English Studies

Our newly developed Foundation Degree in English Studies, awarded by Blackpool and The Fylde College, is 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.

Our modules will introduce you to wide range of approaches to the analysis and construction of a diverse selection of literary and non-literary texts.

You will study a wide range of international literary works from the 19th Century and post-war period to the present day, and will develop a deep understanding of the history of English, how language works within a variety of texts and contexts and how it can be utilised to solve real world issues in contemporary society.
You will have the freedom to explore your own interests while developing your critical thinking and analytical skills. You also will develop advanced skills in professional and technical writing, allowing you to express your opinion and creative ideas for a range of purposes.

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.

The programme aims to:

1. Develop knowledge and understanding of the effective use of English and communication in the workplace.
2. Provide an opportunity to conduct research in the workplace to develop both technical & professional writing skills and criticality.
3. Develop effective communication skills and apply these in a variety of forms and for a range of different audiences.
4. Cultivate an awareness of the many uses of English to inform, educate and persuade.

On completion of the Foundation Degree in English Studies you may wish to enter employment in supporting roles in primary, secondary, further and higher education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), communication support worker, communications officer, learning resource centres and libraries, arts and culture administration, software engineering, 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 and business administration roles.

You will also be eligible to embark on the Level 6 Top-Up BA (Hons) English Studies, offered at Blackpool and the Fylde College and awarded by Lancaster University, which will allow you to access a broader range of roles in industry and provides you with the opportunity to study as post-graduate level in preparation for a range of professional careers.

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

We have carefully considered the range of assessment methods on the English Studies programme to ensure that we offer a varied, contemporary and student-centred approach to assessment that will assist in the development of your subject-specific and transferable skills.

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5
Coursework 59% 55%
Exam 26% 25%