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BA in English Language and Literature: Course Details, Admission Process, Syllabus, Top College, Jobs, Scope 2023

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Sounak Banerjee

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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. 

Also Check: How to become a Ham Radio Operator 

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 MaliaDelhi UniversityLoyola 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

CheckBHU UET previous years question papers

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

Check: Syllabus, Eligibility for EFLU

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:

BA in English Language and Literature: Top Colleges Abroad

Tabulated below are some of the universities abroad that offer this course:

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
Google 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 Englishtourism 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. 

Ask your question

Answered Questions

SA

Shradhha Agarwal

07 Oct 22

If you want to do English Hons at DU, you should have a good XII grade point average. If you have a talent for it, an interest in it, and have been successful at it, please go ahead and hone your knowledge of Literature. In terms of scope, after Hons with good division, you have a lot of options. 

You could try your hand at publishing and work for companies like Oxford, Tata McGraw Hill Elsevier, Sage, and others. You could work in editing or marketing and have the opportunity to meet authors and develop marketing skills for book sales. After completing Hons, you may pursue a career in journalism or mass communication. You can also pursue a Masters in Public Relations, and a plethora of opportunities will open up to you once you complete the Hons course. You can earn a master's degree in a related field and sit for the civil service exam. You can also join MNCs if you develop other skills for the relevant assignment. Remember that it is a difficult course, but it is well worth it.

...Show More

PS

Prabhas Sengupta

16 Jul 21

The entrance examination conducted by EFLU Hyderabad is not easy for English Honours because there are more than 20 centers where this test takes place.

There are certain reservations as well which add up to 50% of all the seats. Even if we don’t consider these numbers, the level of competition will be a real challenge. Also, it is not called BA honors, it is just BA English.

One great advantage that you have is that you get to learn a foreign language consecutively for two years. The language that you opt for depends on the merit scored by you in the entrance exam. Spanish and French are usually in good demand. The admission process for this year has been completed.

This is not to discourage the students from taking admission but it is important to state the facts. Campuses at Lucknow and Shillong also offer such courses where competition is relatively less. You cannot transfer from one campus to another.

If you prepare according to the previous years’ question papers and have a good command of English, then it is not that difficult to get into EFLU.

...Show More

MB

Manav Batra

25 Oct 21

If you are a reading enthusiast and loves to write with a great hold of Grammar, go for English Hons. You should not choose this as your 2nd option because the course is very hectic and requires a lot of concentration and interest. 

English Hons is often misunderstood only with British Literature which is not true. You will be reading literature around the world including American, African, European, and Indian. 

You must be regular to lectures as they are highly recommended. The faculty at Delhi University for this course is exceptional and their teachings should not be missed. You may find everything online but attending classes has its own advantages. 

You will definitely enjoy your experience in the classes while interacting with teachers. It is important to note that your attendance will play a major role in internal assessment.

...Show More

RS

Rahul Sinha

19 Oct 22

Opt for this course only if you are into novels and literature. Otherwise, it will be a monotonous ride. If you are planning to pursue BA English at IGNOU, you can conveniently work full time alongside. Instead of attending full-time classes, just sitting for a few will do it. Get your study material and go through it regularly. Don’t forget to apply for term-end exams. Exam applications come around March for the July exams. 

You must also submit your assignment at the study centre before the last date. The questions for the assignment can be found on the IGNOU website as well as the study centre.

Before the 2nd and 3rd years consult your study centre and choose your desired course and register for it. Lastly, keep in constant touch with your study centre for regular updates.

...Show More

S

Saloni

10 Oct 22

Admission to foreign language courses at Delhi University is relatively simple. You must investigate which colleges offer such courses and which languages are available. You should make a list of colleges that you will be comfortable in based on your requirements and the faculty.

Once you have a list, go to each college's website and look for all of the information there. The date of form distribution, the application deadline, the fee structure, time slots, and other pertinent information.

You can fill out the form online and then keep checking the site for the list. Once the list is published, you must check your name to see if it is on it, and if it is, you must go to the respective college with all of your documents in hard copy. They'll check your documents, and if everything checks out, you'll be seated.

After you've been admitted, you must pay the fees online within a certain number of days. Following payment, you will receive an email confirming your registration as a language student.

The forms are usually available in June and July, and there is a minimum fee for the form.

...Show More

SB

Sheel Saurabh Balley

21 Oct 22

IGNOU uses a credit system, and in order to get an Hons, a student must have 48 credits in that subject, which means taking 6 papers of 8 credits over the course of three years.

In the case of English, below is a chart that includes the course name and code:

BEGE 101 - From Language to Literature

BEGE 102 - The Structure of Modern English

BEGE 103 - Communication Skills in English

BEGE 104 - English for Business Communication

BEGE 105 - Understanding Prose

BEGE 106 - Understanding Poetry

BEGE 107 - Understanding Drama

BEGE 108 - Reading the Novel

You will notice that there are eight papers, each worth eight credits; students pursuing a major (Hons) should select any six of these eight papers (2 papers each year)

Students can only take up to 48 credits in a single subject.

Aside from the major papers, there are two compulsory courses in the first and second years: BSHF 101 and FST-1. Other elective courses must be chosen from the Program Guide's list or groups.

...Show More

PM

Pramod Mehra

28 Oct 22

The course structure at IGNOU for BA English is very simple. You need to complete 48 credits in 3 years. This means 16 credits should be completed every year. 

Every subject is allotted a specific course for example BEGE101, BEGE102, BEGE103, BEGE104, BEGE105, BEGE106, BEGE107 and BEGE108.

...Show More

GS

Gauri Singh

13 Jan 22

Shaheed Bhagat Singh College has a very good English department and is one of the best departments in the city. 

They have an amazing faculty and the professors are equally talented. The DU English faculty has been rated as one of the top 100 departments in the world, so opting for a degree in Literature from any DU college will be worthwhile.

Apart from that huge fests and other cultural events are organized. The management staff is youthful and has no scope of miscommunication between them and the students. The college has a state-of-the-art computerized library with over 65,000 books and 70 journals, so there are no lags considering studies or reference material you need as a student. So, go for English Hons. at SBSC without any doubt.

...Show More

SJ

Shivani Jaiswal

26 Nov 21

Among Loreto College or Shri Shikshayatan College in Kolkata, the former is said to be better. 

  • The cutoffs here are high and they have very limited seats. 
  • General category students only have 25 official seats. 
  • Their English department is said to be the best in Kolkata. 
  • They have an excellent faculty comprising talented members with years of educational experience.

Shri Shikshayatan is a bit liberal and gives students enough freedom to explore, on the other hand Loreto is completely opposite. It is very strict and disciplined. They keep their students in check most of the time.

...Show More

SJ

Shalini Jaiswal

20 Jan 22

Both Loreto College and Shri Shikshayatan College are the most reputed all-girls colleges in Kolkata. Choosing any one of them will prove to be a good step up for your career.

Loreto College is popular for its English Honours course. It is more strict compared to any other college. Students here have to maintain a 80% attendance, failing which you will not be able to sit for the examination. Also for subjects with practicals, students have to maintain a 100% attendance in labs. The faculty of the English department is highly experienced with some professors having 15-20 years of educational experience.

Shri Shikshayatan College is a bit more liberal than Loreto. It is not so strict about certain rules and students have the freedom to explore. The attendance, dress code, academics, etc. are much more lenient than Loreto. But according to the education provided both are equally good. Choose the one that meets all your requirements, as only that can give you a fulfilling college life.

...Show More

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