Overview
An English degree is more than choosing between language and literature. The BA English course allows you to study both areas (language and literature) equally for a more integrative approach to the subject. You can build up skills in linguistic analysis and gain an understanding of how language is used in everyday communication while at the same time you can engage in in-depth study literary texts, including novels, plays and poetry.
BA English allows you to gain knowledge in how the English language has changed over time and spread globally, and how it can vary in use across society, in face-to-face interactions, the written text and online. It allows you to explore literary genres and periods from the Renaissance to the 21st century including a chance to study literature from the American West and speculative fiction.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
To ensure an optimised and continual student experience, the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costRelated Links
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We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.
Creative Community Hub
We hope that you are all staying safe in these uncertain times. Creative activities can really help fill the days, while we are spending more time at home and we have some ideas to keep you busy.
Employability
We are at the forefront of delivering enterprise and employability as part of our undergraduate programme and our employability unit co-ordinates the delivery of this for all students.
What our alumni say
This degree has enabled me to achieve my best within an encouraging academic environment and has undoubtedly enhanced my future career prospects. Without doubt, I would thoroughly recommend studying literature at Coventry University.
Course information
This course provides an opportunity to explore a variety of different literary genres and approaches to literary analysis within historical and modern-day international contexts including colonial and post-colonial literatures, e.g. from Shakespeare’s Renaissance to literature of the American West.
It also provides the opportunity to explore how language works and how it is used in a variety of contexts, including face-to-face and online, both in the UK and globally, for example in the Caribbean, India or the United States.
Most people choose to take an English degree because they enjoy reading or liked studying English at school; it offers the chance to spend three years being taught about – and taking pleasure analysing language and exploring great writing. The benefits of English as a degree, however, extend much, much further.
97%
of students agree that our staff are good at explaining things
NSS, 2016
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
We are ranked as the 15th best University in the United Kingdom - Guardian University Guide 2020
In more detail...
You will develop transferrable, critical, analytic and interpersonal communication skills which are important in many careers, including those in the teaching, legal, media, marketing, financial and public sector professions.
You will gain a good grounding in both linguistic and literary analysis and develop your understanding of language use and literary genres and periods.
Within the study of English Language, you will develop an understanding of how English as a system of communication helps to define the world and develop society.
In English Literature, you’ll have the opportunity to examine works of fiction spanning several continents and explore the ways in which the world is interpreted through novels, drama, short stories and poetry.
- You have the opportunity to enhance your critical thinking and judgment, developing the communication skills employers are looking for.
- Current significant links with a wide variety of potential employers such as secondary schools, magazines, newspapers and local charities, many of whom in the past have offered students professional experience opportunities.
- You’ll be able to join a range of societies such as the Literature Society or Book Club Society which aim to develop student interest in literature, film, and theatre, as well as promoting literary and social events.
- You can apply for a work placement*, which has led previous students to experiences as an English subject mentor at Cardinal Newman School, a marketing and events social media and newsletter editor at the Coventry Irish Society, an editorial intern at Grazia Magazine, a freelance journalist at Coventry News and Sport or a human resources intern at First Utility.
(Subject to availability, a competitive application process and additional costs)
Our main study themes are:
- Language and linguistics: The analysis of the nature and structure of English Language, its meaning, form and context, including how words and sentences are formed, how we make and hear sounds, how languages change and vary, and how language is organised in the brain.
- Literary genres: A detailed study of the different genres such as poetry, drama, prose fiction and film. You should develop an awareness of literary conventions, literary history and how both are related to social and cultural contexts. You should gain insights into different literary periods and become familiar with the analysis and interpretation of poetic, narrative and dramatic texts.
- Stylistics: Analysing style involves looking closely and systematically at the formal features of a text and then considering how those features affect and contribute to the meaning and interpretation of the text in question. We will examine the linguistic models and analytic techniques that can be used to describe, analyse and interpret a range of literary, as well as non-literary, texts.
The course is taught using a combination of traditional, digital and innovative teaching methods and platforms.
Teaching and learning methods include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials devoted to regular formative assessments, study trips devoted to experiential learning and taught sessions in a range of locations outside of the classroom, online working and research, self-directed study and group / collaborative work.
