English Studies class

English Studies - Foundation Degree

Summary

English degrees open up a wealth of options when it comes to career choice. Graduates go into a diverse range of industries and job roles are similarly varied. There are directly related fields like copywriting, teaching and journalism as well as positions in business which require the critical thinking and advanced writing skills that these qualifications help you develop.

Our newly developed Certificate in Higher Education and Foundation Degree in English Studies are designed to allow you to explore English Language, Literature and Professional Writing and its application in a world where language is increasingly fluid, changing, and crucial in the workplace.

You will study in detail how language works within a variety of texts and contexts and how it can be utilised to solve real-world issues in contemporary society. To complement this, you will acquire advanced skills in professional and technical writing, allowing you to express your opinion and creative ideas for a range of purposes.

Your critical thinking and analytical skills will be developed through your study of international literature from the 19th Century and post-war period to the present day. This will also inform your own creative direction and allow you to assimilate a technical and stylistic understanding which will allow you to refine your personal writing style.

Enrolling on this course will give you access to creative, dynamic and practical environment that provides cutting edge subject knowledge alongside professional skills for a range of careers.

  • Course code SM1HE137
  • UCAS code Q302
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Day/s of week Wednesday
  • Time 09:15 - 16:45

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
2 Years
  • £24,568 average annual salary in this sector
  • Get into journalism, copywriting, communications and more
  • Attendance from 2 days a week

What Uni Reviews

Wonderful I'm very happy and feel secure, the course content flows well and is well structured. The tutors are excellent and informative, I would recommend this course and this college to anyone. *****
- Anonymous
So supportive and tutors ensure you are motivated and supported to complete work set. *****
- Stacey Robinson
Brilliant the tutors are great and extremely supportive. Very helpful and nothing is ever too much trouble. I am currently enjoying every aspect of student life. *****
- Anonymous

Tutor Profile - Rachael Leitch

Area of Expertise:
English Language and Applied Linguistics, Contextual and Textual Analysis, Stylistics, Sociolinguistics, Language and Identity, Critical Discourse Analysis.

Enjoys teaching at B&FC because:
I am passionate about our community and providing equal opportunities for all those entering and engaging with education.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This programme is ideal for students wishing to embark on careers such as teaching in primary, secondary, further and higher education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), communication support worker, communications officer, librarians, learning resource advisors and library, arts and culture administration assistants, software engineer, journalism, advertising, careers in media including digital/social media, marketing and website design, digital copyrighting, writing/creative writing, writing for television, theatre and stage, publishing, editing, proofreading, writing for business, management and leadership roles, public relations and communications, speech therapy, applied linguistics or research and academic writing related careers.

Key information

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements are as follows:

English GCSE at Grade C/4 or above.

Evidence of the completion of a relevant Level 3 qualification or Access to HE Diploma in a relevant subject.

If embarking on a teaching career, Maths GCSE Grade C/4 or above and Science Grade (Primary sector only) C/4 may also be required – if you have not yet achieved these, you can study these alongside your main programme.

Students are eligible to progress from internal programmes such as Access to HE English Language, Literature and Creative Writing, NCFE L3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, NCFE L2 Award in Supporting Work in Schools and Colleges (with relevant experience), NCFE L3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce and T-Level Education.

Upon completion students may progress from the Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education in English Studies to the Level 5 Foundation Degree in English Studies.

Qualification obtained

FdA English Studies

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Professional and Academic Skills in Humanities SM4MD185 20 No
    How Language Works Introducing Linguistics SM4MD186 20 No
    Introduction to English Language and Literature SM4MD187 20 No
    Exploring Genre Plot and Theme in Literature SM4MD188 20 No
    Literacies for Life SM4MD189 20 No
    Phonology Phonics and Phonetics SM4MD190 20 No

  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Work Based Research Project SM5MD248 20 No
    Professional and Technical Writing Skills SM5MD249 20 No
    The Power of English Language Meaning and Communication SM5MD250 20 No
    Investigating Classical and Contemporary Literature SM5MD251 20 No
    Language Acquisition SM5MD252 20 No
    Psychology of Communication SM5MD253 20 No

Study Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Study Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Student case study - Susan Berry

What have been the benefits of studying here?
A supportive environment with interesting, topical content. HELMs (Higher Education Learning Mentors), financial support and the option of emotional support if I ever need it.

What are you hoping to do in the future?
I am hoping to find an outlet for my creative writing using the skills I've learnt in the classroom.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Our modules include exciting and contemporary approaches to English suited for all tastes covering fiction, non-fiction and creative practice. You will work with experts and professional tutors to develop your language skills in a range of applications and environments.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 85% 80% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%