| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-02 | 2023-05-01 |
| 2024-01-08 | 2023-08-01 |
| 2024-04-22 | 2023-11-01 |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) program at Bangor University offers a comprehensive exploration of the English language and its rich literary heritage. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication abilities, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in fields such as media, education, and management. The program also provides opportunities for international experiences, placement years, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) - Overview
This program at Bangor University delves into the intricate world of the English language, encompassing both its practical use and fascinating history. Through this course, you will embark on a journey of discovery, acquiring in-depth knowledge of various aspects of English, including its grammar, structure, pronunciation, and evolution. Additionally, you will delve into the rich tapestry of English Literature, analyzing works from diverse periods and genres. The program's key objectives include:
- Equipping you with a comprehensive understanding of the English language, its nuances, and its fascinating history.
- Fostering your critical thinking and analytical skills through in-depth analysis of diverse literary works.
- Cultivating effective communication skills in written and spoken English.
- Enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, encompassing various aspects of language use.
- Providing you with the opportunity to specialize in areas of your interest within the vast realm of English language and literature.
Outline:
English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) - Program Structure
This program encompasses a carefully curated selection of modules, designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of English language and literature. The program structure focuses on developing your knowledge base and honing your critical thinking and analytical skills in various areas.
Year 1:
- English Language 1: Explores the fundamental principles of English grammar, syntax, and semantics.
- English Language 2: Delves into the history of English, tracing its evolution and development over time.
- English Literature 1: Introduces you to key literary texts and critical approaches to literature analysis.
- English Literature 2: Focuses on specific periods or genres within English literature, such as Shakespearean drama or Victorian poetry.
Year 2:
- English Language 3: Analyzes the social and cultural dimensions of language use, exploring topics such as language variation and language acquisition.
- English Language 4: Focuses on specific areas of linguistic inquiry, such as pragmatics, discourse analysis, or sociolinguistics.
- English Literature 3: Explores additional literary works and genres, expanding your understanding of diverse styles and themes.
- English Literature 4: Investigates specific themes or historical periods in greater depth, allowing you to specialize in areas of your interest.
Year 3:
- English Language 5: Examines the role of language in specific contexts, such as education, media, or politics.
- English Language 6: Conducts an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty supervisor, allowing you to apply your skills and knowledge to a specific research theme.
- English Literature 5: Focuses on current trends and debates within literary studies, fostering critical thinking and engagement with contemporary perspectives.
- English Literature 6: Conducts an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty supervisor, allowing you to explore a specific topic or literary work in depth.
Assessment:
English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) - Assessment Methods
The assessment approach employed in the program seeks to evaluate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios through a variety of assessment methods. These include:
- Essays: Evaluating your critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to articulate complex ideas effectively in written form.
- Reports: Assessing your research and information synthesis skills, as well as your ability to present complex findings in a clear and concise manner.
- Presentations: Evaluating your communication skills, ability to engage with diverse audiences, and capacity to present complex material in an accessible and captivating way.
- Tests and Exams: Assessing your mastery of specific concepts and key terminology within the field of English language and literature.
- Data Analysis: Evaluating your ability to analyze linguistic data, interpret patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions.
- Dissertation: Providing you with the opportunity to engage in independent research and showcase your research skills, critical thinking, and ability to formulate arguments and present findings effectively. The specific weighting of each assessment method may vary depending on the individual module. However, overall assessment aims to strike a balance between evaluating your understanding of key concepts, your ability to apply knowledge to practical scenarios, and your development of transferable skills crucial for professional success.
Teaching:
English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) - Teaching and Learning Approach
The program employs a dynamic and interactive teaching approach, fostering active engagement with the material and promoting a vibrant learning environment. Teaching techniques include:
- Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge and key concepts within the chosen modules.
- Tutorials: Fostering discussion, in-depth analysis, and close reading of specific texts or linguistic examples.
- Seminars: Encouraging active participation and debate, facilitating exchange of ideas among students and critical engagement with diverse perspectives.
- Independent Study: Emphasizing self-directed learning and enabling you to delve into specific areas of interest within the vast realms of English language and literature.
- Group Work: Fostering collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills through joint projects and assignments.
- Guest Lectures: Providing insights from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. The program's highly-qualified faculty members come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to their teaching. They are passionate about their areas of specialization and committed to creating a stimulating learning environment that encourages critical thinking, intellectual inquiry, and innovative approaches to study.
Careers:
English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) - Career Opportunities
Graduates of the English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) program benefit from a diverse range of skills and knowledge highly valued by employers in various sectors. These include:
- Critical Reading and Evaluation: Analyzing complex texts with insight and formulating well-reasoned interpretations.
- Research and Analytical Skills: Gathering information, conducting in-depth research, and drawing insightful conclusions from complex data.
- Project Management Skills: Planning, organizing, and executing projects efficiently, with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
- Proficiency in Diverse Presentation Modes: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing, tailoring communication styles to different audiences and contexts.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Tackling challenges creatively and critically, identifying solutions, and developing effective strategies.
- Experience Working Independently: Managing time effectively, taking initiative, and demonstrating self-reliance in fulfilling academic requirements and independent research projects.
- Time Management and Teamwork Skills: Collaborating effectively within teams, managing time efficiently, and fulfilling responsibilities effectively in group projects.
- Information Technology Skills: Using digital tools and resources effectively for research, communication, and data analysis.
- Effective Interpersonal Communication: Building positive relationships, active listening, and communicating effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. With these skills and knowledge, graduates of this program pursue careers in various fields, including:
- Media: Journalism, publishing, editing, content creation, public relations, marketing, social media management.
- Education: Teaching, tutoring, academic research, curriculum development, educational policy.
- Advertising: Copywriting, concept development, marketing research, campaign strategy, client liaison.
- Management: Project management, business development, human resources, strategic planning, operations management.
- Publishing: Editorial roles, acquisitions, manuscript assessment, production editing, marketing and promotion.
- Civil Service: Policy research, communications, international relations, public relations, writing and analysis.
- Community Work: Language-related initiatives, social justice advocacy, outreach and education programs, intercultural communication. With further specialized training and qualifications, graduates may also pursue research or postgraduate studies in related fields, such as linguistics or English literary studies, further expanding their career options and professional opportunities.
Other:
English Language and English Literature BA (Hons) - Additional Considerations
Placement Year:
Students have the opportunity to choose an optional placement year, offering valuable real-world experience within an organization relevant to their area of study. This placement allows you to refine your professional skills, gain industry insights, and expand your network of professional contacts.
International Experience Year:
Another available option is an international experience year, where you can spend a year studying or working abroad. This experience fosters cultural development, broadens perspectives, and enhances global employability. Diverse destinations and partner universities offer a wide range of options, enabling you to choose the environment that best aligns with your interests and aspirations.
Study Abroad:
Students also have the opportunity to study abroad for a shorter period within their degree program. This allows you to experience diverse educational environments, engage with different cultures, and enhance your overall learning experience.
Facilities:
The program benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Speech laboratory equipped with professional-grade sound recording equipment.
- Eye-tracking laboratory for analyzing gaze patterns and reading comprehension.
- Event-related potential (ERP) laboratory for studying brain activity during language processing.
- Corpus-linguistics resource facility enabling access to vast linguistic datasets.
- Modern audio and video equipment available for field work research projects.
- Extensive collection of linguistics and English language books.
- Language library maintained by the Bangor Linguistics Society (BLS) – your undergraduate student association.
