Course summary

This English Language and History BA (Hons) course enables you to study both English Language and Literature equally at the same level. Don’t worry, studying joint honours doesn’t mean more work. You’ll study the same number of credits as a single honours student, but just take fewer modules in each of the subjects. There are lots of reasons why students choose a joint honours qualification. Just some include: that you have two subject areas of interest, that you want to explore something new alongside a core subject area or that you want to keep your career options open to a range of professions. On this exciting and innovative Joint Honours programme you will also cover a broad range of contemporary issues in language. The course will introduce you to contemporary linguistic approaches to the study of language, aspects of linguistic structure and language variation in English. The introductory modules look at issues such as how our language changes according to the context in which it is being used, how men's and women's language use differs, how we acquire language and how and why it breaks down. You will also explore the history and diversity of the English Language, examine the impact of new media, such as the Internet, email and text messaging, develop your own web design skills and reflect on your own language use. You will gain the critical understanding, cultural awareness and analytical skills to prepare you for a career in a wide variety of sectors. Our English Literature programme will introduce you to a range of literary themes, genres and theories. You will explore key trends and movements and develop an understanding of historical, thematic and interdisciplinary approaches to literary interpretation. The major historical periods are represented, as are influential, exciting and thought-provoking texts from all the major literary genres. You will benefit from a firm grounding in key works from the Anglophone canon, whilst also having the opportunity to develop specific interests in the study of contemporary literature across a range of themes such as gender and race. You will gain the critical understanding, cultural awareness and analytical skills to prepare you for a career in a wide variety of sectors.