Do the admissions tutors prefer an English Language A-level or an English Literature A-level?

You can apply with either, or with the combined 'English Language and Literature' A-level. Although the majority of our course focuses on literature rather than language, the modules are designed to cater to students who have qualifications in language, in literature, or in both fields.

We also take other qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate and, in the case of mature students, the Access to HE Diploma.

If your qualification in English is predominantly in the study of the language, it is particularly helpful if you discuss your literary interests and wider reading in your personal statement.

How do I apply for the English BA (EU) course?

You apply for the English BA degree in the first instance. In the second semester of your first year you can apply to transfer to the English BA (EU) 4 year degree.

Can A-level General Studies or A-level Critical Thinking count in the typical offer?

Yes.

I am predicted ABB, should I still apply?

Yes, if the degree strongly appeals to you. We do make offers to students with these predicted grades if their personal statements and references are very good and there are indications they may exceed predictions.

I already have my A-level grades, but they are just below your typical offer, should I still apply?

If you have dropped a grade from one subject, but have an ‘A’ in English and a very good personal statement and references, we will seriously consider your application.

How many places are there on the course?

This varies each year. We usually take about 120 students on to the English BA, and around 30 on to each of the BA English and History and BA English and American Studies degrees.

What are the fees and scholarship arrangements for 2012?

The latest information on fees and on scholarships for Home/EU students applying to start in October 2012 can be found on the University's Undergraduate Finance pages. These will be regularly updated.

The scholarship schemes relating to English applicants include 'Departmental Scholarships' for students with AAB or above -- please see the finance pages for full details.

Is creative writing part of the English BA degree?

At present creative writing can be studied as an option through one of a number of 'Special Subject' modules in the third year. The Special Subjects that include creative writing are:

• Writing Prose Fiction
• Understanding Screenplays
  

• The Forms of Modern Poetry
• Postcolonial Afghanistan: From the Great Game to the War on Terror
• Autobiography and American Literature
• Harem and Hijab: Writing about Women in Islam 1716-Present Day

There are also extra curricula opportunities to do creative writing. We regularly have talks by authors, while our English Society (organised by students) also runs creative writing events.

What is a seminar?

This word can mean different things at different universities, so it is a question worth asking.

In the School of English seminars are are a form of small group teaching involving around 12 students and a tutor who leads the group in close discussion of a text, author or theory. Seminars happen each week for every English module, so you would attend 3 per week.  Each week you read a novel, play or selection of poems and prepare work for each of the seminars. On core courses, seminars are complemented by lectures.

What is a lecture?

Lectures, like seminars, are one of the main teaching methods. Lectures are attended by everyone taking a particular module and involve the lecturer introducing  a text, an author's work, or exploring particular issues. The lecturer may cover the biographical, historical and social contexts for understanding a work, as well as how responses to a work or theory have changed over time.

Frequently at Leicester, an English lecturer will incorporate their latest research findings into undergraduate lecturers. Lectures are intended to be  spur to further reading and, frequently, to further discussion in seminars.

Lectures happen at least once a week for each core module and two lectures a week is common on many modules.

How is work assessed?

We use a range of assessment methods including essays (usually of 2000 words), oral presentations, group work projects, online exercises and exams. Coursework greatly predominates over exams. The usual pattern for those starting in 2012 will be that modules are either 100% coursework or a mix of coursework and exam. 

For example, currently 2 out of the 4 first-year English BA modules are partly assessed by exam:  ‘Reading English’ and 'Renaissance Drama'. The two other modules are 100% coursework.

There are two assessment periods each year, one in January and one in May/June.

I’m not sure whether I should apply for an English degree, or one in another subject – can you advise me?

The content of English degrees can be very different between institutions, so if you’re not sure what subject you want to study, the first thing to do is to look closely at the structure of the courses you’re interested in: What modules will you take? How much time will you spend on each component? Can you see yourself enjoying many parts of the course?

Your teachers or college lecturers may be able to offer advice tailored to what they know of your abilities and potential. Our English BA structure allows you to take an 'Option' subject outside English during your first year. However, if you would really like to study more than one subject beyond the first year you might think about doing a joint degree in English with another subject.

Do you admit students into the second year who have done their first year in English at another university?

We occasionally admit students from other Universities into our second year. Applications begin to be considered in the January before the proposed transfer. Transfer is dependent on a number of factors, including whether we have the resources to take additional second years.

Candidates who would like to be considered to start in the second year at Leicester in October should contact the Admissions Tutor from January for advice on requirements.