1. Open Day: Entry in 2014
Studying English at Brunel University
Wendy Knepper, School of Arts, English
Email: wendy.knepper@brunel.ac.uk

2. Welcome and Overview
• Introduction & Our Philosophy
• Prospective Student Profile
• Reasons to Choose Brunel
• Pathways to the BA
• Course Offerings
• Employability / Career Paths
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3. Introducing English at Brunel
• Research-active staff of 18 with degree programmes in
English at undergraduate, MA and PhD levels
• Cover Early Modern to Contemporary Literature as well as
Critical Theory
• Dynamic combination of
lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and independent
study
• Two Research Centres:
– Brunel Centre for Contemporary Writing (BCCW)
– Brunel Gender and Sexuality Research Centre (BGSRC)
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4. Our Philosophy
English Literature opens up new horizons.
• You come to see the world differently by studying
literature from the early modern period to the
present.
• You develop existing and new skills, such as
reading, writing, analysis, debate, teamwork, project
management and presentation abilities.
• We work to support you along the way, both in the
classroom and beyond through our tutor
system, workshops and feedback meetings.
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5. Our Students: What We Look For
Do you aim to...
• read widely and deeply
• explore new ideas and critical perspectives
• learn to develop and convey your arguments
more effectively
• work independently and in groups
• engage in lively discussions and debates
• develop transferable skills and pave the way
for success in the future?
Entry Criteria
ABB-AAB, with a B or
higher in English
Literature.
We consider your
complete application: your
personal statement is very
important.
Check the website for more
details.
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6. Why English at Brunel? 5 Reasons
1. Innovative English Curriculum
2. Academic and Research Excellence
3. Inspiring Teaching and Learning
4. Community and Personal Development
5. Employability and Career Goals
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7. Course Offerings in English
SINGLE HONOURS BA
English Single Honours (Q300)
COMBINED BA
English with Creative Writing (Q3W8)
JOINT HONOURS BA
English and Film & TV Studies (Q3W6)
English & Theatre (WQ43)
English & Games Design (WQ23)
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8. New Level One
LITERATURE, LONDON & LIFE
EARLY MODERN TO MODERN
We will study texts from Shakespeare to the present,
including drama, novels and experimental poetry.
LITERARY LONDON*
We will read key texts related to London as a site of
literary production and take field trips to key locations.
READING LIVES*
Through life writing, we develop close reading
and university-level interpretive skills. Features Will Self.
* Mandatory for Joint and Combined Honours.
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9. Level Two
FROM THE CANON TO CRITIQUE
THE VICTORIAN NOVELPOSTCOLONIAL WRITING
THE WOMEN’S MOVEMENT
& 20TH CENTURY FICTION
MODERNISM
ROMANTICISM AND REVOLUTION
SHAKESPEARE:
TEXT AND PERFORMANCE
* Joint and Combined Honours choose 3 modules.
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10. Level Three
BUILD YOUR OWN CURRICULUM
DISSERTATION
This 10,000 word research project enables students to write on a topic of their
choosing and work closely with a supervisor to develop their work.
OPTIONAL MODULEOPTIONAL MODULE
OPTIONAL MODULEOPTIONAL MODULE
* Joint and Combined Honours maintain balance of module credits across subjects.
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11. Level Three: Plenty of Options
• Literary Geographies in
Early Modern Britain
• Erotic Bodies
(Renaissance)
• African-American Novel
• Writing Ireland
• Writing India
• Postcolonial Perspectives
• Victorian Literature &
Culture
• Moving Modernisms
• Critical Perspectives
(Literary Theory /
Philosophy)
• Post-War & Late-
Twentieth-Century
Literature
• Modern British Poetry
• Post-Millennial Fiction
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12. “Brunel constantly creates opportunities for you to gain
experience and helps to prepare you for work in your
chosen field when you leave.”
─Rita Ekwere, English, level two
What Our Students Say
“I am determined to teach English in secondary schools and
Brunel has been an amazing help in this. My work with Brunel
Volunteers has actually led to teaching experience with GCSE
English students.”
─Jessica Brace, English, level three
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13. Employability: Facts & Figures
In 2011/12, six months after graduating:
• 63.6% of graduates with a first degree were in
employment
• 17.0% were in full-time further study
• 4.5% were combining work and study
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14. Career Paths and Employment
Careers in
publishing, journalism, mark
eting, advertising, events
management, public
relations and teaching are
typical choices for English
graduates.
Examples of Roles (2011-12)
• Marketing Assistant
• Media Editor
• Project Manager
• Researcher
• Legal Secretary
• Editorial Trainee
• Film Runner
• Freelance PR Agent
• Freelance Writer
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15. Further Studies
• MA Creative Writing
• MA English
• MA English Literature
• MA Film Studies
• MA Human Rights
• MA Sociology &
Communication
• MSc Magazine
Publishing
• PGCE Primary Education
• PGCE Secondary
Education
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16. The Rewards of English at Brunel
• Studying English at Brunel is a rewarding life
experience, both personally and professionally.
• There are opportunities for growth and development in
the classroom and beyond through the School of Arts
and other campus-based activities.
• You will find plenty of ways to make new
friends, develop personal interests, enjoy sports or take
up new hobbies.
• Your degree will prepare you for the future, whatever
your career goals may be.
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17. More Information
English Programme / Entry Criteria
• http://www.brunel.ac.uk/arts/english/undergraduate-study
Student Testimonials
• http://www.brunel.ac.uk/arts/english/students
• http://www.brunel.ac.uk/services/pcc/students/student-
stories
Module Descriptions (updates available as of October)
• http://www.brunel.ac.uk/arts/english/modules
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