skills and abilities in a sector-specific context, while ensuring that academic aims and objectives are met as part of your wider learning journey.
“I chose the BA (Hons) English Literature course because of the variety of modules, the enthusiasm of the staff and the option to study the course part time. It gave me the flexibility to study a subject I am passionate about, as well as gain voluntary experience alongside it.
The opportunities offered by the School, such as speaking at a student undergraduate conference and working as a student ambassador gave me experience of interacting with others and of public speaking. These skills have been incredibly useful during my placement at Gladstone’s Library, a placement I was made aware of through discussing career options with my tutors, and I am confident that they will continue to be of use as I pursue a career in Library and Information studies."
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
We regularly seek out opportunities to build further links with partner organisations in the region, including Creative Black Country, Birmingham Literary Festival, Birmingham Museums Trust (including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery), Black Country Museum Trust, Arvon Creative Writing Foundation, Flatpack Film Festival, West Midlands Screenwriters' Forum, and other Schools within the University, in addition to publishers, charities, third sector organisations, and more, in Birmingham and beyond.
Our graduates are characterised by their extensive subject knowledge, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity, reflected in the skills and abilities that will enable them to adapt to a wide range of career paths, employment opportunities, or further study at Master’s or PhD level. Graduates go on to careers in writing, teaching, librarianship, marketing, journalism and public relations.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the high standard of our campuses. With an investment of £340 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.
Our School of English is housed in the Curzon Building, a £63 million development, located on our City Centre campus, in the vibrant second city that is Birmingham.
Discover your bright and open learning spaces, your 24 hour (during term time) library, drama, media and radio studios, along with state of the art lecture theatres, and a variety of sociable break-out areas, all adding to your unique learning experience.
As you have a great deal of choice throughout your degree, it’s likely you’ll come into contact with a whole host of our inspiring, research-active staff, including Dr Tony Howe, Reader in Romanticism and Director of Graduate Research, whose work on Byron and Shelley is internationally respected. Dr Serena Trowbridge is Subject Lead for English Literature, and has published widely on Victorian poetry, Gothic and Pre-Raphaelitism. Dr Sarah Wood, Head of the School of English, focuses on speculative fiction, children’s literature and women’s writing in her research.
Sarah Wood holds degrees from JMU, the University of Liverpool, and Birmingham City University, where she gained her PhD. Her research interests are in feminism and science fiction.
She has an article on Octavia Butler forthcoming in FEMSPEC and is working on further studies of Butler as well as of Nalo Hopkinson and slave narrative.
Dr Serena Trowbridge read English and Art History at King's College London, followed by an MA in textual studies at the University of Birmingham. Her PhD, entitled 'Christina Rossetti's Fractured Gothic', was completed at Birmingham City University in 2010, supervised by Professor Fiona Robertson. Her monograph Christina Rossetti's Gothic was published by Bloomsbury in 2013.
Serena has taught at the University of Worcester and Birmingham City University, mostly in the fields of gender and literature, and poetry. She has recently developed a new module on Gothic literature, and is preparing proposals for a book on graveyard poetry and Gothic. She is the editor of the journal of The Pre-Raphaelite Society, and a member of the committee of the Midlands Interdisciplinary Victorian Studies Seminars (MIVSS). She blogs for the Journal of Victorian Culture Online.
Dr Anthony Howe is Reader in English Literature and Associate Director of Research in the School of English at Birmingham City University. Originally from the North East of England, he studied at Liverpool (BA; MA) before taking a PhD at Cambridge. Prior to his current post he taught at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. He is a Senior Fellow of the HEA. Dr Howe’s major research concern is in the field of English Romantic period poetry, especially Byron and Shelley.