BA (Hons) English degree • City, University of London

This course is for 2023/24 entry.

What is unique about this course?

Key information

This innovative degree is designed to bring the study of literature into the twenty-first century. You will graduate with a wide range of analytical, creative and professional skills as well as an informed and critical understanding of writing in English throughout history and around the world.

Start date

September 2023

UCAS code

Q300

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years with placement or study abroad year

Institution

City, University of London

Location

Northampton Square

Entry requirements

Below is a list of countries with information on each about which qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we will require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum requirements are:

IELTS:

7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.

English language programmes

Don’t meet the English language requirements? INTO City, University of London offers English language programmes to help prepare you for study at university. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to degree courses.

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Prospectus

English BA (Hons) Course overview

This programme builds on our international reputation in creative writing, journalism and publishing.

You will study the written word across time and space, from Shakespeare to social media, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to comic books.

By the end of the degree you will have produced your own creative and professional writing.

You will also have developed critical and analytical skills needed to understand how the written word shapes, and is shaped by, the world we live in.

Immerse yourself in world literature and engage with current debates in literary scholarship
Write creatively, professionally and analytically in a range of different forms, via a range of different media
Learn from a team of expert lecturers who are passionate about engaging with the written word in all its forms
Develop employability skills with a placement module in a relevant business, like publishing, teaching, journalism and the arts
Or spend a full year on work placement – there are amazing opportunities on your doorstep in London’s exciting Knowledge Quarter
Access awe inspiring library collections – including the Senate House Library, with millions of books and beautiful study spaces, and nearby British Library.

Structure

Course content

Immerse yourself in the diverse, evolving and endlessly fascinating subject of English with this three-year English BA.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Year 1

Develop a confident grounding in the study of literature, creative writing, and employability skills in your first year with our range of core modules. Encounter literature from the Middle Ages to the present day as you explore texts from Britain and beyond, delving into a global history of writing in English.

Year 2

Deepen your knowledge and critical understanding of the study of literature with a range of modules covering different authors, genres, and ideas. Choose from a range of topical and innovative literary, creative, and practical modules that include embedded opportunities to gain professional experience of relevant industries. Discover a variety of exciting electives from Journalism and Music, or build your work experience with a micro-placement module.

Shakespeare: Authorship and Dramatic Texts (15 credits)

In this module you will explore critical debates surrounding the authorship and performance of Shakespeare’s plays. You will develop a critical understanding of Shakespeare’s use of genre, form, and language, and trace the core elements of dramatic form.
Publishing in the Digital Age (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the ways in which digitisation is transforming the publishing process. You will explore the historical and cultural development of publishing, learn about current conditions of the global publishing industry, and gain professional experience with industry partners.
Creative Writing Workshop (15 credits)

In this module you will explore the practice of creative writing in a variety of genres. Through developing your own writing portfolio, you will develop an understanding of the practices of the creative writer.
Writing Women (15 credits)

In this module you will explore the practice of creative writing across a variety of genres. By developing your own writing portfolio and completing tasks for industry professionals, you will gain understanding and experience of the practices of creative writing.
Shakespeare: Adaptation, Appropriation, Circulation (15 credits)

This module explores and questions the basis of Shakespeare’s enduring legacy by analysing how his works have been reproduced, adapted, transformed, or translated over time. You will learn to debate ideas of the literary original and consider how adaptation has contributed to conflicting perceptions of Shakespeare’s significance and value.
Romanticism (15 credits)

The Romantic period, running from 1780 to 1830, was one of dramatic social, political, industrial, technological, and cultural change in Britain. This module aims to give you a rich encounter with the themes and innovations of this particularly turbulent and productive period of literary writing.
Literary London (15 credits)

This module explores London’s rich cultural heritage in its literary, social and historical contexts. You will gain the skills required to analyse how London, both as place and idea, has been represented in different genres of writing.
London After Empire: City and Society (15 credits)

In this module, you will study the immediate and ongoing effects of British colonialism on the built environment and social fabric of London. You will encounter a dynamic range of multicultural literary voices that narrate Black British and Asian British experiences of the city.
Digital Storytelling: Research, Writing, Design (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the digital turn that has revolutionised the Humanities and Social Sciences in recent years. During guided workshops in the university’s computer labs, you will acquire a range of digital research skills and writing techniques, including how to use digital archives, search for digital content, and write for digital consumption.
Concerning Futures: Writing Alternative Worlds (15 credits)

