2023

Undergraduate programmes in

English
london.ac.uk/english
With academic
direction from: World class. Worldwide.
Join the World Class
1 Quality of learning
Our English programmes are developed by Goldsmiths,
a renowned institution ranked in the top 100 globally for
English Language and Literature (QS rankings 2022).

2 Career opportunities
Enhance your research, problem-solving and analytical skills
with a prestigious University of London degree that will
provide a sound basis for a broad range of careers, from the
Civil Service; teaching and research; advertising and marketing;
to journalism, radio and television; commerce and business.

3 Access a wealth of resources

Delve into the literary canon and enrich your learning experience
with our online resources, including a fully supported Virtual
Learning Environment and an Online Library of over 100 million
academic electronic items.

4 Study without relocating

Fit your studies around your work and your personal
commitments. Study wherever you live and at a time
that suits you.

5 Join a diverse global community

Become part of our global network of more 45,000 learners
in over 190 countries and gain access to an extensive
programme of events and engagement opportunities.

2 Undergraduate programmes in English

“In a fast changing
environment of
worldwide access
to higher education,
a University of London
degree continues
to offer a guarantee
of quality, value and
intellectual rigour.”
Professor Wendy Thomson
Vice-Chancellor,
University of London

london.ac.uk/english 3
Your prestigious University
of London qualification

About your qualification

When you graduate with a degree, diploma or certificate
from the University of London you will receive two important
documents – your Final Diploma (the parchment you
receive on graduation) and a Diploma Supplement.

The Final Diploma

• Indicates that you were registered with the University of London
and awarded a University of London degree, diploma or certificate.
• Gives the name of the University of London member institution
that developed the syllabus and provided assessment.
• Features the University of London crest and the
Vice-Chancellor’s signature.

The Diploma Supplement

• Describes the nature, level and content of the programme
you successfully completed.
• Includes the transcript of modules taken, marks achieved
and overall classification.
• States the method of study.

4 Undergraduate programmes in English

Contents

Undergraduate programmes in English

Join the World Class 2
Your prestigious University of London qualification 4
English at Goldsmiths 6
How you study 8
Modules available to study 10
Entrance requirements 12
Further information 14

Key dates

Application deadline:
15 September 2023

Registration deadline :
9 October 2023

Programme starts:
October 2023

london.ac.uk/english 5
English at Goldsmiths

Goldsmiths is proud of its role as Member Institution

for the BA, DipHE and CertHE English programmes.
Students who have taken this programme worldwide have enjoyed
their studies and benefited from the experience, and many have
achieved excellent results. The programme is closely modelled on
the one taken by full-time students at Goldsmiths. They share the
same ethos, which requires you to pursue your own interests and
preoccupations, using your initiative and thinking out problems for
yourself. You will receive an excellent education in the discipline, and
develop the ability to solve problems, conduct research and write essays
Dr Sarah Barnsley in a creative, critical and disciplined manner. You will also enjoy some
of the great literatures of the world in English, immersing yourself in
Programme Director a range of works from classical literature to 21st-century literatures.

The widening of access to world-class university education,

through online and distance learning, is an area of special
interest to me.
It has been my pleasure to be part of the University of London Worldwide
English programme for many years, in a number of roles. Currently, I
enjoy tutoring on the programme in my specialisms, medieval and
early modern literature. I also run the Learning Support Forum, a
dedicated space for students to practise and develop vital skills, such as
effective note-taking, essay writing and referencing. I have found our
students to be impressive in their commitment and conscientiousness.
Dr Carole Maddern Nothing is more rewarding than watching students’ progress and
Deputy Programme Director being on the stage for the final graduation ceremonies. Studying with
us is an exciting, challenging journey which can transform lives.

6 Undergraduate programmes in English

Goldsmiths brings creative By studying this programme, you will:
and unconventional • expand your knowledge and
approaches to its teaching. understanding of cultural, historical
and regional evolutions or
Graduates of the University continuities of literatures in English
include the likes of Damien
• foster an awareness of a
Hirst, Steve McQueen and range of differing contextual
the artist Lucian Freud. approaches to the subject
• develop an understanding of the
The Department of English and Creative
diverse and sometimes conflicting
Writing draws on the energies and
ways in which literary texts have been
high standards of its academics,
interpreted and are being reinterpreted
who combine a core of modern
specialisms with coverage of literature • promote analytical, creative
down the centuries. and imaginative engagement
with the complexities of literary
In addition to being a research
and non-literary discourses
powerhouse, the team is internationally
renowned for its distinctive attitude to • stimulate appreciation of genre and
learning which encourages students literary forms and conventions
to explore ideas, challenge boundaries,
• encourage self-development
investigate fresh ways of thinking and
into professionally organised and
stretch their minds intellectually and
interactive individuals by practising
creatively. The department is ranked
skills of selection, assimilation and
among the top 100 English language
communication in the written domain.
and literature departments globally (QS
rankings 2022) and runs the Goldsmiths
Prize, a prestigious literary award that A trusted name in
recognises and nurtures innovation.
global education
The English programme, which has
been developed by Goldsmiths, Founded in 1836, the University of
covers a broad chronology, and offers London is one of the oldest and
interdisciplinary options with fields most prestigious universities in the
including linguistics, media, and UK and is internationally regarded
gender studies. Popular courses such as as a centre of academic excellence.
‘Postcolonial Literatures in English’ and The University of London educates
‘American Literature’ reflect exciting more than 45,000 distance learners
new approaches to English studies. annually in 190 countries.

london.ac.uk/english 7
How you study

Independent study
Distance learning offers you the
flexibility to balance your studies
with your existing commitments. For
the BA English, we supply learning
materials which are specially designed
for independent study. You will also and additional material, as well to suit your interests. You’ll be able
have access to a significant range as interact with tutors and other to participate in subject-specific
of online resources, including a students in discussion groups e-seminars and submit up to four
fully supported Virtual Learning and confidentially submit practice essays per year for feedback.
Environment (VLE) and Online Library. formative assessments
• the Online Library, which provides Course convenors
Study materials access to over 100 million academic
electronic items comprising E-books, Each course is overseen by a
We provide the core study materials E-journals, conference proceedings, course convenor who is available
you need to complete the programme. and more. In addition, students can to answer course-specific queries
These include a programme handbook request items which are not held in online via the ‘Ask the Convenor’
of practical information (such as how the library via its Inter-Library loans section on the course VLE page.
to enter exams), subject guides for service with the British Library
each course you choose, and past • Senate House Library, which Learning Support Forum
exam papers and commentaries, provides free reference access
which give you valuable tips for for all registered distance and A dedicated space offering
performing well in exams. flexible learning students. academic support to all students.
This covers all aspects of studying and
Online support learning, including such issues as:
Tutor groups • the practicalities of
When you register, we will give you independent study
access to your Student Portal. You When you begin your studies, you will
can then access your University be assigned a tutor group for each • effective techniques for learning
of London email account and Level 4 course. The tutor provides
• how best to use resources
other key resources, including: monthly online discussion forums –
including some webinars – that run • developing a range of study skills
• the VLE, where you can preview over the course of five months.
and download subject guides, • how to practise essay writing
supplementary materials, past For Levels 5 and 6, you receive a
more flexible pattern of support • revision and exam preparation.
examination papers, reading lists,

8 Undergraduate programmes in English

Student support Programme structure
We are committed to delivering Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English
an exceptional student experience
for all students, regardless of The BA English degree consists
which programme you are of 12 full courses: four Level 4
studying and whether you are courses plus four Level 5 courses
studying independently or with plus four Level 6 courses.
a Recognised Teaching Centre. Diploma of Higher Education
You will have access to support through: (DipHE) in English
• the Student Advice Centre The DipHE English consists of
eight full courses: four Level 4
for help with application and
Student Portal queries courses plus four Level 5 courses. Maria Carmen Olle
• TalkCampus for a safe and confidential Certificate of Higher Education BA English, Hong Kong
way to talk about whatever is on your (CertHE) in English ‘The most rewarding part
mind at any time of day or night. The CertHE English consists for me was completing
of four Level 4 courses. my BA English degree as
I turned 60, with a great
Assessment Short Courses result. I had been out of
formal schooling for about
All courses are assessed by an unseen Students are allowed to study up to 40 years and embarking on
written exam (except ‘Introduction three full courses on a standalone a Higher Education journey
to Creative and Life Writing’, which basis without being registered for seemed unachievable. The
is assessed by coursework). You also any qualification. These include experience of studying
submit a formative piece of work Explorations in Literature, Approaches authors from different
for all Level 4 English courses. to Text, Renaissance Comedy: periods and taking the course
Shakespeare and Jonson and others. modules, particularly creative
Exams are held in May each year.
writing, inspired and gave
You can sit these when you are
me the courage to actually
ready at one of our 400 examination
write in different genres.’
centres. A fee is payable to your
local centre for hosting the exams.

