Joint Honours English students at Birmingham are specialists either in English Literature or English Language, a specialism based on their interests, experience and A level choices. ).
First year
Two first-year linked modules called Language Works introduce you to the full range of foundational methods of analysing the English Language, especially phonology, grammar, discourse structure, and how language develops in the individual and varies in social contexts. You also learn basic skills for independent research in English Language.
Second year
In this year you choose to take either two linked Advanced Language Works modules (which take much further the ideas and analytical principles introduced in Year 1’s Language Works), or two of three modules which look in depth at rich aspects of the language: its history; its development and variation; and its discourse structure. A further module on research skills involves you in working on a project first as a member of a small research group, and then independently.
Third year
The final year is the culmination of your programme, in which you choose a number of special option modules, taught by specialists on their specialisms, and in which your dissertation enables you to demonstrate sophisticated understanding of the issues in language that you have been building up over the last two years.
Year abroad
Students from the Department of English taking a year abroad are asked to write a Year Abroad Project: an extended essay prepared, in part, during their second year. All students writing Year Abroad Projects are allocated a supervisor, with whom they meet to discuss their work.
Teaching and learning
We believe that we are partners in learning with our students, and our programme is designed to ensure that you are a fully supported and an active learner. Your programme combines independent study with class work in seminar groups and lectures, as well as individual supervisions in connection with your dissertation. We provide a variety of assessment methods, including exams and written work produced throughout the year.
Career opportunities
In English you have an unparalleled opportunity, not only to engage with the materials of a broad and diverse cultural, textual and linguistic discipline, but also to develop skills in intellectual analysis, critical thinking and articulate expression – skills that last a lifetime and qualify you for many possible careers. You are also encouraged to acquire practical skills, of equally wide usefulness and application, in oral presentation, professional documentation, group work, and the uses of information technology.
English graduates go on to work in commerce, the public services, journalism and other media, teaching at every level, publishing, advertising, the law, and a wide range of other professions.
Please read the entry for the other subject you wish to combine with English.