Is this programme for me?
This combined degree programme will appeal to those who are interested in studying in English, but would also like to learn more about a different discipline. You can choose to study Theology, Philosophy or Computing as minor options. The degree will be 75 per cent English courses, and 25 per cent courses from your minor option.
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Key dates |
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Application deadline |
1 October |
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Registration deadline |
30 November |
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Programme starts |
As soon as you receive your materials |
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Examinations take place |
May/June |
Why study English?
Studying English gives you the opportunity to enjoy some of the great literature of the world, immersing yourself in a range of works from the Middle Ages to the present day. You can also try your hand at Creative Writing and take specialist courses such as Language and Gender and Language and the Media. Your study experience is enriched by online support through tutor groups, e-seminars and formative assessment.
Programme Combinations
English with Theology: This combined programme enables you to study subjects fundamental to human societies the world over: language, literature and theology. An understanding of theological ideas will provide insights into the many works of literature which are informed or inspired by Christianity and other religions. Combining English with Theology will also enhance your analysis of the subjects studied as both require you to read, understand, and debate the meaning of texts.
English with Philosophy: Philosophical themes and questions can be found in almost any work of literature. Many early literary works were actually works of philosophy. Aristotle’s Poetics forms the basis of literary theory and is still key to our understanding of modern works of literature, particularly the concept of a beginning, middle and end. This combined degree will help you to better understand this symbiotic relationship between literature and philosophy. You will be better positioned to ask why the Romantic poets explored Longinus’s concept of the sublime, how American literature derived its ‘Transcendental’ school from Kantian philosophy, and how Sartre could help your understanding of Samuel Beckett’s plays. If you choose to take English language options, Philosophy of Language will give you even greater insight into language and meaning.
English with Computing: There are three subject-specific pathways within the Computing minor programme, which are reflected in your qualification.
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English with Computing (Computer Science): Studying Computer Science will help to enhance your employability as computing skills are valued in many jobs. The computer science courses cover topics such as algorithms and data compression, which will appeal to those with an interest in mathematics and computation.
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English with Computing (Computing and Cognition): Computing and Cognition emphasises the cognitive aspects of computing. Cognitive science is a subject area that takes human cognition as its starting point, and looks at how knowledge in this area can be applied to computing, and vice versa. Creativity and artificial intelligence are part of this broad area of study, and the courses offered on this pathway come from creative computing and artificial intelligence.
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English with Computing (Computing Information Systems): Computing Information Systems offers subjects that are broadly related to electronic commerce and information technology. Having a practical knowledge of information systems, as well as the analytical skills developed through English, will give you a wider range of transferable, employment-related skills.
Study options
You can choose from a full BA (12 courses), Diploma of Higher Education (8 courses) or a Certificate of Higher Education (4 courses). The Certificate is an ideal option if you don't feel ready to commit to a full Diploma or degree programme or don't have the qualifications to meet our entrance requirements. Once you pass the Certificate, you can transfer your registration to the Diploma or BA. You can also transfer to the BA on completion of the Diploma.
A prestigious qualification
These combined degrees draw on the academic expertise of three University of London Colleges. Goldsmiths, University of London, one of the UK’s leading creative universities, is responsible for the English and Computing courses. The Theology programme is directed by Heythrop College, a specialist college of theology within the University of London. Birkbeck, University of London, developed the philosophy component.
Transferable skills and career progression
Studying a combined degree with an English major will equip you with transferable skills that can be used in a wide range of contexts. This includes being able to understand and analyse complex ideas, communicate effectively in writing, think both laterally and systematically, produce persuasive arguments, discern and create meaningful patterns and (for Computing courses) interpret data. This will give you a sound basis for careers in areas such as the civil service, teaching and research, advertising and marketing, journalism, radio and television, arts administration, charity work and fundraising, museums, libraries, and some careers in the IT industry such as website management.
BA degree: 12 courses (9 from English major pathway plus 3 from minor pathway)
Diploma of Higher Education: 8 courses (6 from English major pathway plus 2 from minor pathway)
Certificate of Higher Education: 4 courses (3 from English major pathway plus 1 from minor pathway)
Download English Major [pdf, 4pgs 92KB ] for details for the following programmes:
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Combined Degree Scheme: Bachelors Degree (BA) English with Minor programme
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Combined Degree Scheme: Diploma of Higher Education in English with Minor programme
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Combined Degree Scheme: Certificate of Higher Education in English with Minor programme
How you study
We offer you the maximum flexibility in planning your studies; you can study at a time and place to suit yourself. When you first register you will receive:
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The Arts Good Study Guide by E. Chambers and A. Northedge
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a student handbook
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subject guides for each course studied
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past examination papers and examiners' reports
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a copy of the regulations
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access to the University of London Online Library with a comprehensive selection of links to relevant materials.
