BA (Hons) English
When can you start this course? | UCAS code | Fees | Course length | Entry requirements
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You can also start this course in January |
Why choose this course?
The single honours course is extremely flexible and gives you the skills employers are really looking for. You can choose from a wide variety of modules, focusing on key literary movements, genres, periods and geographical regions, so you can tailor your degree to your own interests. You'll have great career prospects too, such as journalism, working in the arts, lecturing and teaching.
All our staff are active in research, so you'll benefit from learning about the most recent scholarship.
We have close links with the creative industries, including local theatres, arts and media centres, so you can work with these organisations during your course to develop your CV.
In 2009 students said they were 100% satisfied with the English courses and all of our scores were above the national average.
About the course
You'll be taught in interactive and varied ways, with plenty of opportunity for you to discuss and debate ideas, so your course stays stimulating and thought-provoking. This will also help you develop excellent communication skills, something that employers really value.
You'll be introduced to a range of literatures from the sixteenth century to the present day; from Africa and the Caribbean, Asia, the USA and Europe. There's lots of choice, so you can focus on your own literary interests.
Everyone takes Critical Theory I and Academic Skills for English in the first year and, in the second year, you develop your skills by taking advanced modules in both these subjects. In all three years you can take modules which examine closely the way drama, poetry and prose have developed over the centuries, as well as modules which employ film as text. You can also take a range of period modules: Sixteenth, Seventeenth or Eighteenth-Century Literature, or modules from the American Studies course. In the final year everyone has to produce an Independent Study (dissertation).
Find out more about what subjects and modules you'll be studying...Your career
The course highlights important transferable skills such as communication, literary interpretation, appropriate expression and critical analysis. These skills are much sought after by employers, so you will have excellent career prospects when you graduate.
Graduate success stories include: Laura Watson, who, after completing a Diploma in TEFL, has gone on to teach English at a college in China. Hannah Lindley is doing her MA in Critical Theory, Tim Wheelhouse is completing his PhD and Claire Coleman is currently pursuing her dream of being a classical actress, while Stephanie Hernandez is working for a theatre company.
You can take advantage of our many links with careers counsellors who can advise you about going into teaching, publishing, journalism, librarianship and arts administration, including working in museums, art galleries and media centres.
What our students say
"Having completed my degree in English at Derby, I'm teaching spoken English at an aviation college in China - and having a fantastic time, too! This opportunity was offered to me through a scheme in partnership with the University of Derby, so I certainly have a lot to thank them for!"
Laura Watson, graduate.
"Completing my undergraduate work at Derby really prepared me thoroughly for postgraduate study. I could not have achieved my dream of studying for an MA without the dedication of all my tutors at the University of Derby."
Hannah Lindley, graduate.
How you'll learn
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, film screenings.
The module 'Shakespeare Today' is delivered via technology-enhanced learning and has been nationally and internationally recognised for its advancement of e-education.
How you're assessed
Coursework and exams.
Anything else?
English is based in the subject area of Humanities with American Studies, Creative Writing, Film and Television Studies, History, Media Studies and Theatre Arts. In the English Subject Area we offer you opportunities for work-based learning at various cultural institutions and we also run regular study visits to cinemas, film festivals, theatres, museums, galleries and heritage centres. We also organise programmes of workshops and talks concerned with making yourself employable and aimed specifically at Humanities graduates.
Start dates
If you're from the UK or EU you can apply to study this course in:
- September 2012
- January 2013
If you're from a country outside the EU you can apply to study this course full time in:
- September 2012
- January 2013
UCAS code
Q200Fees
This is a classroom based course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £6,995 (each year)
- Part time: £875 per module (you usually take 18 of these modules in total).
International students
- Full time: £9,700 (each year)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2012 and August 2013. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
More information about our fees for September 2012 and the support available
Course length
- Full time: three years
- Part time: four-six years
You can apply to do this degree if you have done A Level English Language; A Level Language and Literature or A Level English Literature.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points from A levels including Grade C at English, ...
