MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (with a study abroad year)
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (with a study abroad year) at the University of Sussex offers an immersive and dynamic educational experience that blends the study of language, literature, and cultural studies. Designed for students with a passion for both the written word and linguistic analysis, this program enables students to explore a wide range of literary works while also gaining an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of language. The inclusion of a study abroad year enriches the academic journey, offering students the opportunity to broaden their global perspective by studying in an international context. This program equips graduates with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills needed for a diverse range of careers.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (with a study abroad year) is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of both English language and literary traditions, from classical to contemporary texts. In the early years, students engage with core modules that focus on the fundamentals of language structure, including syntax, semantics, phonology, and grammar, alongside key texts from English literature. As students progress, they can specialize in areas of literary studies, such as postcolonial literature, gender studies, or modernism, while also studying how language reflects and shapes society. In the final year, students complete a dissertation or independent project, allowing them to delve deeper into a specific area of interest. The study abroad year is a distinctive feature of this program, giving students the chance to experience language and literature in a global setting, whether in an English-speaking country or a non-English-speaking region.
Research Focus: The research focus of the BA (Hons) English Language and Literature program at Sussex is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach that combines linguistic theory and literary analysis. The university's English department is known for its research in areas such as applied linguistics, stylistics, literary theory, and comparative literature. Faculty members are engaged in research that explores the intersections of language, power, identity, and culture, with an emphasis on how literature reflects and influences social issues. The program also encourages students to engage with cutting-edge research in fields like language acquisition, sociolinguistics, and discourse analysis, which complement the literary studies component. The university’s focus on research excellence provides students with an opportunity to contribute to ongoing academic discussions and deepen their understanding of both linguistic and literary studies.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the professional world by fostering links with industry and providing opportunities for practical experience. The BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (with a study abroad year) program includes career-focused modules that help students apply their skills in real-world contexts. These may include placements, internships, and collaborative projects with publishing houses, media organizations, schools, and cultural institutions. Students can also take advantage of the university’s extensive network of alumni and industry contacts, which can help facilitate career development in fields such as publishing, media, journalism, public relations, education, and translation. Additionally, the study abroad year allows students to gain international work experience or undertake internships abroad, enhancing their global employability.
Global Perspective: The inclusion of a study abroad year in the BA (Hons) English Language and Literature program at Sussex offers students a unique global perspective. By spending a year studying in an international academic setting, students have the chance to immerse themselves in different linguistic and literary traditions, while gaining a broader understanding of the global influence of English language and literature. Whether studying in an English-speaking country like the United States, Canada, or Australia, or in a non-English-speaking country with an emphasis on translation or comparative literature, the study abroad experience broadens students' horizons and fosters cross-cultural understanding. The international exposure also enhances students' adaptability and intercultural communication skills, which are highly valued by employers in today's globalized job market.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (with a study abroad year) from the University of Sussex equips graduates with a robust set of skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural analysis, making them highly attractive to employers across various industries. The combination of linguistic theory, literary analysis, and international experience prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths in both the private and public sectors.
Publishing and Editing: Graduates of the BA (Hons) English Language and Literature program often pursue careers in publishing, where they can work as editors, copywriters, proofreaders, or literary agents. The program’s strong focus on writing, editing, and literary analysis provides the foundation needed for various roles within the publishing industry. The study abroad year further enhances graduates' ability to work with diverse literature and engage with global publishing practices. Graduates may also find opportunities in academic publishing, where they can edit scholarly journals or assist in the production of textbooks and academic resources.
Education and Teaching: Many graduates choose to enter the field of education, where their deep understanding of language and literature enables them to teach English at primary, secondary, or higher education levels. With a postgraduate qualification, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), graduates can teach English as a subject in schools, focusing on English language and literature. Alternatively, they may pursue a career in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), particularly after spending a year abroad, which makes them well-suited to teach English as a foreign language in international schools or language institutes.
Journalism and Media: The ability to critically engage with texts and communicate ideas clearly is a valuable skill in the media and journalism industries. Graduates can pursue careers as journalists, content writers, editors, or broadcasters, working for newspapers, magazines, digital platforms, and other media outlets. The program’s emphasis on research, critical analysis, and writing for different audiences prepares students for a variety of media roles. Additionally, the study abroad year offers graduates an opportunity to work or intern with international media organizations, giving them a competitive edge in the global media landscape.
Public Relations and Communications: Graduates of the program can also pursue careers in public relations (PR), corporate communications, or marketing, where strong communication and writing skills are essential. As PR specialists or communication officers, graduates may work for companies, government agencies, non-profits, or international organizations, creating press releases, managing public relations campaigns, or overseeing social media strategies. The study abroad experience further enhances graduates' global communication skills, which are highly valued in multinational organizations and industries.
Translation and Interpretation: For graduates who are fluent in multiple languages, the study of both English language and literature provides an excellent foundation for a career in translation and interpretation. Graduates can work as translators or interpreters, translating written or spoken material between languages. The study abroad year further enhances this option, as it provides an immersive experience in a non-English-speaking environment, deepening their understanding of language nuances and cross-cultural communication. Graduates may work in sectors such as legal, medical, technical, or literary translation.
Language Technology and Linguistics Research: Graduates interested in the intersection of linguistics and technology may pursue careers in computational linguistics, natural language processing (NLP), or artificial intelligence (AI). These fields focus on the development of technologies that process human language, such as speech recognition, machine translation, and AI-driven communication tools. Graduates may work in tech companies or research organizations that focus on the development of language-related technologies. Additionally, students interested in linguistics research can pursue further study at the postgraduate level, contributing to academic and practical research in language sciences.
International Relations and Diplomacy: The global perspective gained during the study abroad year makes graduates of this program highly suited for careers in international relations, diplomacy, and global development. With strong communication skills and an understanding of global literature and culture, graduates can work in government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or international organizations such as the United Nations. Positions may include roles in policy analysis, international advocacy, cross-cultural communication, and development programs, all of which require a deep understanding of language and cultural nuances.
Human Resources and Recruitment: The analytical and communication skills gained through the BA (Hons) English Language and Literature program are highly valued in human resources (HR) and recruitment. Graduates can work as HR officers, recruiters, or talent acquisition specialists, where they can apply their skills in communication, negotiation, and cultural sensitivity to attract and manage talent. The study abroad experience also enhances their ability to work in diverse, multicultural environments, which is a key asset in HR roles within global companies.
Creative Industries and Arts Management: The creativity fostered through the study of literature can lead graduates into the arts and cultural sectors, where they may work in roles such as arts administration, event management, or museum and gallery curatorship. Graduates may manage cultural projects, organize literary festivals, or oversee exhibitions and performances. The ability to communicate and analyze cultural products makes graduates well-suited for leadership roles in the creative industries.
Freelance and Consultancy Roles: For those who prefer more flexible work arrangements, the skills developed during the program can be applied in freelance roles. Graduates may choose to become freelance writers, editors, or language consultants, offering services in content creation, language teaching, or literary analysis. They can also work as independent researchers or consultants in areas such as cultural studies, language development, or digital communication strategies.