london.ac.uk/english 9
Modules available to study
Level 4 explore fiction (focusing on the short Augustans and Romantics
story), poetry, and prose life writing, This course draws together two
Two compulsory courses (all students): developing an awareness of different periods of English literary history
techniques to enhance their writing. that have traditionally been seen
Explorations in Literature
Delve deep into the canon, from Introduction to in strong contrast during the 18th
ancient Greek texts in translation to English Language and early 19th centuries. The course
the contemporary, learning about the explores what appear to be the
Learn important concepts in the important distinctions and continuities
major literary genres and influences study of the English language, such as
in literary history. The emphasis is on between the two periods.
phonetics and phonology (the study
reading primary texts voraciously and of speech sounds), morphology (the PLUS two courses chosen from:
discovering diverse writers and cultures. study of words), syntax and more. Terms Victorians
and concepts will enrich your study Explore poetry, fiction and drama
Approaches to Text of other English Literature courses.
This course introduces concepts from the 19th century. Deepen your
in modern literary study, enabling understanding of the literary culture
you to become a perceptive and Level 5 of the period and learn to handle with
analytical reader and critic. It equips confidence a range of terms used
you with a new vocabulary to discuss Two courses chosen from in contemporary readings such as
literary language, convention and (BA/DipHE only): ‘realism’, ‘naturalism’, and ‘Darwinism’.
genre, poetic rhythm and form. Literature of the Later Moderns
Middle Ages
PLUS two courses chosen from: Survey the poetry, fiction and
This course offers an introduction drama of the 20th and 21st
Renaissance Comedy: to the English literature of the
Shakespeare and Jonson centuries and gain a vocabulary
later Middle Ages. Among topics and context for the application of
Familiarise yourself with the seminal available for study are social satire;
works of William Shakespeare and a wide range of critical approaches
the Arthurian tradition and uses to the literature of the period.
Ben Jonson as situated within of the Arthurian myth; genre and
the comedy genre. The plays are attitudes toward women; and more. Varieties of English
placed in the context of a new
dramatic practice which arose Renaissance and Restoration This course explores how and why
within a London of competing language is used differently in a
Gain an overview of English literature range of contexts and considers the
commercial and political interests. and literary culture from the reign of attitudes that people have towards
Henry VIII to the satirists and dramatists different varieties of English. Familiarise
Introduction to Creative of the Restoration period. Specialise
and Life Writing yourself with tools used by linguists to
in Jacobean drama; the origins of analyse speech and written media.
Gain an understanding of key Elizabethan tragedy; literature of the
concepts and practices involved in Commonwealth or other topics.
Creative and Life Writing. Students

10 Undergraduate programmes in English

 Creative and Life Writing
The course examines Creative
Writing in its literary contexts, using
texts that serve to best represent
the fields of short fiction, poetry
and life writing, providing students
the opportunity to survey the and
understand the contemporary canon.

Level 6
women, men and children in different writing and the politics of anti-
Four courses chosen from (BA only):
contexts. colonialism and postcolonialism. Read
American Literature texts about the legacies of colonialism,
This course introduces students to the Language and the Media and grapple with representation.
diverse literatures and literary trends This course enables students to analyse
of the United States, from its early texts and genres, including newspaper Shakespeare
inception to the present day, exploring texts, advertising, the language of film, Study William Shakespeare’s plays
the main concepts and contestations and others. Develop critical awareness and the poetic means and theatrical
which have underpinned its evolution of linguistic techniques for analysing conditions of his craft. Looking at the
and various reshapings. media discourse types and consider the plays alongside the social politics
relationship between text and context. and theatres of Elizabethan London,
Drama since 1860 the course examines the evolution of
Gain historical and critical perspectives The Novel language and drama in Shakespeare’s
on the major thematic and stylistic Examine historical and critical works.
developments shaping British, perspectives on anaesthetic form
American and European drama from central to English Studies Survey 18th Advanced Creative and
1860 onwards. Trace the relationship and 19th-century realist novels, early Life Writing
between the theory and practice of 20th-century modernist novels, and This course is designed as a progression
various dramatists and explore the ‘anti-realist’ or ‘postmodern’ works of of the concepts and practices
relationship between theatrical styles fiction from the 20th and early 21st introduced earlier in the programme,
and themes. centuries. with additional emphasis on gaining
a practical understanding of the
Language and Gender Postcolonial Literatures publishing industry. The course will help
This course delves into the study of in English students further develop an awareness
language and gender. It examines This course focuses on the literature of various, more sophisticated, contexts
how language is used to accomplish that emerged in response to the into which they write.
femininity and masculinity. Learn about changing global landscape since 1947,
studies exploring the language used by exploring the relationship between

