Literatures in English (Certificate of Higher Education) - 2012/2013 entry

• Progress directly into Year 2 of our BA Arts and Humanities and BA English after successfully completing 90 credits of this programme.*
• Gain a University of London qualification – expand your knowledge and enhance your CV.
• Enhance your literary and critical knowledge and gain confidence in applying analytical skills.
• Offers an alternative to A-level study and the chance to learn alongside like-minded students.

* Subject to interview and results.

Studying literature opens up new worlds: this programme introduces you to a wide range of literary texts in their cultural and historical contexts. It focuses on developing the skills and analytical vocabulary to examine texts critically. You will gain an understanding of diverse forms of writing – from premodernity to the present day. Individual modules cover the basic terms and methods of literary study, introduce different literary forms (such as drama, poetry and the novel), and provide an opportunity to explore current themes and topics in literary studies.

The certificate is offered by Birkbeck’s Department of English and Humanities, one of the leading departments in the country. Our modules are taught by tutors who are committed to supporting adult learners. Some of the modules feature a special guest lecture, which provides an opportunity to learn about the most recent research in the field. In addition, you are encouraged to participate in the many free public lectures and other events that further enhance the experience of studying at Birkbeck.

To gain the Certificate of Higher Education, you must successfully complete modules worth 120 credit points.

You can take any option module from the list below. To help you navigate through the different areas of literary studies, modules are listed in three different groups: Literary Skills and Theory; Literature Before 1770; and Literature 1770 to Contemporary. The certificate may be gained from any combination of these modules. This allows you to pursue a programme of study that is tailored to your individual needs and interests.

• Literary Skills and Theory – these modules are offered every year. They focus on the methods of literary and critical analysis. The 'Dissecting' modules allow you to study in detail different genres and forms of writing. The 'Rudiments of Reading' modules explore different ways of reading and introduce theoretical approaches to studying texts in context. All these modules are of particular interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the foundations of literary study. However, they will also be of interest to students seeking to refresh their knowledge of the languages of literary and cultural analysis, and their application.
• Literature before 1770 – these modules provide an introduction to premodern literary texts and their contexts. By studying, for example, the plays of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries, you will gain an understanding of early modern literary culture as well as the cultural and historical contexts in which the texts were produced.
• Literature 1770 to Contemporary – these modules introduce diverse themes, genres and moments in modern and contemporary literature and culture from the eighteenth century to the present day. For example, you may study modules that investigate particular modes of expression (such as modernism) or focus on specific authors.

All modules are open access, which means that you can enrol directly without having to go through an application process.

Please note: If you wish to progress directly into Year 2 of Birkbeck's BA Arts and Humanities, you are encouraged to take Key Concepts in Cultural Analysis: The Production of the Human (worth 30 credits) as one of your option modules.

Modules

Group A: Literary Skills and Theory

Group B: Literature before 1770

Group C: Literature 1770 to Contemporary

This programme prepares you for studying for a BA English or BA Arts and Humanities. In addition, you can simply complete individual modules – ideal for anyone wishing to gain experience of university study prior to enrolling on an undergraduate degree.

Some students choose to complete one or two certificate modules to get a taste of university study in advance of applying for entry into Year 1 of Birkbeck's BA English or BA Arts and Humanities. Others complete the certificate before seeking entry into Year 2 of these programmes.

You must successfully complete modules worth at least 90 credits before applying for direct entry into Year 2 of one of the BAs. Students interested in progressing to an undergraduate degree are encouraged to discuss their plans with the relevant admissions tutor.

ME (modular enrolment): enrol for individual modules (see 'Course structure and modules').