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BA (Hons) English and American Literature

Why choose the BA (Hons) English and American Literature at MMU?

  • Regular readings, visiting speakers and literary events.
  • The opportunity to study abroad for a term.
  • An emphasis on ambitious independent study projects.
  • Opportunity to work with acclaimed authors on creative writing in a variety of genres.

What will I be studying?

Reflecting the varied and flexible nature of the study of English and American literature, the course scheme enables students to study both American literature and English in equal depth and can be divided into a number of key areas.

In terms of the American literature side of the joint degree, students can expect to undertake or explore:

  • Literature in the US, from its inception to the present day, in its social and historical contexts.
  • The relationship between American literature and other forms of American culture, from colonialism to the present day.
  • A history of American ideas that informs the evolution of American literature.
  • Engagement with a range of theoretical perspectives on literature and culture, drawn specifically from American studies and related disciplines.

The joint-degree in American literature allows students to specialise in this particular literary and cultural field but also recognises that American literature is integral to, rather than separate from, the study of literatures in English.

Are there placements?

The Department of English works closely with a number of local schools and voluntary organisations that give students the opportunity to gain experience in a range of areas, including youth work, education, creative workshopping and video production. These placements are generally on a voluntary basis, though some work in local schools has been waged.

Course Units

Go into more detail about the units making up this course.

Career Opportunities

87%* of English and creative writing graduates go straight into employment and/or further study.

English graduates enter a wide range of employment, including media work and teaching, where their
transferable skills are particularly relevant. Recent graduates have become school and college teachers, or gained employment in fields as diverse as banking, finance, manufacturing and retail. Others have undertaken further professional training to work in law, public administration, management, and librarianship.

*Source: DLHE survey 2009 for all respondents available for employment or further study and
whose destinations are known.

Fact file

Course entry & level

2012 entry

Undergraduate level

Length

3 years full-time 4-9 years part-time

UCAS code

QTH7

Location

All Saints Campus, Manchester

Typical entry requirements

UCAS Tariff points
280

Points to be obtained from full A levels or equivalent:

from three A2s or equivalent (such as BTEC National at Level 3 or Advanced Diploma).

Specific subjects required

GCSE grade C in English language or literature

Access qualifications: A relevant Access to HE Diploma will be considered for entry to this course.

International Baccalaureate: 28

How do I apply?

Full-time applications through UCAS
Part-time applications - download an application form at www.mmu.ac.uk/applicationform

Fees

UK and EU full-time students: £8,000

Non-EU full-time international students: £10,000

International Fee Band: 1

How will I be assessed?

Text analyses, critical essays, research projects, annotated bibliographies and essay plans, creative exercises (including stories, poems, scripts), critiques (self-evaluations), oral presentations, examinations and short class tests, and a dissertation or other major project.

Where can I find out more information about this course?

Course Enquiries
Make a Course Enquiry