BA in English Language and Literature is a 3-year undergraduate program that provides the students an insight to the world of literature and some of the major literary works. BA in English Language and Literature also enhances the linguistics capability of the students. With a combination of both literary and linguistics the course is a flexible one.
Candidates who have passed 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 50% marks are eligible to apply for BA in English Language and Literature. Also, candidates need to score at least 55% marks in English. Few universities/ colleges grant admission based on entrance exams such as DUET, EFLU, BHU UET, etc. conducted by the University or a National body.
Admission to BA in English Language and Literature are based on the marks secured in their last qualifying examination or may be followed by an interview/counselling. Some of the top colleges offer BA in English Language and Literature in full-time, online or distance education mode. The course fee varies from college to college which ranges between INR 1700 to INR 1,00,000.
The average annual salary after the completion of the course ranges between INR 2,80,000 to INR 7,00,000 per annum. Although, the salary depends on the experience level, employer and the respective job role. Some of the top recruiters of the graduates of BA in English Language and Literature are Cognizant, Barclays, The Hindu, NDTV, and so on.
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Table of Content
- BA in English Language and Literature: Highlights Course Details
- All About BA in English Language and Literature
2.1 Why Study BA in English Language and Literature
3.1 Eligibility
3.2 Entrance Exams
4.1 Full-time course
4.2 Online course
- BA in English Language and Literature: Syllabus & Subjects
- BA in English Language and Literature: Top Colleges
- BA in English Language and Literature: Job Profiles
7.1 Top Recruiters
BA in English Language and Literature: Highlights
| Course Name | BA in English Language and Literature |
| Course type | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-Wise or Yearly-Wise |
| Eligibility | A minimum of 50-55% marks in 10+2 and some colleges require a minimum age limit is 17 years |
| Admission process | 10+2 based or entrance based |
| Course Fee | INR 1700 to INR 1,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 2,80,000 to INR 7,00,000 per annum |
| Top Recruiting companies | Genpact, Cognizant, Tata Communications Ltd, Infosys BPO, WNS Global Services, India Today Group, UnitedHealth Group, American Express Co etc. |
| Job Position | Content Writer, Executive Assistant, HR Manager, Primary School Teacher, High School Teacher, Operations Team Leader, Copywriter, Marketing Manager, Editor, Graphic Designer, Technical Writer etc. |
All About BA in English Language and Literature
- BA in English Language and English Literature is a 3-year undergraduate course which provides an in-depth knowledge of literature, major literary works, how English emerged, what changes it went through and how it continues to change.
- It also helps the students to understand the economical, social, political, cultural background across different timelines in literary history and to enhance their English speaking skills.
- BA in English Language and English Literature syllabus includes prose, short stories, essay and letter writing, poetry, and English grammar.
- Mass Media and Journalism, advertising and Publishing companies are some of the top recruiters of English graduates.
Read On: How to improve English Speaking skills
Why Study BA in English Language and Literature?
There are several reasons for candidates to pursue BA in English Language and English Literature. First and foremost English graduates get a chance to work in mass media, journalism, publishing, or as content editor/developer. Besides the various fields to work in several job fields, the course provides candidates the platform to upskill and motivate themselves in their respective domains.
Some of the reasons or benefits to pursue BA in English Language and English Literature are as follows:
- Candidates with the degree of BA in English Language and English Literature have a lot of lucrative job opportunities. They can work as Editors, Teachers, Content Writers, Reporters,Translators, etc.
- A chance to work as Senior Editors or content managers with some of the top companies in mass media and Journalism like Times of India, India today, hindustan times, Outlook and so on.
- Candidates can work as an intern in Times of India or times now to enhance their skills further. It is also an impressive addition to their resume.
- A chance to scout through some of the famous literary works including poets, stories, plays.
- With a study of American Literature, candida literature, and other literary works candidates gain a multicultural exposure while studying the course.
- Candidates can also go for further studies abroad or in India the respective specialization that intrigues them or take up research topics.
Also Check: More English Spoken Courses
BA in English Language and Literature: Admission Process
The admission procedure for the BA in English Language and literature course is either entrance-test or merit-based. Some of the famous colleges/universities conduct their own entrance examinations to admit candidates
- Colleges/universities like Jamia Malia, Delhi University, Loyola College, conduct entrance exams for admission to candidates.
- Whereas, Amrita Visjwa Vidyapeetham University grants admission to candidates based on the marks secured in their last qualifying examination followed by an interview or e-counselling.
- Candidates willing to apply for the course can check the details on the respective college’s website and apply for the course accordingly.
- It is necessary for candidates to qualify the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for BA in English Language and literature.
- Moreover, the minimum qualifying percentage might vary from one college to another.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates wishing to opt BA in English Language and literature must fulfill the eligibility to get admission. The eligibility criteria for the course is as listed below:
- Candidates must have passed their 10+2 in any stream with a minimum aggregate of 50% from a recognized board with English as a mandatory subject.
- The candidates score at least 50-55% marks in English alone. However, the minimum percentage might vary from one college to another.
- There is a 5% relaxation on the minimum marks for the candidates belonging to SC/ST categories.
- For some colleges there is an age limit for the candidates applying to BA in English Language and literature, they must be at least 17 years old.
Entrance Exams
Following are the popular entrance exams that a candidate need to qualify to get admission into top offering BA in English Language and literature:
| Exam Name | Exam Date |
|---|---|
| EFLU Entrance Exam | To be announced |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University Entrance Exam | To be announced |
| BHU UET | Check here |
Types of BA in English Language and Literature Courses
BA in English Language and literature is available in three modes full-time, Online Course and Distance Education mode. Candidates that cannot pursue a full time course can apply for Online or Distance mode of education.
Online courses are for candidates that want to learn and expand their knowledge in the respective domain. Candidates can find the online courses on platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare.
The Distance Education in BA in English Language and literature are offered by several foreign universities and open universities in India. More details about each modes of the course is mentioned below:
Full-Time Course
- BA English Language and Literature is a 3-year UG course program divided into six semesters.
- Candidates during the course will learn a variety of topics ranging from communicative English, poetry to Phonetics and Grammar.
- Candidates will also be given options to choose electives in their 4th or 5th semester.
- Electives such as Creative writing, technical and professional English, Journalism and mass media etc are offered to candidates.
- The entire course will consist of specific credits that candidates must acquire to be awarded a degree at the end of last semester.
Also Check: Certificate course in Communicative English
Online Course
Online courses in BA in English Language and literature are best for those students who are not able to pursue full-time courses and can apply for online courses. Some of the online courses are available at foreign universities' websites. Not all the courses will provide a bachelors degree, some of the courses are to enhance the skills of candidates.
Some of the popular platforms such as Udemy and Skillshare, etc also provide courses in this field which do not require any specific prerequisite except that the candidates must have completed 10+2 from English medium. Anyone wishing to pursue online courses can apply for them by visiting websites.
| Course name | Platform | Average Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in English, English Major | uml.edu | ---- |
| Ultimate English Language and Literature Course | Udemy | INR 6400 |
| BA English Language and Literature | suss.edu | ---- |
| Ultimate Edexcel IGCSE: English Language & Literature Course | Udemy | INR 6400 |
| Bachelor’s degree in English | umgc.edu | ---- |
| English Literature: Be as Informed as a Literature Graduate | Skillshare | ---- |
| Learn How To Read Literature: Elements of Fiction | Udemy | INR 1280 |
| Everything Shakespeare: The Basics | Udemy | INR 1600 |
| Online Literature: From Start to Finish | Udemy | INR 2560 |
Also Read: Diploma course in English
Distance Education
Distance Education is ideal for candidates that cannot enroll for a full-time course. Fortunately many universities in India as well as abroad offer distance learning in BA English Language and literature.
Admission Process
- The admission procedure varies from university to another.
- For admission candidates need to have fulfilled minimum eligibility requirements.
- There is no entrance exam to get admission to BA in English Language and literature through Distance Learning.
Some top universities/ colleges that offer Distance Education in this field are given below along with an average fee.
| College Name | Average Fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| IGNOU | INR 1700 |
| Sikkim Manipal University | NA |
| Delhi University | NA |
| Punjab University | NA |
| University of Madras | NA |
| The Open University | NA |
| University of Nicosia | NA |
BA in English Language and Literature: Syllabus
BA English Literature and language has a variety of subjects. The course includes subjects ranging from American Literature, English Literature history, Journalism to New Literature and functional writing. Given below is a detailed syllabus of the course.
BA in English Language and Literature Subjects
Listed below are the subjects one can expect to learn in the BA English Literature and language programme.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Communicative English | Professional Communication |
| English Composition | History of English Literature: The Augustan to The Victorian |
| History of English Literature | English Poetry: The Augustan to the Victorian |
| English Poetry | English Prose: The Romantic to The Modern |
| English Prose | Indian Writing in English |
| Introduction to Computing | Cultural Education |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Communicative English (Advanced) | History of English Language |
| History of English Language | Canadian Literature |
| English Fiction: Victorian | Shakespeare |
| Elective | - |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Modern English Poetry | Modern English Fiction |
| Spiritual Literature | Modern English Drama: |
| Phonetics and Grammar | Indian Aesthetics |
| Elective | - |
Some of the other electives than a candidate can choose in 4th or 5th semesters while pursuing BA English Literature and language are given below in the table chart:
| Electives | |
|---|---|
| Technical and Professional English Writing | Teaching English for Indian Students |
| Journalism and Mass Media | Creative Writing |
BA in English Language and Literature: Top Colleges
Tabulated below are the top colleges in India that offer BA English Literature and language:
| College Name | Average Annual fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| Amrita Visjwa Vidyapeetham University | INR 80,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | NA |
| Presidency University | NA |
| Hindu College, Delhi University | NA |
| St Xavier's College | NA |
| Lady Shriram College | NA |
| Banaras Hindu University | NA |
| St Stephens College, Delhi University, New Delhi | NA |
| Loyola College, Chennai | NA |
| University of Delhi | NA |
| University of Calicut | NA |
BA in English Language and Literature: Top Colleges Abroad
Tabulated below are some of the universities abroad that offer this course:
| College Name | Average Annual Fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| University of Southampton | INR 18,80,000 |
| University of Oxford | NA |
| Southern New Hampshire University | NA |
| The University of Kansas | NA |
| Unicaf University | NA |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | NA |
| American University of Sharjah | NA |
| University of Birmingham | NA |
| Florida International University | NA |
| University of California | NA |
Check out: How to prepare for IELTS
BA in English Language and Literature Job Profiles
One of the Major advantages of pursuing a course in BA English Language and Literature is that candidates have an opportunity to work in various fields. Being one of the official languages, English graduates have a large scope of work opportunities to choose from.
Some of the job profiles along with their responsibilities and average annual salary are mentioned below in the tabular chart:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Copywriter/Senior Copywriter | The job role of a copywriter includes wiring content for marketing or an advertising company. It could be done in various forms like social media, website, e-mail marketing and so on. | INR 3,65,000 |
| Technical Writer | Like any other content writer, technical writers are specialized in a particular domain. Technical writers work is to transfer useful information through different mediums such as manuals, project plans, software test plans etc. | INR 4,97,000 |
| Marketing Manager | The Marketing Manager is responsible for driving the market access and implementation of marketing programs to build sustainable business growth and for driving topline business growth. | INR 3,45,000 |
| Editor/ managing Editor | The responsibilities of an Editor includes Managing a team of writers, curating relevant, informative, and ingenious content. An editor is also responsible for directing the curation of new content and how to resurface the previously written articles during relevant news. They also help other writers to write articles on a daily basis and craft new topic ideas. | INR 7,97,000 |
| High School/ Mid School Teacher | Teaching is a great career option. The main responsibilities of a teacher is to teach and guide thier students. They helps the students to learn new things and they are also responsible to solve doubts of their students. | INR 3,07,000 |
| Content Marketing Manager | Content marketing Managers are responsible for marketing, creating, publishing, and distributing content for a targeted audience online. | INR 4,79,000 |
| Content Writer | Generally, content writer job responsibilities include writing and editing content, pitching content ideas, researching content and interviewing sources. | INR 2,82,000 |
| Digital Marketing Specialist | The digital marketing manager is responsible for managing the online presence of businesses, running brand campaigns, demand generation campaigns thereby increasing brand value and return of investment. | INR 5,20,000 |
| Content Manager | A content manager's role is to develop a consistent brand identity for a company or a business. The managers establish their online presence, engage customers, brand credibility, all in accordance with an organization’s future business goals. | INR 5,31,000 |
| Translator | The job role of a translator includes reading material and researching industry-specific terminology, followed by converting one language to another. Translators must also ensure they keep intact the original meaning and tone of the content. | INR 4,02,000 |
| Tour Guide | A tour guide is a person who provides assistance, information on cultural, historical and contemporary heritage to people on organized sightseeing and individual clients at educational establishments, religious and historical sites such as; museums, and at various venues of tourist attraction resorts. | INR 3,00,000 |
| Reporter/Journalist | A journalist/reporter works for various news platforms with responsibilities that include broadcasting news, reporting photography and content production, (videos, on social media or even print media) | INR 3,45,000 |
| Public Relations | A Public Relations Officer is responsible for organizing and overseeing PR activities. Their job role also includes effective communication with stakeholders, media and the public. | INR 5,03,000 |
See More: How to become a Content Writer
Top Recruiters
After completing graduation in BA English Language and Literature candidates can find good jobs and can work in private or public sectors. Some of the top recruiters that provides employment to the graduates of BA English Language and Literature are given below in the table chart:
| Infosys BPO | Cognizant |
| Genpact | Buzzfeed |
| American Express Co | India Today Group |
| Barclays | Adfactors |
| NDTV | Times of India |
| Amazon | |
| Appen | Flipkart |
BA in English Language and Literature Scope
English is one of the official languages of India, thus there are numerous opportunities for English graduates. A good command and knowledge of English can lead to lucrative career options for the candidates.
Candidates in the resective domain can work as a content writer, content editors, marketing managers, translators, even teachers. Candidates can also pursue their desired specialization further or dive-into research.
Higher studies is a great option for candidates that do not want a job straight away after their graduation. Aspirants can choose to pursue MA in English, tourism administration, law, international relations, mass media and journalism, communication management, linguistics etc., to boost and enhance their knowledge in the same field.
BA in English Language and Literature: FAQs
Ques. What's the difference between an English honours and BA in English?
Ans. Both the courses are of three years. The only difference between the two is that in BA English Honors candidates study a particular specialization during the term of the course.
Ques. Which degree is better, a BA in English literature or a BA in English Honors?
Ans. There is no comparison between the two. Both are excellent degrees for candidates to opt for. English Honors will have a specialization that narrows down the program subject. BA literature will have topics related to literature, from the past, present and what changes can be expected in the future. Both the degrees have equal amounts of job opportunities.
Ques. Is BA in English hard?
Ans. Any degree that candidate opts for is hard. Ruling out the difficulty level based on the subject is not sensical. English has its nitty-gritties, thorough concepts that are to be learnt if candidates are willing to excel in their careers.
Ques. How can I get the previous year entrance question of BA English?
Ans. Previous year examination papers can easily be found at any third party websites or at collegedunia website.
Ques. Is it better to pursue a BA in English Language and Literature abroad or in India?
Ans. The course syllabus might differ slightly, a little more job opportunities, the cost of studying would be more if candidates wish to pursue the degree abroad. There is obviously more exposure in foreign universities. But candidates must have a knack for the course that they are applying for. Be it in India or abroad.
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