English Studies

BA (Hons) English Studies
Mode: full-time

This course is one of the few UK courses offering a combination of literature, language, and creative writing. Delivered within a vibrant, creative department, the course builds upon the strengths gained from a long tradition of English teaching at Bedford but also incorporates contemporary changes within the subject.

This is a distinctive course comprising literature, language and creative writing. It enhances students’ self-development in terms of articulacy, cultural scale of reference, imaginative engagement and creative thinking.

The first stage provides a solid foundation, dealing with the main genres and periods, with language, identity and society, and with different kinds of writing. The second stage has one compulsory area of study, The Middle Ages and the Renaissance. You will then choose from creative writing, language, adaptations, canonical English literature and other literatures in English.

The final stage brings the study of literature up to the present day. It also covers writing for children, women and culture, and advanced creative writing. A dissertation on a chosen topic is compulsory, and this may be a piece of creative writing.

The English department has diverse research interests that range from the study of modernist poetry, through language and gender, children’s literature and American literature, to creative writing. Many articles and books have been published by staff and, as a result, teaching on the course is well supported by the latest research within the subject area.

Areas of study include:

• Language and Society
• Romantics and Victorians
• Creative Writing
• Modern and Contemporary Literature
• Children’s Literature

Why choose this course?

• Small-group supportive teaching
• Introduction to a range of literature in English
• Teaching informed by research
• One of the few UK courses offering a combination of literature, language and creative writing
• Enhances employability by providing knowledge and transferable skills.
• New campus facilities and a supportive environment

Career Opportunities

Recent graduates have careers in the media, publishing, marketing and public relations. Many of our students go on to do a PGCE in either primary or secondary education, both of which are offered at Bedford. Others opt to pursue postgraduate study such as on our MA in Children’s Literature and Culture.

Teaching/learning methods and strategies

Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, group activities and individual tutorials. All students use the University’s Virtual Learning Environment to supplement and enhance their learning experience.

Assessment

Assessment on the course is through essays, group research, presentations, seminar papers and exams.