English courses with a difference

[RachelRooRoo]

Anyone got any suggestions of English courses which contain the following?

• Some linguistic study
• Language acquisition
• Creative Writing
• Bit of Literature

Wish list would also be ideally a campus uni which has separate accommodation for mature students.

A Levels not stellar due to illness but is currently doing a Foundation Year at a good Uni, which may open some doors. Mature student.

First choice is existing Uni, who will allow progression to Year 1 subject to final exam results, but they ask all students to apply through UCAS to others as a back up. Nottingham have said they will consider an application, Sheffield wouldn't say either way before applying, so need two others, if anyone can suggest anywhere? To get that broad combination of fields seems relatively niche, most seem to be more specialised.

Thank you!

Not certain this is true, but I suspect York ...

Glasgow certainly used to be like that although I don't know how much creative writing was there. The English language department was amazing.

Glasgow you effectively did a type of joint on this thing across the departments of English language and literature. So it allowed for that kind of flexibility.

Honours - not on this!

Lancaster is amazing for the above, particularly Linguistics.

It's a campus university and in the first year you can select additional subjects eg: literature, language and linguistics and if you decide you like one/two the most, you can progress with that, despite what you applied for.

I found them very helpful in terms of accommodation (admittedly a while ago). There may be some negotiation as to whether a mature student could go into grad college (typically for post grads, but I'd hope they might be flexible) or, they may have other options now.

Thank you we'll look into all of the suggestions.

DD is doing a joint honours in English language and literature at Reading, all of your list is available as modules for her.

They do seem to have flats in the halls for older students, she is in her second year and has stayed in their accommodation, everyone in her flat is second year and above. She also has a place in halls for her third year.

I was going to say Reading too as DH did same course as @dontletmedowngently's DD, but it was so long ago, he didn't know if it was still on offer!!

He says he doesn't remember doing any creative writing but the Linguistics department was (is?) a particular strength at Reading. FWIW he's had a long career as a professional writer.

He also stayed in halls all 3 years.

Thank you, we'll look at Reading too.

My first thought is Birmingham - they are leaders in corporeal linguistics, although I"m not sure they offer Creative Writing. Linguistics is taught via the English Department I think (or was when I was External Examiner there).

I'd second Lancaster - the Linguistics Department has historically been separate to the English department (might have changed since my day). They focus on sociolinguistics. But Lancaster has a particularly flexible degree structure system so a combined Hons degree is possible. And may be open to lower A Levels.

The other thing to do is look at Liberal Arts degrees. Scottish degrees also offer more flexibility - the 1st 2 years can be much more like a US liberal arts curriculum.

Exeter has one of the best English departments in the country with a thriving Creative Writing section, plus very good links into the Creative Industries - modules in Publishing etc. It's a UNESCO City of Literature. But the A LEvels may be an issue (I think they usually ask for 3 As)

Newcastle?

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/undergraduate/degrees/q300/

I've been to the Linguistics open day talk at Reading and it was brilliant. Lots of talk about choosing modules from other departments to make up your degree. Reading also does contextual offers which might be applicable.

I'd think you are probably looking for a Language and Literature course which allows optional modules for Creative writing.

Or a Literature and Creative writing course that allows modules for Linguistics?

The Language and Literature Course at Leeds University sounds like it might tick all those boxes?

Edinburgh, you can take modules from other courses.

Thank you