BA(Hons) English Literature and Community 
History
Awarded by the University of Brighton
Summary
- Only course in the UK combining English literature and community history.
- Relevant degree to build a career in either the cultural industries and the public sector.
- Practical course led by research-active staff.
- Based at the University Centre Hastings, with small class sizes and personal support.
- Wide employment opportunities.
English literature looks at how meanings emerge and are transformed through different cultural and social contexts and values. It considers how readers construct meanings from texts and how to develop critical awareness.
Where do you come from? How did your community begin and develop? What cultural legacies has it left behind? Community History looks at these questions, and being based at University Centre Hastings, considers the historical town of Hastings as a case study. The skills you will learn from this you can take anywhere.
This course will give you a solid base to build a career in the cultural industries, journalism, social research and the public sector.
Areas of study
With the English Literature strand, you will examine a range of important literary works as well as considering the nature of creative writing. You will gain a critical understanding of a wide range of literary texts and consider the development of literature in relation to issues as class, gender, and sexuality.
In the community history strand, you will focus on the techniques and sources of community history. The key issues of class and change will be analysed. Themes considered include Hastings' identity being tied to a key event in the nation's history, the decline in traditional industries, and changing nature of leisure.
The course is delivered through seminars and lectures. You'll be assessed through both coursework and exams. In the second year, you will have the opportunity of carrying out a placement. Your tutor will help you find an appropriate work placement matching an area of personal interest.
Syllabus
Year 1
Narrative and Narratives
Powerful Texts
Studying Community History
Social and Political Change in Southern England, 1800-2000
Approaches to Learning
Subject Approaches and Practices
Year 2
Perspectives in Social Theory
Sociology and the Life Course
Personal Histories
Popular Culture and Leisure in Southern England from 1800 to the Present
Community Participation and Development
Research project
Year 3
Sociological Analysis: Critical Methodologies
Sociological Analysis: Concepts and Theories
Public History and Community Identity
War and Social Change in Twentieth-century Southern England
Dissertation
Career and progression opportunities
Your career opportunities include research, publishing and journalism and public sector roles.
Key facts
UCAS code QV33 (campus code U)
Duration
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: 6 years
Location University Centre Hastings
Typical entry requirements
Individual offers may vary. University Centre Hastings welcomes applications from students aged 21 and over who may not have formal qualifications but who can demonstrate appropriate experience and potential at interview.
A-levels:
CCC/BCD (typically translates to 240-280 points in the UCAS tariff with additional qualifications). Applicants with only 2 full A-levels or a double award will be considered on an individual basis.
International Baccalaureate:
28 points.
QAA-approved access course:
acceptable.
GCSE (minimum grade C):
at least 3 subjects including English language and mathematics or a science.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, 6.0 in writing.
Other:
We welcome applications from students aged 21 and over without formal academic qualifications who can demonstrate appropriate experience and potential at interview.
Find out more
Telephone 08456 020607
International +44 8456 020607
Email: information@uch.ac.uk