English Literature and Language - BA (Hons)

University of Westminster, London

Our English Literature and Language BA gives you the opportunity to study English literature by focusing on both the wider social context and the language that is being used.You'll be able to engage with an exciting variety of texts, both traditional (such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens) and non-traditional, alongside all sorts of other aspects of culture. You'll become a sophisticated reader of texts in their wider cultural contexts, at the same time as sharpening your skills in research. This training in critical and creative reading is particularly suitable if you are considering English teaching, the publishing or journalism industries, or any career that involves sophisticated communication skills and an advanced level of language use. It is of particular interest to those wishing to develop their skills as a writer. Our degree is strong in promoting the transferable and cognitive skills that employers value, and that contribute to lifelong personal and professional development.We begin the course with an examination of what literature is and the tools that we use to discuss it, alongside focusing on how the English language works and the ways it is used to create different kinds of texts. As you progress through the course, you'll have the choice of a wide variety of literature from Old English, through Shakespeare, the 19th and 20th centuries to the present day this may include texts from outside the traditional literary canon such as genre fiction and new forms of digital content.CareersGraduates from this degree are prepared for a wide array of careers with their much sought-after skills in communication, analysis and research. This is not a narrowly focused vocational degree, but a degree that prepares you for any career that values advanced skills in spoken and written communication, and where you need to demonstrate initiative and creativity in problem-solving. Job rolesThis course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields, including:AdvertisingFurther research in higher education institutionsMarketingPublic relations and communicationsPublishing and editingRecruitment and human resourcesSpeech and language therapyTeaching English (both in the UK and abroad)Web content managementGraduate employersGraduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:Base Quantum LtdBBCIgnition PeopleRed ConsultancySt. James’s Place Wealth ManagementTescoThe Restaurant Group plc