Each year you continue to register, you will receive updated materials. In addition to the materials we provide, you will need to buy some books, and others you will need to refer to in a library. As far as possible, you should consider the facilities available locally to you, and how accessible books are likely to be before registering.
Online support
You will have access to the programme’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where you can:
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preview and download subject guides, supplementary materials, past examination papers, reading lists, and additional audio-visual material
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interact with tutors and other students in discussion groups (both open and course-specific)
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confidentially submit formative assessments.
Tutor groups, e-seminars and written feedback
When you begin your studies, you will be assigned a tutor and a tutor group for each Level 4 English course you do. The tutor provides monthly online discussion forums, which run over the course of five months. With the exception of ‘Introduction to Creative Writing’, all Level 4 English courses require you to submit a piece of formative assessment. This will help you prepare for examinations and final assessment.
When you reach Level 5/6 you will have developed the study skills to self-manage your studies, so you then swap the assigned tutor group for a more flexible pattern of support to suit your needs and interests. This includes the option to participate in e-seminars, focussed around a text and/or literary topic, and the opportunity to submit up to two practice essays per year for feedback by academic staff.
Computing minors:
If you choose a Computing minor, you will have the opportunity to take part in online workshops for these courses and receive personalised feedback on coursework.
Theology minors:
For Theology courses, you will receive online/printed resources and have access to a comprehensive virtual learning environment, but will not receive any tutor support.
Philosophy minors:
The Philosophy courses are designed for entirely independent learners so you will need to be able to direct your own learning without a tutor and with a limited virtual learning environment.
Programme reading lists
Download the following reading lists for:
Sample study materials
You can get a taste of what it would be like to study English courses by looking at the taster materials below. The exercises are aimed at those studying at Level 4 (year 1) of the programme.
Introduction to English Language
Using English: causes and effects.
Download: Introduction to English Language [pdf: 2 pgs, 26KB]
Explorations in Literature
Practice close reading with a poem studied on the Explorations in Literature course, T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’.
Download: Practice close reading [pdf: 2 pgs, 32KB]
Approaches to Text
A quiz to find out what kind of critic you are.
Download: Approaches to Text [pdf: 3 pgs, 70KB]
A window on the world
A practical exercise to creative writing.
Download: Introduction to Creative Writing [pdf: 1 pg, 24KB]
Renaissance Comedy
An exercise to determine the characters in Ben Jonson’s Volpone.
Download: Renaissance Comedy [pdf: 3 pgs, 37KB]
Fees
| Academic year 2013-2014 | | |
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| Annual registration fee | £ 725 | |
| Fee per Computing full course | £ 260 | |
| Fee per English full course | £ 260 | |
| Fee per Philosophy full course | £ 185 | |
| Fee per Theology full course | £ 210 | |
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| Examination re-entry fees (per full course) | | |
| Computing | £ 180 | |
| English | £ 180 | |
| Philosophy | £ 140 | |
| Theology | £ 140 | |
Disclaimer: the currency conversion tool is
provided to you for convenience only and does not constitute an endorsement
or approval by the University of London; the exchange rates are provided
dynamically via a third-party source, consequently, the University of London
International Programmes is not responsible for their accuracy.
The fee per course depends on the level of support provided. Courses with high levels of online support, such as English courses, are more expensive than those with limited support, such as Philosophy courses.
When to pay
Fees are payable between 1st March 2013 and the registration closing date 30th November 2013. The annual registration fee is payable each year to maintain your registration. The course fee includes one attempt at the examination.
How to pay
All University fees must be paid in pounds sterling (GBP). The University accepts:
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Western Union - Quick Pay
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Credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Electron, JCB)
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Sterling banker's draft/cheque
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International money/postal order
Further details are given in payment methods.
Other costs
In addition to the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:
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textbooks (this may well be in the region of £300 per year if you are taking four courses in one year)
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tuition costs if studying at a teaching institution
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the fee charged to your local examination centre to cover its costs; this fee will vary.
Note
Fees are subject to annual review and the University reserves the right to amend previously announced fees, if necessary. For a full list fees that may be applicable, please see the fee schedule in Student fees.
Each course of the BA and Diploma and Certificate of Higher Education is assessed by one unseen examination, with the exception of ‘Introduction to Creative Writing’ (Level 4), which will be assessed in May by a creative piece of coursework (fiction, poetry or stage writing).