This module explores how the future has been imagined in literary writing across genres, from speculative and science fictions to utopias and dystopias to narratives of apocalypse and climate change.
Novel Times: Writing Modernity (15 credits)

This module explores one of the most widely read and written literary forms of modern times: the novel. Through the discussion and analysis of novels from the past three centuries, you will explore definitions, origins, and developments of the novel as both a literary and historical form.
Humanitarian Reporting (15 credits)

In this module you will examine how we understand faraway disasters. You will look at the background to foreign reporting, the way that the western media covers the developing world and then assess how the nature of this has changed.
Sports Reporting (15 credits)

The module will investigate the changing face of sports journalism and the way that the industry has had to evolve. You will be equipped with writing and editing skills that will prove effective across a broad range of sports.
Visual Journalism (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge to enable you to take photographs as part of your job, and the knowledge and critical ability to be able to select good photographs for publication.
Writing about Music (15 credits)

This elective module introduces you to concepts and practices in contemporary music journalism, and across different types of writing about music. You will explore various forms of journalism, including writing for print media and blogs, alongside academic writing, advertising, fiction and more.
Popular Music Now! (15 credits)

This module provides you with skills to examine a variety of different popular music topics from the year 2000 onwards, and to investigate them through a range of critical perspectives. By considering the materials of our current musical environment, you will also explore links to the past and consider future directions in which music may travel.
Micro-Placement (15 credits)

The micro-placement module is an exciting way to gain professional experience via short summer placements with a wide range of London-based employers. The programme aims to give you real-life exposure to the business environment and enhance your employability skills.
Career Development and Work Placement (15 credits)

This module offers an opportunity to work towards future employment and reflect critically on your readiness for the 21st century workplace. It permits you to build on skills and knowledge gained on your degree course, as well as transferable skills.

Year 3

Choose from a broad selection of modules on the cutting edge of literary scholarship, from global urban narratives to literatures of conflict and visual storytelling. Apply your learning in areas such as journalism, publishing, and teaching. Deep-dive into what interests you by completing at least one 30-credit Major Project module.

Major Project: Dissertation (30 credits)

You will identify, plan, research, and write up a substantial project related to the study of English which reflects your interests. This will allow you to apply and further develop the knowledge and skills gained through the other modules.
Major Project: Professional Portfolio (30 credits)

You will identify, complete, write-up and analyse a substantial project related to the application of English within an applied or professional context.
Major Project: Creative Writing (30 credits)

You will plan, develop and complete a substantial piece of creative writing which will demonstrate your understanding of the features of successful creative writing, broadly defined, to be presented in a format appropriate to your chosen genre and readership.
Literary Journalism (15 credits)

In this module you will explore, through example and practice, approaches to creative writing forms, from prose fiction and creative nonfiction to poetry and other texts situated in the contemporary literary landscape.
Crossing the Margins: Contemporary Voices in Creative Writing (15 credits)

In this module you will explore, through example and practice, approaches to creative writing forms, from prose fiction and creative nonfiction to poetry and other texts situated in the contemporary literary landscape.
Print and Digital Innovation: Making Content for the World of Books (15 credits)

This module introduces you to the creation of ‘content’ for and by the publishing industry. You will explore innovations in both digital and print forms, and acquire the skills needed to become an innovator of your own printed product or digital prototype.
Teaching English (15 credits)

In this module you will gain an understanding of the principles and practice of teaching English in a variety of pedagogic contexts. You will learn how to plan classroom activities and exercises, and will acquire strategies for diverse delivery, feedback, and assessment.
Writing the Global City (15 credits)

This module explores exchanges between cultures and their relationship to ideas and debates about identity, migration and belonging, by examining writing in English from beyond the borders of modern Britain. You will read a range of writings, which for the purposes of this module includes film and other non-textual media, that are either produced within or represent world cities of today, especially in the global South.
Visual Storytelling (15 credits)

The study of literature is often seen as primarily a textual activity, but many narrative forms use moving and still images, as well as other visuals, to tell stories. This module gives you the opportunity to analyse cultural products that tell stories using visual mediums, from graphic novels to cinema and beyond.
Women on the Edge (15 credits)

