English is an important language socially, politically and economically. It is a World language, with an estimated 1,500 million speakers worldwide. English is also the best-described language in the world. The introductory modules for this course look at 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 and how and why it continues to evolve.

The English Literature aspect of the course 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 course 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.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

Linguistics and English Language:

• The School is one of the oldest Linguistics departments in the UK. Our degree programmes are taught by staff who are active researchers in a range of theoretical and applied areas relating to the English Language degrees - 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 modules cover a wide range of subject matters, and in your third year you will be able to focus your attention on those questions that interest you most - the final year consists of option modules.
• 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.  

English Literature:

• Our range of modules allows you to concentrate your interests on a particular theme or author.
• 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.
• If you are taking English Literature as a single honours subject you may also take modules in creative writing and American literature. You will be taught by award-winning staff who are active researchers and publish books and articles in the areas you are studying.
• Members of staff are globally renowned for their research: four international journals are edited by our staff.

A degree in English Language will increase your knowledge of language structure and use for communicative purposes, the history of the English language and the role of English in the world. 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.

When graduates in English Literature reflect on the skills they developed through their degree which they have found most useful in their new jobs, they speak of advanced literary and communication skills, writing for project-based work, independent thought and judgement, and good time-management.

Studying English Literature provides the chance to develop a thorough knowledge of literary texts, theory, history and criticism. We offer students the chance to study a broad range of English Literature introducing you to a wide range of cultures and intellectual traditions.