Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in English (2023–2026)

Knowledge

On completion of the programme, the candidate has

• broad knowledge of the structure of English and its various forms of expression
• broad knowledge of literary and linguistic methods of analysis
• knowledge of English grammar and phonology
• knowledge of the literary syllabus and an overview of literary epochs
• knowledge of American and British culture
• in-depth knowledge of, and engagement in, up-to-date research in at least one special field in literature and one in linguistics

Skills
On completion of the programme, the candidate can

• apply analytical methods and concepts to British and American literature/culture and English linguistics
• reflect on specific topics in British and American literature/culture and English linguistics
• retrieve and assess relevant information and acquire further knowledge independently

General competence
On completion of the programme, the candidate can

• communicate accurately and fluently in spoken and written English
• apply knowledge and skills in education and dissemination of information
• use knowledge and skills in further studies in English

The student is also expected to have knowledge, skills and general competence in accordance with the chosen minor subject.

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Prerequisites for direct admission to the second year: A one-year programme in English must be successfully completed and comprising at least 20 ECTS credits in language courses, 20 ECTS credits in literature, and 20 ECTS credits in either language, literature or culture/social studies.

The programme aims to provide broad knowledge of English language, literature and culture in the first year, with a survey of American and British literature both before and after 1900 and courses on Anglo-American culture, English grammar, phonetics and phonology, and academic writing in English. The third year offers more specialized courses in literature and language. The major consists of 90 ECTS credits in English, that is English language (30 credits on level 100 and a 10-credit specialization course on level 200) and British and American culture/literature (30 credits on level 100 and a 10-credit specialization course on level 200). The bachelor’s thesis constitutes the final 10 credits in the English major.

The programme is multi-disciplinary. In addition to the compulsory major in English, there is a 60 ECTS credits elective minor component (see the programme structure diagram). To enhance language proficiency and ensure cultural competence, students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters abroad, or study courses at the university (UiA) given in English. Students who plan to continue to the English Master’s Programme and who aim to be teachers, are recommended to choose a national curriculum subject of 60 ECTS credits as the minor.

The study programme includes focus on at least the following of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 5: Gender Equality
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

* Elective course. 10 credits. Choose TFL111, TFL201 or any other course. Contact the department for information.
** EX-111 Humaniora is recommended, but all variants of Ex.fac. are accepted.

English is an international subject, and international and intercultural topics are addressed in the programme. Students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters at a university in English speaking countries with which the University of Agder has an exchange agreement. The study abroad period may take place in the 3rd and/or 4th term(s). If another semester is preferred, you may contact the department. See the programme structure diagram (model A) for details. For general information about student exchange contact the International Department's web site. All courses taken as part of a study abroad must be approved by the study programme manager.

In addition, the faculty has a longstanding agreement with the Norwegian Study Centre in York, England. An optional stay in York is typically included in the programme in the spring. Further information will be given in due course.

Students (including incoming degree students) can study the entire programme in English. See the programme structure diagram (model B) for details.

The students must have completed at least 40 ECTS credits before they can start on the study-abroad year.

Students must have successfully completed courses in English representing 50 ECTS credits to be allowed to proceed with supplementary courses (200-level). Prerequisites: minimum 15 credits for courses in language/linguistics, minimum 15 credits for courses in literature/culture. Before they can submit the Bachelor's Thesis, students must in addition have passed 70 ECTS credits in English, of which 10 ECTS credits must be in English at advanced level (200-level).

The programme qualifies for admission to the Master's Programme in English at the University of Agder. To be accepted into the Master's Programme in English, students must have obtained the grade C or better from the major. The programme also qualifies for admission to the Master’s Programme in Social Communication, the Master’s Programme in Translation and Professional Communication and the Master’s programme in Technology, Humans and Society.

The bachelor's programme in English can be part of a study course leading to teaching certification and employment opportunities in the Norwegian school system. Please note course and programme requirements for acceptance to PPU-A teacher training in general subjects at the University of Agder. Graduates may also find employment in mass and digital media, in the culture sector, in public relations, in tourism, in executive positions in the public and private sectors, in publishing, or in the international and intercultural sector.