English Language and Literature

Our BA (Hons) Language and Literature course is a balanced programme of study that reflects the multidisciplinarity of contemporary English studies. It develops you as a reader of texts and critical concepts with an emphasis on the precise analysis of language, its structures, and effects. You will learn about how language works in practice in society, the media, the internet, politics, health, and education.

Informed by research expertise in sociolinguistics and corpus linguistics, this course offers a technical and applied understanding of English language, from the sounds we make to how texts persuade us, which complements your study of literary texts, their composition, and significance.

Professional Placement Year This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies. 

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

£1,000 scholarships for 2025/26

If you apply to BCU by 30 June 2025, you could be eligible for one of our £1,000 scholarships:

Accelerate – if you are from a lower income family or household

High Achievers’ – if you achieve 144 UCAS points or more from your main three qualifications

For full details and terms, visit www.bcu.ac.uk/scholarships