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
The first-year literature foundation modules (Approaches to Literature, and Analysing Texts in History) introduce students to a range of kinds and periods of literature, using a lively variety of critical and theoretical approaches. The Independent Study module guides you in using the huge print and electronic resources of the Main Library, and in writing and referencing to a professional standard.
Second year
In this year, you take modules that address topics in three major periods of English literature, and which are informed by theoretical as well as textual and historical approaches. The Independent Study module in your second year sets you more challenging objectives to prepare you for the final-year dissertation (or year abroad project).
Third year
The final year is the culmination of your programme, in which you choose two from a number of special option modules, taught by experts in those specialisms, and also undertake a dissertation in which you demonstrate sophisticated understanding of the issues in literature that you have been studying over the last two years. You may choose to take a year-long Shakespeare course, taught in collaboration with, and drawing on the unique resources of, our internationally-renowned Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Year abroad
Joint Honours students from the Department of English taking a year abroad as part of their language study are asked to write a Year Abroad Project, an extended essay. All students writing Year Abroad Projects are allocated a supervisor, with whom they correspond 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 also read the entry for the other subject you wish to combine with English.