BA (Hons) English / Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The Combined Honours programme offers you an opportunity to study two subjects at degree level, enabling you to benefit from high quality teaching across more than one subject.

English:

English is a well-established humanities discipline, which explores the role of the written word in defining and transforming human experience. The modern discipline of English is rooted in the study of literature and the language in which it is written. Students of English can expect to study all major periods and forms of literature and to learn how to analyse literary texts by drawing on disciplines such as history, sociology and politics. The study of English develops strong critical thinking and communication skills, attributes that are highly valued in humanities graduates by employers. At the Manchester campus, the English department has access to a community of internationally renowned writers and critics through the Manchester Writing School, one of the most successful of its kind in the UK. The Creative Director is Carol Ann Duffy DBE (Poet Laureate 2009-2019). You will develop the necessary skills in critical thinking and communication that are of value to graduates entering a wide array of career paths.

Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages:

Proficiency in modern languages and linguistics will give you the competitive edge in the global jobs market. In both the private and public sectors, there is demand for professionals with strong language skills who can work in culturally diverse environments. We have been providing professional language courses for more than 30 years and our staff are nationally, and in many cases internationally, recognised experts in their field. Our strong local, national and global links will help to enhance your study and future employment opportunities.

English:

This course takes an innovative, modern approach to the study of literature, focusing on drama, prose, fiction and poetry from the 17th century to the present, and balancing the traditional with the modern. There are opportunities to take units in creative writing, film and cultural theory, as well as writing from the USA, Ireland, Africa, India and the Caribbean. Students who have studied English Literature or Language appreciate the course's core interest in the analysis of literary language, and those with good qualifications from across the humanities perform just as well. We pride ourselves on our excellent teaching, flexible provision, highly positive student feedback and strong research culture.

TESOL:

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) explores how English (and other languages) are most effectively learnt and taught all over the world, and it is for this reason that this course is offered in combination with a language. You may have heard it referred to as TEFL or EFL. On this course, you will learn to analyse teaching methods and materials, build a repertoire of language activities and study the sounds and key grammatical features of English. Your TESOL studies will include detailed study of the English language itself, the latest and most effective techniques and methods of teaching, psychology, and learning styles and patterns. Our course is designed to help you achieve your full potential in a challenging and lively environment, and enhance your employability in a competitive market. It is excellent preparation for anyone intending to gain an internationally recognised professional qualification on courses such as the CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL.