English Studies and TESOL (with integrated year in industry) BA (Hons)

Aberystwyth University

If you're passionate about all aspects of English, the BA English Studies and TESOL (with integrated year in industry) at Aberystwyth University could be the course for you. Not only will you study literature across the ages, but you will also analyse the use of language and explore writing for different creative purposes. While gaining practical skills and theoretical knowledge, you will develop your understanding of the English language and language acquisition. Equipped with these skills, you will be all set to teach English as a second language, if that is the path you choose.

The highlight of this course is the Year in Industry (in your third year). This is a wonderful opportunity for you to develop a professional profile prior to returning to your academic study, together with invaluable experience in the workplace and a host of transferable skills. You will return from your Year in Industry with more confidence and the ability to adapt to any situation.

Graduates who have a firm grasp of language, who know how to communicate and can teach others are highly valued by employers all over the world.

Why English Studies and TESOL (with integrated year in industry) at Aberystwyth University?

• Aberystwyth is a small town with a big heart and a cosmopolitan outlook. As a vibrant and friendly University, we attract students from all corners of the world, and the intimate atmosphere makes it a great place to get to know people.

• You will be able to indulge your passion for English as you study modules that cover the three broad areas of literature, creative writing and language, with optional modules ranging from The Beginning of the English Language to Contemporary Writing.

• Once you get the core English teaching modules under your belt, you will have the option to take a standalone, International English Centre summer course which will lead to a separate professional qualification – the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - in addition to your degree.

• The Year in Industry will enable you to make use of the stand-alone TESOL qualification if you decide to take the summer course. If not, you will spend time in another related area such as publishing, marketing and communications, administration, or research and analysis. Whatever you decide, this experience is invaluable and provides something additional that you can add to your CV to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.

• You will benefit from our unique collaborative relationship with Aberystwyth Arts Centre – an on-campus facility that is an excellent resource for staff and students alike – as well as unlimited access to the National Library of Wales (one of the UK’s five copyright libraries).

• You can be confident that whatever career path you choose after graduation, this course will set you up for a successful future.

What will I learn? In each year you will take a small number of core modules that focus on the practical and theoretical aspects of the course. You will also choose from a wide variety of optional modules according to your personal interests and strengths. In your third year, you will spend a Year in Industry. The related core modules are Work Placement: Evaluations and Developments; Work Placement: Reflections and Contributions. In your final year, you will take the following core modules: Undergraduate Dissertation or The Writing Project; Materials Development and the Application of Technologies.

Further Study This degree is excellent preparation for postgraduate study, if you choose to continue down an academic track.