If you've got two subjects that you really enjoy, or have career ambitions that demand a particular skill set, then a joint honours degree is a great choice for you.
Course overview
It enables you to shape your study according to your strengths, interests and career ambitions. Combining two subjects can give your degree an international or industry perspective that will make you stand out in the graduate employment market.
Our course combinations are designed so that what you learn in one subject will complement and enhance what you learn in the other. In your final year you can choose either to split your time evenly between your two subjects, or to specialise in one. Our flexible curriculum has been designed to create some amazing opportunities for you too. Your second year of study is divided into two semesters that enables you to take part in optional work placements or go on international exchange.
By choosing English and TESOL you'll enjoy the freedom to choose from a wide range of optional modules, depending on your own preferences and interests. If you're looking forward to a career as an English Language teacher in the UK or overseas, this is the perfect combination for you.
Study this course full-time or part-time. See How to Apply section for more information.
How you're taught
How will I learn?
Each year you'll choose a range of core and optional modules from the lists above. The first year is normally divided equally between the two joint honours subjects but at the end of Year One, you'll have the opportunity to select between an equally weighted joint honours course and a more specialised pathway, depending on your interests.
Teaching principally takes place through a combination of lectures, where tutors introduce the key ideas, and seminars, where smaller groups discuss those ideas.
Contact hours
If you're struggling with a topic or require additional support or guidance, you can arrange to see your tutors in small groups or one-to-one, to discuss essay plans or to seek some specific academic guidance.
It is the nature of the subjects offered in the School of Arts and Humanities, however, that much of your time will be spent engaged in independent study. We recognise that this marks a change of culture from school or college, and we have in place a system of study support to help you adapt to this.
International exchange
You'll also have the option to take part in an international exchange at a partner university. These options will enable you to gain impressive international experience, and broaden your perspective and career ambitions.
You'll experience other cultures, travel the globe and open your eyes to a world of opportunities. Our exchange partnership with a number of international universities enables you to live and study in another country in your second year. Find out more.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Assessment methods
- Year 1 coursework (50%) and written (50%)
- Year 2 coursework (88%) and written (12%)
- Year 3 coursework (83%) and practical (17%).
Contact hours
A full-time student on average can expect to spend 1200 hours a year learning which will typically be broken down as follows:
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (25%), independent study (75%)
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops (22%), independent study (76%) and placements (2%)
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops (21%), independent study (79%)
Careers and employability
Your career development
This is a major part of the curriculum. Key transferable skills are emphasised and there are opportunities to develop links with organisations and potential employers. Joint honours courses develop a wide range of skills. These include written and oral communication skills, critical analysis and a variety of IT skills. But you'll also become more self-motivated, be able to work independently and in teams, and develop excellent time management skills.
Our recent English and TESOL Joint Honours graduates have gone onto some amazing careers including:
- Local Government – teacher (Secondary English);
- JRS – market researcher
- Vision Twentyone – social research interviewer
- Lightdragon Ltd, Food Network UK – content producer
- Jigsaw systems – Product Manager.
Other careers could include:
- publishing
- marketing
- public administration
- police
- social work.
Many graduates also choose to undertake further study on one of our Masters-level courses or MPhil and PhD research degrees.