You will have the opportunity to take part in educational and cultural visits at home and abroad*, where you will be given the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. In the past, we have visited Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, the American Museum in Bath and the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, as well as going to watch a Shakespeare play in Stratford-upon-Avon and Les Miserables in London.
(* Subject to availability and additional costs)
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include essays, reports and critical commentaries, oral/poster presentations, blog/vlog/online forum posts, and digital tests and portfolios of exercises.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- Descriptions, analyses and theories of the English language and a critical approach to discourse and the construction of meaning.
- The ways in which the English language is applied in specific circumstances for different audiences and purposes.
- The distinctive character of texts written in the principal literary genres, fiction, poetry and drama, and other kinds of writing and communication.
- How cultural norms and assumptions influence questions of judgement.
On successful completion, you will be equipped with the skills to:
- Analyse and interpret texts from a descriptive and theoretical position.
- Critically examine and construct a range of opinions and ideas.
- Locate and select appropriate information from a variety of sources, referencing academic essays appropriately.
- Analyse problems, identify solutions, think creatively and use your own initiative.
- Communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
In a typical teaching week, you will have approximately 12 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally includes small group sessions (including individual project supervision in your final year), practical classes, workshops, seminars and lectures.
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching
- Medium group teaching
- Large group teaching
Coventry University is a leader in the field of international experience, and this is reflected strongly in the course curriculum. On our modules, you can participate in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects with students in Turkey, France, Korea, Mexico or China, for example, or take part in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and engage with a wide international audience on such topics as ‘The Language of Gaming’ or’ ‘Fairy Tales: Origins and Evolution of the Princess Stories’. *
We strongly encourage you to broaden your theoretical, cultural and practical references, providing opportunities to broaden your horizons by living, studying or working abroad on a sandwich year**. For instance, you can study English at Limoges in France or teach English in Malta or China**. We also offer a range of short visits and field trips abroad, which are reviewed annually. Recent fieldtrips have included a trip to Turkey for a joint staff and student symposium with our OIL (Online International Learning) project partners there.
At Coventry University, you can enjoy a whole host of multicultural and multilingual activities, such as the international film club and the French and Spanish conversation clubs. You will be offered the opportunity to learn another language with the university-wide Add+vantage Scheme or the Linguae Mundi programme.
(* Subject to availability)
(** Subject to availability, competitive application process, meeting visa requirements and additional costs)
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we provided a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say
Reading English at Coventry University has been an invaluable experience for me and has opened up many doors. The Linguistics modules across second and third year were particularly enjoyable and informative.
Entry Requirements
What our alumni say
This degree has enabled me to achieve my best within an encouraging academic environment and has undoubtedly enhanced my future career prospects. Without doubt, I would thoroughly recommend studying literature at Coventry University.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.
EU student fees
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our alumni say
This degree has enabled me to achieve my best within an encouraging academic environment and has undoubtedly enhanced my future career prospects. Without doubt, I would thoroughly recommend studying literature at Coventry University.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
Since our degree aims to develop your ability to use language effectively and appropriately in a range of circumstances, it may open up a wide range of career options over and above the professions associated with English, such as journalism, publishing, marketing, public relations, advertising, teaching, the civil service or the media.
Our Talent Team is on hand to offer tailored career and enterprise support if you wish to gain employment or take advantage of professional practice opportunities within course specific industries. Our dedicated enterprise officers also offer valuable assistance on how to begin as a freelancer/entrepreneur.
We're committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates of the course have gone on to work within education, marketing and public relations, journalism or research coordination for companies including Stonegate, ASDA and Oxford University Hospitals Foundation Trust.
Many students have also gone on to pursue Master’s level study. The course also aims to develop other abilities, such as thinking critically and analytically and researching, collating and organising data, a number of previous students have gone on to find responsible positions as financial specialists, HR managers or press officers in companies such as Air Products, Tesco or Deutsche Bank.
What our alumni say
Coventry University excels in academic study and offers opportunities outside the lecture theatre, including placement opportunities. Having successfully completed a year placement at Coventry University supporting the Head of Fundraising and Alumni Relations, I was kept on. My current role sees me assist the fundraising campaign for Coventry's bid for The City of Culture 2021.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