This module explores women’s writing, focusing on women writers or female characters who are on the edge – whether conceptually, spatially, sociologically or emotionally.
You will examine women writers in relation to the literary canon and consider claims for a ‘women’s tradition’ when gender intersects with other axes of difference, such as race, ethnicity, class, religion, and sexual preference.
Literatures of Conflict (15 credits)

This module offers the opportunity to study literary and cultural representations of violence and conflict, especially as practised by or between states, communities, and groups. By studying a selection of texts and their social, cultural, and ideological contexts, you will develop a critical understanding of how conflict and violence arise, and how they are represented in literature.
Breaking Conventions: Popular Genre Fiction (15 credits)

Using a case study approach, this module acts as an in-depth exploration of popular genre writing. Genre conventions guide the producers and consumers of genre fiction and film alike.
Reporting Conflict (15 credits)

The module will consider ways in which politics and technology shape and influence the reporting of conflicts. It will analyse the coverage of conflicts which followed global events, focusing on journalism’s successes and failures in covering war with the aim of providing a theoretical framework for outstanding journalistic practice.
Music, Sound and the Environment (15 credits)

In this module you will explore the ways in which music and sound permeate the environments in which we live and work, and you will examine the effects of place and space on how you listen. You will examine sound, music and listening in different kinds of urban and natural environment, and in relation to social and political issues such as urban design, the ecological impacts of musical life, and environmental activism.
Romantic Aesthetics (15 credits)

This interdisciplinary module investigates the aesthetics and ideologies associated with the Romanticism movement from the late-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries in Europe. You will explore Romantic literature from the English-speaking world, France, Germany, Italy and Russia.
Micro-Placement (15 credits)

The module seeks to enhance career exploration and will provide you with professional level experience in the form of a self-contained project with one of City’s external employer partners. Completing the Micro-Placement module at level 5 will preclude you having the option to take the Micro-Placement elective module at level 6.
Industry Projects (15 credits)

Using knowledge and skills gained through your degree, you will work in small multi-disciplinary groups on real-life professional level practical projects for employers, choosing between 5 sector streams, such as policy, finance, community, business and arts and culture.
Year Placement: Integrated Professional Training (15 credits)

Every undergraduate student has the opportunity undertake a one year work placement whilst completing their programme. Participants would extend their degree to 4 years, gaining the work experience through a placement or internship during their 3rd year at City, returning to complete their degree in the 4th year. Successful completion of this programme will result in the adjustment of your degree to BA English with Integrated Professional Training.

Download course specification:

USENGL-BA-English-2022-23.pdf

Study abroad

As an Undergraduate student you can undertake a period of study abroad whilst completing the programme.

This is possible through the Exchange Programme, a year of study at one of our European and/or international partner universities via a sandwich year, which is undertaken between completing Programme Stage 2 and entering Programme Stage 3, extending the degree to four years.

The resulting degree title awarded would be: BA English with Study Abroad.

Participation in the Exchange Programme is through an application process. You are encouraged to investigate the opportunities available to you within your Department in your first year at City. Information and support for this programme is provided by the Exchanges Team.

Teaching and assessment

Your modules will be delivered using a combination of:

Lectures
Practical workshops
Interactive sessions
Small seminars
Personal tutorials

Lectures will provide you with commentary and explanation of key content areas. Most modules also offer small seminars and workshops, where you can develop your understanding of key texts and ideas through discussion and debate as well as hone your practical and professional skills. This versatility of approach will not only facilitate discussion but allow you to generate your own content, with different readerships, forms and functions in mind.

Assessment methods

Your programme will be assessed via a range of coursework and practical assignments, which may include:

Essays
Professional, reflective, and creative assignments and portfolios
Group assignments, including projects, performances, and presentations
Live showcase events.

The assessment weighting for year one is 10%, year two is 30% and year three is 60%.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment by coursework (assessed essays and assignments) unseen examinations and a final year project will to some extent depend on the optional modules you choose.

The approximate percentage of the course assessment, based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Assessment

Year 1

Written examination: 30%

Practical: 4%

Coursework: 66%

Year 2

Written examination: 10%

Coursework: 90%

Year 3

Practical: 10%

Coursework: 90%

Overall workload

Most contact hours will take the form of lectures, seminars and practical workshops, supported by a personal tutorial system.

