English Literature (with Placement) BA (Hons)

This degree offers you the opportunity to study texts and authors from an exceptionally wide range of English, British and American literature. During your degree these works are studied in a variety of ways, some emphasising, for example, the social or political context in which a text was produced; others are studied with a more linguistic or stylistic approach. The English Literature degree course aims to develop your skills in reading literature and to introduce you to new critical techniques and ways of studying literary texts. Through the study of English literature you will develop critical capacities and a range of invaluable intellectual and interpersonal skills: the ability to evaluate and interpret material and the capacity to explain it logically, orally or on paper, the ability to work independently and as a member of a group, to manage your own time and to work to deadlines set by yourself and others. These are skills which are sought by employers in many fields.The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working in field relevant to your chosen degree subject. The Placement Year is taken between years 2 and 3 of your degree and students are away for the whole of the academic year. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider. Placements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements. You would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year. You will be supported throughout the placement period by a dedicated member of staff within your academic school.