Course Overview

Birmingham’s fusion of language and culture places employability at its heart, preparing you to live and work as an engaged citizen of the world.

Studying a modern language from beginner or advanced level (French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish or Portuguese), alongside English is highly complementary and an exciting way to contextualise your knowledge in each discipline. At Birmingham, undergraduate language is taught through the lens of the target culture's literature, history, politics and society, and through total immersion on the Year Abroad. Please note that not all combinations are available due to timetable restrictions. Find out more about your chosen combination.

The undergraduate English Literature pathway allows you to study the ways in which literary culture has engaged with and shaped society and how it continues to do so today. You will benefit from unparalleled resources, such as the study of Shakespeare through our Shakespeare Institute and exciting new collaboration with the RSC. The English Language pathway will develop your understanding of the linguistic, social and political issues surrounding language.

General Eligibility

• Three GCE A levels (including International A Levels)

• The International Baccalaureate Diploma

• SQA Highers and Advanced Highers (many programmes will accept Highers without additional Advanced Highers)

• The Cambridge Pre-U (minimum three separate subjects)

• A mix of A levels and Cambridge Pre-U subjects (minimum three in total)

• The Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level

• The European Baccalaureate

• Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (the grade required will be the same as from an A level and must be combined with 2 A levels.)

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.

  You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications. The sections below will tell you what grades you need in these qualifications for the subject area you want to study.

  English tests/qualifications normally need to have been taken within two years of the start date of your programme.

  For those joining us for 2022, we will accept the following additional tests as evidence of English language proficiency:

  • TOEFL Home Edition

  • IELTs Online

  • PTE Academic Online