BA (Hons) English Bachelor's degree at Brunel University of London

Focuses on the key skills of critical and close reading, as central to the study of literature, but also more widely to allow you to sort out truth from troll. Enhances and develops students' engagement with primary and secondary texts as central to critical thinking abilities. Students learn how to analyse and interpret complex texts in various genres, making use of the established techniques and approaches of the discipline. Students become proficient in working with literary and rhetorical te

Enables English students to develop a grounding in effective writing practices and core competencies of textual production. Students develop an understanding of the different stages of textual production, from prewriting, research, planning and outlining, to drafting, feedback and editing, polishing and submission. Students explore and practice differing conventions of textual production across academic disciplines and in the creative industries, from non-fiction modes such as the academic essay

Studies selected texts in light of their historical, political, cultural, religious, and other contexts. Through the study of a selection of five texts that belong to a particular period or genre, introduces students to the historicist study of literature. Students are trained in close textual analysis combined with understanding of historical events and texts that surround forms of expression.

Explores key critical and cultural concepts in modern literary studies and their relevance to a selected body of texts, with a focus on how ideas of 'difference' factor into a given body of writing. Students develop their own understanding of difference in relation to a wide range of theoretical concepts, including (potentially) history, memory, gender, race, and language and deconstruction.

Introduces students to the study of the literature of London, introducing key critical approaches and engaging with texts from a range of cultural backgrounds. Students learn about London's rich and varied literary traditions and forms; acquire theoretical perspectives; build a literary critical vocabulary; engage in debates about the meaning and role of London in literature; and reflect on creative practice and literary production in relation to London's diverse past and present.

Introduces students to the study of World Literature, presenting key critical approaches and engaging with texts from contrasting cultural locations. Students learn about rich and varied world literary traditions and forms; acquire theoretical perspectives; build a world literary critical vocabulary; engage in debates about the meaning and role of world literature and reflect on creative practice and literary production in world contexts.

Introduces students to the practice of creative journaling. Students explore the different ways this practice can support their personal and professional development as creatives. Students critically analyse the creative journals of writers, musicians, and artists, and keep a weekly creative journal, experimenting with different approaches and techniques for documenting and reflecting on their creativity.

Explores identity politics and considers theory such as feminism, queer theory, postcolonialism and disability studies, among others. Students consider how certain identities are portrayed onscreen both historically and now.

Teaches the core skills of listening to music with a discerning and sophisticated ear. Students develop a reflective mind and new ways to think and discuss music. Students learn to write about it with knowledge and depth, to understand how music is made; its forms and structures and to experience music from a diverse range of musical genres.

Introduces students to the employability and career possibilities open to Arts and Humanities graduates, raises awareness of Brunel's support services and placement preparation opportunities, and encourages early engagement with personal and professional development, including transferable skills. Also prepares students for progression to Level 5 placement and careers activities.

Develops students' understanding of employment pathways, professional requirements and recruitment practices relevant to Arts and Humanities degrees, while supporting them to evaluate their skills, experiences and development needs in relation to placements and employment. Equips students with the knowledge and confidence to plan and manage their career development strategically and prepares them for effective engagement with placement, freelance or employment opportunities.

Students gain confidence and experience in using their unique-to-them interests and skills to stand out from the crowd. At its heart are four professional activities, which students choose, complete, and reflect on. These could range from work experience in a field that interests them, to volunteering, learning a language, completing business or skills development courses, publishing a website, blogging, or gaining editorial or media production experience.

Through the chronological study of a representative selection of five texts, introduces the key generic elements of the nineteenth-century novel, and charts changes in their deployment over the course of the century. Particular attention is paid to Realism and Gothic. A range of social and cultural contexts is suggested as a means of accounting for, and understanding, textual features. Stress is placed throughout on close textual analysis.

Examines texts from the opening decades of the twentieth century processing a modern world that was changing rapidly and radically. Considers new technologies and ideas, empires in decline, religion losing its hold, and established class and gender relations disintegrating. Covers the First World War, revolutions, global pandemic, and economic depression.