English with Foundation

Engage with the breadth and variety of literature in English, from the rise of the gothic to the graphic novel. Choose from modules exploring literature in relation to history, genre, culture – and, if you wish, sample creative writing. English is a degree highly valued by employers, so take advantage of our many opportunities for work experience and prepare for a rewarding career.

• This four-year course is designed to give you the grounding necessary to progress through your undergraduate studies in English, and through the many opportunities we give you find the best possible direction to grow your love of learning.

• Personalise your degree by choosing from a wide variety of optional modules in literary studies and creative writing, or widen your horizons by taking specialist modules in other subjects in the school.

• Learn from internationally recognised research-active staff.

• Benefit from assessment through coursework, with no written exams.

• Make the most of a rich cultural life with The Arts Institute programme and the University’s links with local cultural organisations, like The Box and Theatre Royal.

This course is an integrated part of the BA (Hons) English degree at the University of Plymouth. Successful completion of your foundation year (Year 0) will not lead to a separate award or qualification in its own right but provides progression onto Year 1 of BA (Hons) English, or one of the following degree courses:

• BA (Hons) Anthropology

• BA (Hons) Art History

• BA (Hons) Creative Writing

• BSc (Hons) Criminology

• BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology

• BSc (Hons) Criminology and Sociology

• BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing

• BA (Hons) History

• BSc (Hons) International Relations

• LLB (Hons) Law

• LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology

• BSc (Hons) Politics

• BSc (Hons) Politics and International Relations

• BSc (Hons) Sociology

• BSc (Hons) Professional Policing

In your foundation year, you'll acquire the knowledge and skills you need to progress through your studies and become a confident, independent learner.

In your first year, you'll study historical, theoretical, and aesthetic approaches to literary analysis. You’ll read literature which investigates the making of the modern world; engage with exciting theories of reading such as eco-criticism, psychoanalysis and Marxism; and, if you choose, try your hand at creative writing in a wide range of genres including prose, poetry, drama and professional writing. You will also learn key research and essay-writing skills.

In your second year, you’ll take core modules in Romantic and Victorian literature, studying these key periods from an interdisciplinary perspective, and engaging with debates in philosophy, science, psychology, politics, art, gender and race. You will then select from a wide range of specialist modules, including a range of specialist literary, creative, and work-based options. You’ll also have the opportunity to branch out beyond literary studies, if you wish, and take specialist modules in other subjects in the School.

Undertake an optional placement year where you can build a number of key employability skills. Put theory onto practice, get a taste for your chosen career and expand upon your professional network.

In your final year, you’ll complete your period studies core with the ground-breaking literature of early 20th-century Modernism. You’ll also choose from a range of specialist modules, mostly with a focus on 20th-century and contemporary literature. There will be a further opportunity to choose a module from another subject in the school if you wish to branch out. You’ll also design and develop your own year-long dissertation project on a topic of your choice, which you'll work on with focused support from your personal supervisor.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.