Approximate study time based on 2019/20 entry is as follows:

Workload

Year 1

Scheduled learning: 15%

Independent learning: 85%

Year 2

Scheduled learning: 14%

Independent learning: 86%

Year 3

Scheduled learning: 14%

Independent learning: 86%

Fees and funding

Fees for year 2023/24

£9,250

Overseas/EU

£17,780

The tuition fees indicated are for the 2023/24 academic year only. Fees for each subsequent year of study are subject to an annual increase to take account of City's increased costs of delivering educational services. This increase will be 5% for each subsequent year of study. You should expect your fee to increase by this amount and budget accordingly.

Funding options

Explore up-to-date information about funding options, available financial support and typical living costs.

Fee waivers are available for this course.
Means tested support is available for 2023/24 entry.

Additional expenses

Some of our degrees may involve additional expenses which are not covered by your tuition fees. Find out more about additional expenses.

Career

The transferable skills you will gain on the BA English at City, University of London will be developed through a balance of research-informed teaching and modules that relate to current practice in associated literary professions. Taken together, you will graduate with a unique blend of intellectual and creative skills.

The skills and experience you will acquire on both your core and elective modules will prepare you for careers in the following industries:

Creative Writing
Publishing, editing, and literary agencies
Journalism – freelance, internships, further study
Library and Information Science
Digital media companies and agencies
Creative and cultural industries
Charities and third sector work
Teaching – primary, secondary, and further and higher education
Research and analysis roles
Performing arts

As a graduate of this programme, you will be also able to pursue future roles in:

Media organisations
Marketing and recruitment
The Civil Service – grad schemes and fast tracks
Digital content development
Politics and local government
Translation

More information on the Careers support available at City is available on our website.

Placement opportunities

As an English student at City, you will have the opportunity to take a second-year elective module, ‘Work Placement’. Previous students have taken their placements in a wide range of sectors, including publishing (Penguin) and teaching as well as theatre work (Chickenshed) and charity work (Oxfam books).

You may also apply to take a sandwich year between years two and three of your degree. Our careers team will help you secure a placement in the areas that meet your future ambitions, such as:

Journalism
Publishing and literary agencies
Librarianship
Digital media companies and agencies
Cultural organisations
Charities
English Language Teaching and mentoring.

How to apply

Applications for degree courses must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

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You can apply through your school or college using the Apply system, which enables you to submit your application directly to the UCAS website.

You can apply to up to five universities or institutions on the form. The UCAS code for City, University of London is C60.

Please take care to enter the correct course code when applying, particularly for subjects with a Foundation year or with BEng (Hons) and MEng (Hons) or BSc (Hons) and MSci (Hons) options.

UCAS has implemented an 'invisibility of choices' policy so that, on the initial application and while you are receiving decisions, each institution can see only their entry and not those of other institutions you have chosen. This ensures that your application for a course at City is considered solely on your academic and personal qualities.

You should submit your completed application form to UCAS with a £26.50 application fee. If you want to apply to City, University of London only, you can make a single choice application at a reduced rate of £22.

For enquiries about the admissions process at City, please contact our Admissions Office

Complete the Admissions enquiry form.

Call: +44 (0)20 7040 8716.

When to apply

Your application for entry in September 2023 should arrive at UCAS between September 2022 and 25^th January 2023. Applications that arrive after 25^th January 2023 will be considered only at City's discretion.

Contacting UCAS

Website: www.ucas.com

Address: Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), Rosehill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 3LZ

Telephone:

from inside the UK 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK +44 (0)871 468 0468

For callers with hearing difficulties:

from inside the UK use the Text Relay service on 18001 0871 468 0468
from outside the UK dial +44 151 494 1260 (text phone) and then ask the operator to dial 0871 468 0468.

Facilities

As an English student at City, you will have access to a wide range of facilities to support your study, including a brand new staff and student common room with a kitchen and lounge area.
Our three campus libraries consist of around 250,000 books with over 25,000 online journal titles and over 1600 study places available.
Students can book private library spaces for academic work within City Library.
As part of the University of London, City students have access to Senate House Library. Senate House offers Arts, Humanities and Social Science Special Collections and Research Collections.

Our students

BA (Hons) English student Ruth’s insights

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Academics

Your studies are supported by a team of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field. On occasion we also work with external professionals to enhance your learning and appreciation of the wider subject.

Dr Hetta Howes

Senior Lecturer in Medieval and Early Modern Literature

Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries

Dr Minna Vuohelainen

Reader

Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries

Dr Sarah Jilani

Lecturer in English

Department of Media, Culture and Creative Industries

Key information

Entry requirements

UK

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