About This Course
Our English Language and English Literature (with Foundation Year) option is a four-year course with an integrated foundation year which leads to the same qualification as our three-year honours degree. It has been specifically designed for those wanting to undertake degree-level study but who may not meet the entry requirements or have traditional qualifications.
Our course allows you to study English Language – spoken by an estimated 1,500 million speakers worldwide – with the opportunity to study texts and authors from an exceptionally wide range of English, British and American literature. English is an important language socially, politically and economically and the best-described language in the world. You will examine issues such as how our language changes according to the context in which it is being used, how men's and women's language use differs, how we acquire language and how and why it continues to evolve.
You will also develop your skills in reading literature and become familiar with new critical techniques and ways of studying literary texts.
The Foundation Year (Year 0) offers you the chance to expand and strengthen your confidence, skills and knowledge – ensuring that you are well-prepared and qualified to progress into Year 1 of the undergraduate degree.
Why choose Bangor University for this course?
- Our degree programmes are taught by staff who are active researchers - many have international reputations in the field.
- Our modules will give you a sound and scientific insight into the structure and use of language, as well as into the history of English and sociolinguistics (the relationship between language and society.
- Our wide range of learning facilities includes an extensive collection of books on Linguistics and English Language, a speech laboratory (in the Bilingualism Centre), as well as recording equipment for hire.
- You will join a vibrant literary community. Our close links with Pontio, the University’s, £40million Arts Centre, local theatres, poetry groups and vibrant student societies – including our Bangor English Drama Society (BEDS) – there are lots of chances for you to get involved.
- We are committed to small-group teaching: many of our modules are delivered through weekly seminars, alongside lectures; others are taught solely by weekly seminars.
Course Content
You will spend about 8-12 hours in lectures, seminars and tutorials each week. You will also spend time reading, working on assignments, undertaking homework tasks, meeting lecturers and tutors in their offices, attending general seminars, and so on. Some English literature modules include theatre trips, film showings, gallery visits and the chance to hear visiting writers.
Assessment types vary. English Language modules assessment includes: essay writing, report writing, data analysis, practical assignments, empirical research studies, oral presentations and exams (including online tests). For English Literature modules assessment is increasingly through coursework.
What will you study on this course?
In Year 0 you will take modules intended to familiarise you with key concepts and principles and helping you to develop academic skills and understanding that you will utilise in greater depth later in the degree: Essential skills for Arts & Humanities, Arts, Humanities and the Future; Introduction to Research and Inquiry, Foundation Project. You will also have the option to take a module in Introduction to English Literature & Language and/or Digital Communication.
In Year 1 you will follow compulsory modules that provide a solid grounding in the subject areas: Reading, Thinking & Writing, and Introduction to Language. You will also select a further two English Language modules and two English Literature modules forma list of available options.
In Years 2 & 3 you will taking more specialist modules and investigating themes and topics in greater depth. In addition to further developing your skills, you will also be introduced to more specialist approaches, theories and concepts. You will follow compulsory modules and select further modules from a list of available options.
In Year 3 you will also have the opportunity to complete a dissertation – research on a topic of particular interest to you and closely supervised by a member of academic teaching staff.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the English Language and English Literature (with Foundation Year) Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Entry Requirements
For 2021 Entry:
Typical offer is based on a minimum 48 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.
- A Levels (including: AS-levels, General Studies)
- International Baccalaureate
- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
- BTEC Diplomas and Certificate are accepted and Cambridge Technical Diplomas / Certificates
- Cambridge Technical Diplomas and Certificates
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Diplomas
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificate is accepted
We also welcome applications from mature applicants. Mature students and/or those with other qualifications are considered on individual merit
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go to www.ucas.com.
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com.
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Bangor section of the website.
EU and International Students' Entry Requirements
For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Bangor University offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Bangor University International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
Careers
Graduates of this degree will have solid knowledge of language structure and use for communicative purposes, the history of the English language and the role of English in the world. You will also have developed advanced literary skills, writing for project-based work, independent thought and judgement, and good time-management.
Recent graduates have gone on to do further academic study such as the PGCE and postgraduate qualifications leading to speech and language therapy, overseas teaching, and other training in order to pursue careers in social work, police work, immigration work, local government, banking and accountancy, librarianship, media and journalism, creative writing and publishing.
Opportunities at Bangor
The University’s Skills and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.
The Bangor Employability Award (BEA)
With the BEA, you can gain recognition for your extra-curricular activities (e.g. volunteering, clubs and societies, part-time work, etc.)
Internships
Bangor University runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about the volunteering on the Students’ Union’s website.
