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.

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.

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.

By studying English Language you can become proficient in understanding how English works, why and how it is used, where it has come from, as well as gaining knowledge in linguistic study.