london.ac.uk/english 11
Entrance requirements

BA and DipHE English whether any alternative or incomplete For further information on
qualifications or work experience are entrance requirements please
You must: suitable for entry to the programme. visit: london.ac.uk/english
• normally* be aged 17 or above by 30 We will advise on potential further
November in the year of registration alternatives such as our International English language
and Foundation Programme or additional requirements
qualifications you need to take in order
• meet our general entrance to meet our minimum entrance criteria.
requirements You need to demonstrate a good
*Applications will be considered from level of English to be admitted to our
and applicants who do not meet the programmes. We accept a range of
• hold an A Level English normal minimum age requirement evidence, including proficiency test
(pass) or equivalent. for admission. Each application will be scores. If you don’t have evidence but
considered on an individual basis and believe you can meet the standard,
the decision taken at the discretion we may consider your case.
CertHE English of the University of London.
You must:
• normally* be aged 18 or above by
1 September in the year of registration
and
• Three GCSEs (at grades A* to C
or nine to four) or equivalent.

Individual courses
• As CertHE, except minimum age
requirement is 17 or above by 30
November in year of registration.

Even if you do not meet the standard

requirements, we will consider
each application on its own merits.
Our Admissions Panel will consider

12 Undergraduate programmes in English

Computer requirements How to apply
We set minimum basic computer For further information on this
requirements because your study programme, entrance requirements
resources are accessed via the Student and details on how to apply, please
Portal and it is vital that you can visit: london.ac.uk/english
access this regularly. For this degree,
you will also need Adobe Flash
Player to view video material and a
Students with
media player to play video files. disabilities and/or
access requirements
Recognition of prior
learning (RPL) The University of London welcomes Katerina Spinos
applications from disabled students BA English, Hong Kong
and/or those who have access
If you have studied material as part ‘My personal highlight
requirements. If you are disabled and/
of a previous qualification that is was developing active
or have access requirements, we will
comparable in content, level and inquiry skills on multiple
make every reasonable effort to meet
standard to our English modules, subjects, which honed
your needs. This may include making
you might be exempted from the my critical thinking and
access arrangements for examinations,
equivalent course of our degree. communication skills
such as a separate room or special aids.
This process is known as recognition dramatically over four years.’
of prior learning (RPL). You will not If you would like to tell us about
need to study or be assessed in the your disability and/or request access
module(s) to complete your award. arrangements, please complete the
relevant section of the application
To be considered for RPL you should form, or contact the Inclusive
make a formal request within your Practice Manager at:
application when applying online. special.arrangements@london.ac.uk
Alternatively, this can be done
through an online enquiry, once you
have submitted your application.
The deadline to submit your RPL
application is 1 September.

london.ac.uk/english 13
Further information

Fees payable to statutory rate, this will be added to Armed Forces

the fees shown during the payment
the University process. For students resident in the Students who are members or ex-
UK, our fees are exempt from VAT. members of the UK Armed Forces should
The total fee payable to the
note that the University of London
University of London for 2023–2024
will be published on our website Financial assistance has been approved by the Ministry of
Defence in support of the Enhanced
once confirmed. For the latest
UK undergraduate students may be Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme (ELC
information on programme fees,
able to apply for a part-time tuition fee Provider Reference Number 1284). The
please visit: london.ac.uk/fees
loan. For full details on eligibility criteria, Scheme provides financial support
Please note: student fees shown on please visit: gov.uk/student-finance to eligible Service personnel who
our website are net of any local VAT, wish to enhance their educational
Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any Alternatively, some employers in both or vocational achievements.
other sales tax payable by the student the public and private sector may be
willing to consider offering financial The ELC Administration Service
in their country of residence. Where
assistance to their employees. website can be found at:
the University is required to add VAT,
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
GST or any other sales tax at the local

14 Undergraduate programmes in English

 The information contained in this
prospectus was correct at the
date of publication but may be
subject to change. The University
does not intend by publication or
distribution of this prospectus to
create any contractual or other legal
relation with applicants, registered
students, their advisers or any other
persons. For the most up-to-date
information, please visit our website.
Published by University of London.
Copyright © University of London,
January 2023.

london.ac.uk/english 15
For further information on the range of programmes we offer,
please visit our website (london.ac.uk) or contact us at:
The Student Advice Centre
University of London
Senate House, Malet Street
London WC1E 7HU View the
United Kingdom English
Telephone enquires: +44 (0)20 7862 8360 web page
Online enquiries: sid.london.ac.uk

This material is available in alternative formats upon request.

Please contact: special.arrangements@london.ac.uk

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