English degree with something else…?!

[Han23]

Hello
Any course/uni advice much appreciated for my y12 son. He’s doing his own research so thought I’d help him along…he’s keen to go to Uni to study English (creative writing his strength) but combined with something else - and that is the problem going round in circles! Combined rather than joint honours. His other ALs are RS/Philosophy and Theatre Studies. Probs on for BBB or ABB. Cardiff looks great as combined English/media/journalism (imagine v competitive).
Any ideas for courses perhaps not thought about would be really helpful, thank you! 🙏

Dd is going to uni in September to study English lit and creative writing. Originally she wanted to teach but then changed her mind, she changes her mind a lot tbh but has always loved English and writing I’m just unsure about the creative part but it’s her choice.

[quote Ladybutterflyaway]@Piggywaspushed is that because of the teaching part? I've heard lots say it's better to do a separate degree then a PGCE rather than a teaching degree, or is it Reading you're advising against?

Sorry OP, I've been lurking with interest as DC is thinking along similar lines...[/quote]
Yes, it's the teaching bit, not Reading. My local uni (nowhere nears as good as Reading!) is also doing this. I think it may be to p recruitment to a) degrees and b) their teaching programmes to meet targets.

Lots of English students aspire to teach; nothing wrong with that. But to study it alongside a degree will dilute one or other, or both...and if a student changes their mind about teaching, some of the degree becomes rather pointless. I can see it saves money, though.

If one wanted to be specifically a primary teacher there are possibly better routes than a BA English Lit degree combined with QTS , although at my local uni the modules are very focused on school friendly children's literature, I noticed.

Can I also jump in on this as have a daughter in year 12 wanting to study English at degree level but probably with Drama or theatre studies. Are there any particular courses or uni’s we should look at. we are starting to make a list and have looked at Lancaster, Warwick off the top of my head, as yet not any London ones but we are based in London so will definitely include any here.

Exeter and Royal Holloway should be on your list as well, if your DD is likely to make grades in the A ball park.

Places in Combined degrees with English and something else are in quite high demand, so at the better universities it will be tougher to be offered a place.

I’d advise applicants to think very carefully about the value of generic Arts or Science degrees in lower ranked universities.

Sorry that message is for @sunglasses about Drama and English degrees

Thank you. What do you mean by ‘generic arts degrees? ‘ Not being rude- genuinely not sure what that means.

My DD is Y13 & doing English, RS & Drama. She’s applied to Birmingham, Bristol, Exeter, Reading & Warwick for English & Drama. She didn’t get an offer from Bristol & the others range from AAA (Exeter) -BBB (Reading). Think she’s going to go with Birmingham (AAB) as she really loved their offer holder day.

@BrownEyed thanks for clarification