English courses

About English (ba (hons)) in University College Cork

The BA in English programme offers you the opportunity to explore books, films, and theatre under the guidance of world-class scholars By studying English you will develop your knowledge, creativity and writing skills, and get more from the literature you love.

UCC School of English has a strong tradition of creativity and independent thinking. In choosing the BA in English, you will join a community of scholars who are passionate about literature and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and reach your potential.

The BA in English introduces you to the subject in its fullest sense. Through reading, writing, discussion, and group and independent research, you will learn about literary genres, movements, and historical periods and develop a deep understanding of critical theories and current debates. You will also have the option of studying creative writing and digital literacy. The programme enables students to gain invaluable experience and skills in research, creative and critical thinking, effective communication, presentation, and teamwork. The BA in English is a challenging but rewarding programme of study that will help you to become a critical writer and creative thinker capable of contributing to Ireland’s vibrant cultural and intellectual life.

The UCC BA in English offers students the opportunity to study English literature in all its variety from its earliest inception to the modern day. Students also benefit from programme-specific modules on creative writing, digital literacy, and problem-based learning.

The BA in English offers a challenging and enriching range of courses and allows students to shape their degree according to their interests. Students gain a broad foundation, exploring the subject from its earliest beginnings in Old English right through to contemporary culture and Digital Humanities, and progress to select elective modules and engage in independent research under the supervision of our expert staff.

BA in English students also gain knowledge and transferable skills vital in any future career or programme of study. In exploring literature, our students learn to communicate clearly and persuasively; to think logically and creatively; to assess and apply critical theories; to engage in independent research; to formulate and evaluate arguments; and to understand key developments in society, politics, and culture.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study Abroad: You will have the option to add a year on to this three-year degree should you wish to spend a year studying abroad. You will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities in Asia, Europe, Canada, South America, or the USA. You will then return to UCC for Year 4 to continue your studies.

UCC School of English students have studied in a variety of locations including:

• Boston College
• Cardiff University
• Concordia University, Montreal
• Ludwig Maximillians Universität, Munich
• Pitzer College, Claremont, California
• St Mary’s University, Halifax
• University of California
• University of Groningen
• University of Kansas
• University of Konstanz
• Université Marc Bloch, Strasbourg
• University of Massachusetts at Amherst
• University of Montana
• Universita Roma Tre
• University of Southern Denmark
• University of Salzburg

Work placement: If you study through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

English is a flexible and attractive degree which can help you achieve success in such professions as:

• journalism and broadcasting
• teaching
• publishing
• theatre
• public relations
• arts management
• marketing and information sciences

Graduates of the BA in English have a range of transferrable skills including the ability to:

• Write clearly and effectively
• Think independently and creatively
• Organise and engage in research
• Evaluate ideas and derive conclusions based on research
• Craft well-supported, logical arguments
• Apply theories to understand critical problems
• Present information cogently and concisely
• Collaborate and work as part of a team

The UCC BA in English supports and sustains a lifelong relationship with literature, and equips you with the skills and knowledge to become a critical thinker, an effective communicator, an elegant writer, and a creative person able to make a positive contribution to our society and culture.

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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