Course overview
This course combines the study of English literature and language with grounding in the sources and contemporary context for theological reflection. This is done by: studying the biblical writings; studying key thinkers, ideas, events and movements that shaped the course of Western Christian thought; studying other religious traditions, including philosophical questions about religion and relations between traditions; studying modules in English literature, language and optionally either drama or medieval studies.
Year one
In English you have a choice of three modules from the areas of English language and applied linguistics, modern English literature, medieval studies and drama and performance. In theology, you gain a broad foundation in the critical study of the Bible, the historical development of Christian thought, modern Christian ideas and the Islamic tradition.
Year two
In English, you will choose modules to develop your studies in at least two areas of the discipline. You will also have the opportunity to choose one literary period option, to explore how and why literature can be read in terms of an historical 'age' or 'epoch'.
In Theology, you take a core module introducing the relation between religion and literature. In addition, you may choose to study in more depth areas such as Jesus, Paul, Old Testament, philosophy of religion, political theology, literature and religion and other religious traditions such as Hinduism.
Year three
Joint honours students enjoy the same wide range of final year options in English as single honours. In Theology, there is also a wide range of third year options. In addition, there are further modules dedicated to the study of religion in literature and religion and popular film, as well as the opportunity to pursue an independent study project.
More information
See also the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.
Entry requirements
A levels: ABB, including A in English at A level
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 100 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)
Alternative qualifications
For details please see thr alternative qualifications page
Modules
Typical year-one modules
Students have a choice of three out of the following four core English modules:
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Studying Literature
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Beginnings of English
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Introduction to Drama
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Language and Context
The Theology and Religious Studies modules you can choose from include:
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Christian Thought in the Modern World
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History of Christian Thought to 1600
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Introduction to Judaism
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Introduction to the Study of the Hebrew Bible
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Introduction to the Study of the New Testament
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Philosophy for Theologians
Typical year-two modules
English
Students continue their progression through core and optional modules in English.
Theology
You will study the core module Literature and Religion: An Introduction, plus further modules from those offered by the department to year-two students.
Typical year-three modules
English
The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result, may change from year to year. The following list is therefore subject to change but should give you a flavour of the modules we offer.
Typical English modules
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Language and Creativity
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D.H. Lawrence
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Virginia Woolf
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Introduction to English Language Teaching
Twentieth Century Plays
Burning Desires
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Cognitive Poetics
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Screen Shakespeares
Theology
50% of the final year work must be taken in Theology (including an optional dissertation that may relate to interdisciplinary matters).
Typical Theology modules
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Christology and Atonement
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Darwinism
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Feminist and Liberation Theology
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Jewish Theology and Philosophy
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Islamic Theology
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Life and Teaching of Jesus
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Love and Death
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Modern Jewish Thought
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Religion and Fantasy
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The Hindu Tradition
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The Philosophy of Religion
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Virtue Ethics and Literature
Skills and careers
A course in English fosters many vital skills in communication and professional practice. Researching and presenting your work involves a high degree of creativity, and you will also learn how to be careful and precise in carrying out analysis of a range of subjects.
You will learn to plan your work, and develop the qualities of self-discipline and self-motivation that are essential to any form of graduate employment. We will help you develop your ability to research and process a large amount of information quickly, and to present the results of your research in an articulate and effective way.
A degree in English from The University of Nottingham shows potential employers that you are an intelligent, hard-working individual who is bright and flexible enough to undertake any form of specific career training. Our applicants are among the best in the country and as a result, employers expect the best from our graduates.
Graduate career destinations
Graduates in English, as with many arts graduates, find themselves faced with many choices when it comes to selecting a career. No matter what your initial choice may be, you will find that the skills and knowledge that you have developed during your degree will have equipped you for the demanding and often highly changeable nature of the 21st-century workplace.
Careers of our recent graduates have included:
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broadcasting
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publishing
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TV research
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Journalism
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advertising and marketing
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exhibition managers
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acting
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playwriting
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librarianship
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specialist archive and collection work
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communications officers for charities, political organisations, government
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business, banking, accountancy, law and insurance
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social work
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local and central government administration and politics
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primary or secondary school teachers
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teachers of English as a foreign language
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university lecturers
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public relations
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events management
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human resource management
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financial services
Some students may decide that another year (or more) of study may give them an edge when it comes to seeking out a career and may, for example, choose to undertake postgraduate study or teacher training.
Many of our graduates remain in touch with us; we invite some of them to return to give talks and provide advice at our School-organised Undergraduate Careers Days, while others act as mentors to current students.
Careers support and advice
We have a Centre for Career Development on campus, with a dedicated careers adviser who works with the School of English to deliver an extensive range of careers services. As well as helping students individually, the centre also hosts regular group events for English students on campus, with a dedicated careers adviser who works with the School of English to deliver an extensive range of careers services. As well as helping students individually, the centre also hosts regular group events for English students.
The School also has a careers co-ordinator who is happy to meet students to talk through their career ideas.
School Careers Day
The School organises an annual Careers Day and invites graduates from the School to come and talk about their career choices. Previous Careers Days have included talks from recent alumni working in management at BT, BBC journalism, the RSC, the University’s graduate trainee scheme as well as providing information on PGCE (teach training), law conversion and postgraduate study. Podcasts of recent talks are available.
Average starting salary
The average starting salary for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the School of English was £19,703 and for the graduates of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies it was £16,900.*
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.