BA (Honours) English Language and Literature
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Degree
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 360 credits
Description
This degree course offers a stimulating and wide-ranging introduction to English language and literature. You’ll have the opportunity to investigate how the English language is used in a variety of global contexts, and to study literature from different historical periods and diverse cultural settings. You’ll explore writing and speech in a wide range of forms, and develop your skills in the interpretation of both literary and non-literary texts. At Level 1 your studies will be framed within interdisciplinary themes, and at Level 2 you’ll move onto more specialised modules in English language and literature. At Level 3 your options broaden to include choices within the broad field of English, including creative writing. As you progress through your English Language and Literature degree, you’ll acquire skills of analysis, the ability to critically comment on different kinds of writing, and learn to develop and sustain complex arguments.
How to register
Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.
Career relevance and employability
Study of the arts and humanities requires an understanding of human activities in diverse cultural environments and in very different historical circumstances. The breadth of study and the range of cultural texts and objects analysed, combined with training in clear thinking and communication, make this degree course relevant to a wide variety of careers, including:
- public administration, local government, the civil service, art institutions, and social services
- advertising, journalism, publishing, creative industries and public relations
- education
- legal work
- business, banking and retail
- human resources
- charities and campaigning.
Employers greatly value the high-level skills acquired by studying an English language and literature degree – which may be broadly summarised as critical thinking, analysis, and communication. You’ll sharpen your IT, writing, and independent thinking skills, and develop the ability to assimilate and evaluate relevant information in constructing an argument. These are key skills in complex organisations, greatly sought after in the world beyond study – whether you’re already working, volunteering or changing career.
There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) English Language and Literature degree.
Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in a minimum of 120 and up to 240 credits from those modules above Level 1 listed above. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3.
You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Arts and Humanities and Languages.
Study explained
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- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Your questions
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