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Elisabetta Piomarta
BA English
“Signing up for the External System was the second-best
thing I ever did for myself - the very best being the acquisition of the English proficiency
levels that allowed me to do it.”
An opportunity to study and enjoy some of the great literatures of the world, immersing yourself in a range of works written in different styles and periods from the Middle Ages to the present day. Optional units allow you to specialise in areas such as the novel, modern drama, Shakespeare, modern American literature or postcolonial literature.
This comprises the first four units only of the English degree. It is an ideal option if you don't feel ready to commit to a full degree programme or don't satisfy the entrance requirements for the degree. Once you pass the Diploma you will be invited to transfer your registration to the BA.
Note: These courses are specifically concerned with the study of English Literature and it is assumed that prospective students will already be fluent in spoken and written English. The degree and diploma contain no element of language proficiency training.
The course has two main aims. The first is to challenge and inspire you to read widely across the full range of literatures in English, as well as to engage closely with selected works. Secondly, it will help you to develop the necessary critical and linguistic skills to read, discuss and write about literary and non-literary texts effectively and with confidence.
The course has been developed by Goldsmiths, one of the highest ranking English departments in the UK. It has a thriving research environment embracing traditional and new approaches to English studies.
Elsie Lim
BA English graduate, Singapore.
Principal, Wellington Primary School.
“I chose the University of London External System as it
provided me with the opportunity to do tertiary studies while maintaining my current job. The
flexibility of the programme made it appealing as I could pursue my studies without worrying
about the limitation on my time.
The degree has provided me with new experiences and sharpened my thinking skills and my language
competencies. It has enhanced my communication skills for sure.”
Although relatively few careers demand a BA in English, the skills learnt in presenting ideas clearly and logically, critical thinking and ability to analyse complex information are applicable for many careers including publishing, teaching and research, journalism, media and advertising.
You have 3-8 years to complete the BA degree, and 1-5 years to complete the Diploma. For the BA, the total fee payable to the University is £2,988; the total fee for the Diploma is £1,120. Please note that these figures do not reflect any annual fee increase and assume completion in the minimum study period permitted. Suitably qualified candidates may apply for exemption from any of the Foundation units of the BA English. Additional optional costs include a Summer School, e-seminars (offered weekly from January to April at £20 per seminar) and an essay marking (£25 per essay).
The study materials that we send you include:
Note: You need to provide your own textbooks - they provide the main focus of your studies - so before you register for the programme we do advise you to consider the facilities available to you locally, and how accessible books are likely to be.
You can either study independently at a pace that suits you, or enrol for additional classes at a local institution (either full or part time) and benefit from the more formalized support this provides.
Other support includes:
| Application deadline | 17 September (non-EU) 17 October (EU) in the year before you intend to sit your first examinations |
| Registration deadline | 30 November |
| Despatch of study materials | Shortly after your registration form is received |
| Start studying | As soon as you receive your study materials |
| Examinations take place | May |