Program Overview

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Introduction to the BA (Hons) English/Politics Program

The University of York offers a unique and exciting opportunity to study English and Politics in a combined degree program. This program allows students to explore the intersection of literature and politics, developing a deep understanding of how these two disciplines shape our world.

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) English/Politics program is a three-year full-time course that provides students with a comprehensive education in both English and Politics. The program is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and analytical skills, preparing students for a wide range of careers.

Year 1

In the first year, students will be introduced to the undergraduate study of English and Politics. The core modules will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to start undertaking literary and political research. The English modules will cover an exciting range of texts and critical approaches, while the Politics modules will explore the principles of power and introduce students to the study of politics.

Year 2

In the second year, students will take a bridge module, Politics and the Novel, designed specifically for English/Politics students. This module will bring the two subjects into dialogue, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of the intersection of literature and politics. Students will also choose from a wide range of option modules in both the English and Politics departments.

Year 3

In the final year, students will undertake a bridge dissertation, a year-long research project that brings the two subjects into dialogue. The bridge dissertation is a distinctive feature of the English/Politics degree at York, offering students the chance to showcase their research and writing skills. Alongside the bridge dissertation, students will also choose from a range of option modules in both departments.

Fees and Funding

The fees for the BA (Hons) English/Politics program are as follows:

• UK (home) fees: £9,535
• International and EU fees: £26,900

Additional Costs

Students will need to purchase copies of the texts set for each module. The Department works to arrange digital copies via the University Library, but where this is not practical, students will be instructed in advance of the start of each term about the texts and editions they need to purchase.

Teaching and Assessment

The program will be taught through a combination of seminars, lectures, workshops, and one-to-one consultations. Assessment will be through a variety of methods, including essays, exams, and project work. The Department of English and Related Literature employs a range of assessment methods, with a strong emphasis on essay writing. The Department of Politics and International Relations also uses a variety of assessment methods, including exams, written essays, and project work.

Careers and Skills

Studying English and Politics at York will provide students with numerous career possibilities. The program will help students develop presentation, language, and critical thinking skills, as well as expertise in complex analysis and research. These skills will be valuable in a wide range of careers, from law and teaching to national and local government and the creative industries.

Career Opportunities

Some potential career opportunities for graduates of the BA (Hons) English/Politics program include:

• Advertising, marketing, social media, and public relations
• Arts administration
• Civil and diplomatic services
• Film, radio, television, and theatre
• Journalism and broadcasting
• Law
• Librarianship
• Member of Parliament
• Publishing
• Teaching

Transferable Skills

The program will help students develop a range of transferable skills, including:

• Ability to analyse and compare complex texts
• Capacity to write clearly and fluently for a variety of audiences
• Communication and teamwork skills
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Data interpretation
• Experience of researching and debating challenging topics
• Independent study skills
• Logic and rhetoric
• Proficiency in presenting findings cogently and persuasively using information technology

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the BA (Hons) English/Politics program is:

• A levels: AAB, including an A in English Literature (English Language and Literature is also acceptable)
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 36 credits at Distinction, including at least 9 credits in Literature-related units, and 9 credits at Merit or higher
• BTEC National Extended Diploma: DDD with an additional A Level or equivalent qualification in English Literature at grade A
• European Baccalaureate: 80% overall, with 85% in English Literature
• International Baccalaureate: 35 points, including 6 in English Literature at Higher Level (Higher Level English Language and Literature is also acceptable)

Alternative Offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify students for an alternative offer:

• Widening participation: BBC, including B in English Literature (English Language and Literature is also acceptable)
• Contextual offer: ABC, including an A in English Literature (English Language and Literature is also acceptable)
• EPQ: If students achieve A or higher in the EPQ, they may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below the typical offer
• MOOCs: If students successfully complete the online course Power in crisis: Politics in the 21st century, they may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below the typical offer

English Language Requirements

If English is not the student's first language, they may need to provide evidence of their English language ability. The University accepts the following qualifications:

• IELTS (Academic): 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
• IB English: A score of 4 in English A or 5 in English B (Higher Level or Standard Level)
• Cambridge CEFR: 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
• Oxford ELLT: 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
• Oxford Test of English Advanced: 136, with a minimum of 126 in each component
• Duolingo: Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
• GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language): Grade C / Grade 4
• LanguageCert SELT: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
• LanguageCert Academic: B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
• Kaplan Test of English Language: 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
• Skills for English: B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
• PTE Academic: 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
• TOEFL: 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
• Trinity ISE III: Merit in all components

Conclusion

The BA (Hons) English/Politics program at the University of York offers students a unique and exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of literature and politics. With a comprehensive education in both English and Politics, students will develop a range of skills and knowledge that will prepare them for a wide range of careers. The program is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and analytical skills, and is taught by world-leading experts in their fields. With a range of career opportunities and transferable skills, the BA (Hons) English/Politics program is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about literature and politics.