Examinations are held once a year, usually in May or June. You do not have to come to London to take your examinations as we have exam centres around the world as well as in London. Examinations overseas are arranged mainly through Ministries of Education or the British Council. You will be charged a fee by your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
All Level 4 English courses require you to submit a piece of formative assessment in the form of an essay (for all courses except ‘Introduction to Creative Writing’). This is to help you prepare for examinations and final assessment. The piece of formative assessment is compulsory but does not contribute to your final assessment.
For further information please see the Assessment and examinations section of our website.
Computing minors
Those taking a course in any of the three Computing minor pathways will have to submit coursework for assessment for most of their courses.
Academic Requirements
BA and Diploma of Higher Education
Age
You must normally be at least 17 years of age at the time of registration.
Qualifications
You must have passes in:
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either two subjects at GCE A level, and at least three further subjects at GCSE or GCE O level (at not less than grade C or a pass if taken prior to 1975)
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or three subjects at GCE A level, with one A Level at not less than grade D
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or three subjects at GCE A level, and one further subject at GCSE or GCE O Level (at not less than grade C)
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or two subjects at GCE A Level, and two further subjects at AS Level.
You must normally satisfy both the University of London general entrance requirements and the additional programme specific entrance requirements which are dependent on the choice major and minor programme:
To study the English major, you also need:
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a competence at least equivalent to a pass in GCE A level English and
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either GCSE or GCE O level English Language at Grade C or above
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or, satisfy the University’s general English language proficiency requirements.
If you choose the Computing Information Systems minor pathway you need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade C or above in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
If you choose the Computer Science or Computing and Cognition minor pathways you also need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade B in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
The University may, at its discretion, accept other qualifications in place of those above.
Certificate of Higher Education
Age
You must normally be at least 18 years of age by the 1 September at the time of registration.
Qualifications
You need:
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a minimum of three subjects at Grade C or above at GCSE/GCE O level or an equivalent examination including
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a competence at least equivalent to GCSE/GCE O level in English Language at Grade C or above
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or compliance with the University’s general English language proficiency requirements.
If you choose the Computing Information Systems minor pathway you need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade C or above in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
If you choose the Computer Science or Computing and Cognition minor pathways you also need to:
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demonstrate a competence at least equivalent to O level grade B in an acceptable mathematical related subject.
The University may, at its discretion, accept other qualifications in place of those above.
Language Requirements
For awards at FHEQ levels 4, 5 or 6, applicants must provide satisfactory evidence showing that they have:
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Passed acceptable examinations equivalent to GCSE/GCE O level English Language at grade C or above; or
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Demonstrated fluency in academic English gained through either:
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Five years secondary schooling taught solely in English and/or passed GCE A levels or IB in essay based subjects; or
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Passed an International Foundation programme for UK HEI entry with a unit in English for Academic purposes (EAP) or its equivalent; or
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A first degree or Associate degree taught and examined in English; or
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Have passed a Diploma awarded by any of the polytechnics in Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong. For undergraduate admittance have within the previous three years passed a test of proficiency in English at the following minimum level: IELTS with an overall grade of at least 6 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub test, TOEFL with a score of 580, 237 on the computerised test plus a Test of Written English (TWE) of at least 4.5 or a test of proficiency in English language from the prescribed list published by the University.
Where an applicant does not meet the prescribed English language proficiency requirements but believes that they can demonstrate the requisite proficiency for admission the University may, at its discretion, consider the application.
Note: Some programmes will require greater proficiency in English language; these requirements will be reflected in the relevant programme regulations.
Computer Requirements
Online access and general computer requirements
As one of our students you need to have regular access to a computer and the internet; this may be for accessing the Student Portal, downloading course materials from the Virtual Learning Environment, and accessing resources from the Online Library. You will also need to have access to appropriate software, for example, a PDF reader and suitable hardware capacity on your computer, e.g. for document storage. Additional requirements include that you have JavaScript and cookies enabled to access particular online systems, for example, the Student Portal.
Supported Browsers include:
Internet Explorer 7+
Firefox 5+
Chrome 13+
Screen resolution (recommended)
1024 x 768 or greater
Certain programmes may have their own specific requirements, please refer to the relevant Regulations.
Combined degrees - Academic leadership
These combined degrees draw on the academic expertise of three University of London Colleges. The Philosophy programme has been developed by Birkbeck, University of London, which has one of the highest ranking Philosophy departments in the UK. The Theology courses are directed by Heythrop College, a specialist College of theology within the University of London; while Goldsmiths, University of London, is responsible for the English and Computing courses.