Anglia Ruskin University

Course overview

In an increasingly globalised environment, English is now recognised as a world language - an essential communication tool for industry, business and politics. A degree in English Studies can open doors to a wide variety of career opportunities.

Anglia Ruskin has been teaching English Studies for over 50 years. Our expertise and experience in delivering high quality courses is supported by our excellent technical facilities, including an open-access language centre and multimedia computer laboratory.

Course modules will be delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and workshop sessions. As your knowledge and understanding of the language grows you will also develop your appreciation of the political, economic, historical and cultural background of the UK and Europe - giving you a deeper, richer and more meaningful grasp of English and its role in the modern world.

You will develop your ability not only to read, write and speak the English language at an advanced level, but also to apply what you have learned within a range of contexts. Our department recognises the importance of a vocational element in addition to the academic, so you will have the opportunity to develop skills in debating, presenting and negotiating - assets that have been proved to be valued by potential employers.

This is a flexible course, one that allows you to specialise in areas of particular interest or to prepare for a favoured career. Specialist areas include Cultural Studies, Applied Linguistics, Business, Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Communication.

Additional course information

The first year of your degree aims at improving your English language proficiency. You will also be introduced to some of the fundamental aspects of the English language and culture, key concepts and approaches, and studying at university level.

In your second year, you will explore the various sub-disciplines in more depths, by examining the grammar of English, and its textual structures, and you will have the opportunity to investigate specific uses of language in areas such as newspaper and advertising language, political rhetoric and personal narratives. There is a strong focus on practical hands-on elements, that is, the collection and analysis of 'real' language used in daily life. You will also improve your language proficiency level further.

Your final year focuses on an in-depth exploration of the semantics of English. You will also learn how to use the English language in the various aspects of working life and careers. At the core of this year is your Major Project, which allows you to investigate a topic of your choice under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

Module guide

Assessment

All assessments will be in accordance with the learning outcomes and the range will provide both formative (non-assessed discussions and presentations, language centre, class exercises etc) and summative (unseen examinations, in-class assessments, essays, portfolios, assessed seminar presentation etc) functions.

In the majority of modules, a combination of assessment types is used to ensure that you are able to demonstrate your theoretical knowledge of and engagement with a topic, but usually also include a more practical element. For example, the assessment for a module may consist of a traditional essay in which you discuss a particular theoretical approach, but also a data analysis exercise which allows you to demonstrate that you are able to apply their knowledge in the 'real world', and to link theory with practice.

Facilities

Our department organises field trips; frequent guest speakers from the UK and abroad, and one-day symposia and conferences.

The Mumford Theatre, which is situated at the heart of the campus, plays host to a range of professional touring, local community and student theatre. It also presents music events, including a series of free lunchtime concerts.

Special features

Our department has an outstanding reputation for both teaching and research. It consistently scores highly in The Guardian subject league tables and is one of the departments at Anglia Ruskin rated 'Excellent' by The Sunday Times University Guide.

Our department has over 50 years of experience in teaching English Language Studies and 15 years' experience in training English language teachers and is one of the very few in the country to offer an undergraduate degree combined with the professional CELTA qualification.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise set up to monitor the quality of research in UK universities, 95% of the work submitted by our department was judged to be of 'international standard', with 60% judged to be either 'internationally excellent' or 'world-leading'.

Related Links

New Routes East project kicks-off!
Anglia Ruskin University Language Centre

Pathway Leader

Sarah Fitt

Associated careers

Graduates will be well placed to take advantage of the growing opportunities offered by an expanding EU. Previous graduates now enjoy successful careers in teaching, import-export, financial services, and travel and tourism. Many also go on to study for postgraduate qualifications.

UCAS Tariff points:

220 - 260

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements