Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature and Film)

Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature and Film) at University College Cork offers an engaging and comprehensive exploration of American literary traditions and cinematic arts. This programme is designed for students passionate about understanding the cultural, historical, and aesthetic aspects of American literature and film. Throughout the course, students will examine a wide range of texts, from classic to contemporary, and analyze films that have significantly influenced American culture and global cinema. The curriculum emphasizes both critical thinking and creative analysis, encouraging students to develop their interpretative skills and articulate their insights effectively.

Students will study key literary genres, movements, and authors, gaining a deep appreciation for the evolution of American literature. Simultaneously, they will engage with the history and theory of film, exploring genres such as Hollywood cinema, independent films, and documentary filmmaking. The programme also fosters interdisciplinary learning, integrating perspectives from cultural studies, history, and media studies to provide a well-rounded understanding of American cultural expressions.

Practical components include film analysis, creative writing, and research projects, enabling students to refine their analytical and communicative abilities. The programme prepares graduates for careers in media, publishing, education, cultural analysis, and related fields. It also offers a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue postgraduate studies in literature, film studies, or American Studies. With a blend of academic rigor and creative exploration, the Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature and Film) at University College Cork equips students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to critically engage with American cultural productions and contribute meaningfully to the fields of literature and film.

The Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature and Film) at University College Cork offers students an in-depth exploration of contemporary and historical American literary and cinematic traditions. This interdisciplinary program combines rigorous academic study of American writers, poets, playwrights, and filmmakers with critical analysis of cultural, social, and political contexts that shape American literature and film. Students will engage with a diverse range of texts, from classic works by authors such as Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and Mark Twain, to contemporary voices like Toni Morrison, Don DeLillo, and Ta-Nehisi Coates, alongside influential American films spanning Hollywood genres, independent cinema, and documentary work.

Throughout the course, students will develop critical thinking, textual analysis, and research skills, allowing them to interpret complex narrative structures, thematic concerns, and stylistic devices used across different media. The program emphasizes understanding the cultural significance of American literature and film, examining issues such as race, gender, identity, migration, and technology. Students will also have opportunities to study the history of American cultural production, gaining insights into how literature and film reflect and influence societal changes over time.

The curriculum includes core modules in American literary history, film studies, and cultural theory, supplemented by elective modules that explore specific genres, periods, or themes. Practical skills such as academic writing, presentation, and digital research are integral to the program, preparing students for careers in education, media, publishing, arts management, or further postgraduate study. The program encourages engagement with contemporary debates and provides a platform for students to develop their own critical perspectives through essays, presentations, and independent research projects.

With access to excellent university facilities, including specialized libraries and screening rooms, students will have the resources necessary to analyze texts and films thoroughly. The program also promotes opportunities for internships and collaborations with cultural institutions, enhancing employability and real-world experience. Graduates of the BA in English (American Literature and Film) will emerge as well-rounded individuals with a comprehensive understanding of American cultural expression, equipped with the analytical skills necessary for a variety of careers in academia, media, arts, and public engagement.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature and Film):

To successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in English with a special focus on American Literature and Film at University College Cork, students must fulfill a series of academic and curricular requirements designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject area. The program typically spans three to four years for full-time students and is structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills pertinent to literary and film studies.

Students are required to undertake core modules in English Literature, which include foundational courses in Anglo-American literary history, critical theory, and literary analysis. Specialised modules focus on American Literature, ranging from colonial texts to contemporary works, exploring themes such as identity, identity, multiculturalism, and social change. Complementary courses in Film Studies cover the history of American cinema, film theory, genre analysis, and film production basics.

Elective modules allow students to broaden their knowledge in areas like creative writing, cultural studies, and media studies. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, close reading, research, and presentation skills. A significant component involves a research project or dissertation focused on a specific topic within American Literature or Film, requiring independent scholarly work.

Language proficiency in English is a prerequisite, and students with non-native backgrounds may need to demonstrate sufficient competence. It is also expected that students participate in seminars, workshops, and possibly internships, depending on the year's curriculum offerings. Assessment methods include written essays, examinations, oral presentations, and project work, all designed to evaluate analytical ability, originality, and mastery of subject matter.

Students are advised to meet any prerequisites for advanced modules, which may include introductory courses in literature or film analysis. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, critical engagement, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in education, media, publishing, or further academic research. Overall, the program aims to produce graduates with a nuanced understanding of American literary and cinematic traditions, equipped with critical skills applicable across various professional domains.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University College Cork offers a comprehensive financing options framework for students enrolled in the English (American Literature and Film) program. The university provides a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid schemes targeted at both domestic and international students to support their academic pursuits. Entrance scholarships are available to outstanding applicants, often based on academic achievement, personal statement, and references. These scholarships typically reduce the tuition fee burden significantly and may be renewable annually subject to academic performance. Additionally, the university participates in government-funded financial aid programs, such as national grant schemes that provide assistance to eligible students based on income and residency criteria.

International students are encouraged to explore a combination of university scholarships and external funding options, including sponsored scholarships from their home countries, private foundations, and international organizations. The university also offers flexible payment plans that allow students to spread the cost of tuition over several installments, easing immediate financial pressures. Work-study opportunities are available on campus, giving students the chance to supplement their income through part-time employment during the academic year, in accordance with visa regulations for international students.

Students are advised to consult the university's dedicated financial aid office for personalized guidance on available funding opportunities and application procedures. The university's website provides detailed information on deadlines, eligibility criteria, and the application process for each financial support scheme. Furthermore, the university maintains partnerships with various external funding agencies that specify grants, bursaries, and loans for students pursuing humanities and arts degrees, including English and Film studies. Overall, University College Cork demonstrates a committed approach to making higher education accessible by providing robust financial support options suited to the diverse needs of its student body.

The Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature and Film) at University College Cork offers students a comprehensive exploration of American literary traditions and cinematic achievements. This programme combines the study of key American literary works with critical analysis of film as an art form and cultural phenomenon. Students engage with foundational texts from diverse periods, including colonial literature, the Harlem Renaissance, contemporary fiction, and influential American filmmakers and genres. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, interpretive skills, and understanding of cultural and historical contexts, preparing graduates for careers in education, media, publishing, and cultural analysis.

Throughout the programme, students have opportunities to undertake comparative studies between literature and film, exploring themes such as identity, race, gender, and societal change. They examine how American narratives are constructed and represented across different media and historical settings. Moreover, students develop skills in writing, research, and multimedia analysis, supporting their academic and professional development.

The course typically includes lectures, seminars, and workshops led by experienced faculty with expertise in American literature and film studies. Assessment methods often combine essays, presentations, and research projects, fostering both individual and collaborative learning. Students may have options to participate in internships, study abroad programmes, or special projects, providing practical experience and global perspectives.

Founded on strong research and teaching excellence, the programme aligns with Cork’s commitment to fostering engaging, innovative, and interdisciplinary education. Upon graduation, students are well-equipped to pursue further academic study or enter various professional fields where critical analysis, communication, and cultural literacy are valued skills. The programme aims to produce graduates with a deep understanding of American cultural expression and the ability to critically engage with visual and literary texts in a global context.