Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc (Hons) English and Sociology Program

The BSc (Hons) English and Sociology program at Aston University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of English language and literature, as well as sociological concepts and theories. This program combines academic rigor with practical application, ensuring that students develop a range of skills that are highly valued in today's society.

Program Overview

The program is a four-year undergraduate degree that includes an integrated placement year. Students will study a range of core and optional modules, including textual concepts and principles, literary and linguistic genres, sociological theories, and research methods. The program is designed to provide students with a dynamic and engaging learning experience that prepares them for a successful career in understanding and analyzing complex social dynamics.

Course Objectives

The program has several key objectives, including:

• Providing a syllabus with historical range, developing students' knowledge and understanding of English language and literature through time
• Developing students' skills in close reading and text analysis, literary analysis and interpretation
• Situating analysis and interpretation in historical, comparative, cultural and social contexts
• Providing students with the ability to analyze and understand social problems, social change and social structures
• Familiarizing students with key concepts in sociological theories and key issues in contemporary societies

Modules

The program consists of a range of core and optional modules, including:

Year 1 Modules

• The Novel Through Time
• Stylistics
• Introduction to Language Study
• Introduction to Social Theory
• Becoming a Social Scientist

Year 2 Modules

• Reading and Society
• Written Text Analysis
• Advanced Social Theory
• Research Methods
• Optional modules, such as Language and Style, Post-apocalyptic Fiction, and Introduction to Corpus Linguistics

Placement Year Modules

• Integrated Placement Year

Final Year Modules

• Dissertation (Sociology) or Dissertation (English)
• Optional modules, such as Cognition and Style, Marriage and Literature, and Advanced Leadership and Management Communication

Entry Requirements

The program has several entry requirements, including:

• A Levels: BBC (standard offer), BCC (contextual offer)
• BTEC: Extended Diploma - DDM (standard offer)
• IB: 29 points overall in the IB diploma with grades 5,5,4 in 3 higher level subjects
• Access: QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3, including 15 credits at distinction and the rest at merit or distinction
• GCSEs: Maths - grade C/4, English Language or English Literature - grade C/4

Fees and Scholarships

The program has several fees and scholarship options, including:

• UK students: ｣9,535 (2026/27), with a placement year fee of ｣1,250
• International students: ｣22,575 (2026/27), with a placement year fee of ｣2,500
• Scholarships: available for students who meet certain criteria, such as academic achievement or financial need

Career Prospects

The program provides students with a range of career prospects, including:

• Account executive
• Communications officer
• Copywriter
• Direct sales executive
• Domestic abuse support worker
• Education consultant
• Governance support officer
• Graduate buyer
• HR senior associate
• Intensive family support worker
• Management trainee
• Marketing executive
• Paralegal
• Police officer
• Policy adviser
• Probation officer
• Project manager
• Research officer
• Teacher

Assessment

The program uses a range of assessment methods, including written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework, projects, presentations, and practical assessments. Special emphasis is placed on authentic assessment.

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) English and Sociology program at Aston University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of English language and literature, as well as sociological concepts and theories. The program combines academic rigor with practical application, ensuring that students develop a range of skills that are highly valued in today's society. With its range of core and optional modules, flexible entry requirements, and excellent career prospects, this program is an ideal choice for students who want to pursue a career in English and sociology.