BA (Hons) English and Advertising (Full Time)

This course offers the ideal opportunity to combine the advanced study of English literature with the highly vocational field of advertising.

Course overview

Dividing your time equally between the two subjects, you will develop knowledge and skills in each of your disciplines, enhancing your career prospects.

You will think in new and imaginative ways about fiction, drama, poetry and language, and be encouraged to relate them to television, film, journalism, advertising and your own creative writing.

In addition to studying English literature in considerable depth, your work on advertising campaigns and live projects will help you develop a broad range of vocational skills in the field.

The course features innovative approaches towards the study of literature and is taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals, combining “real world” vocational training with intellectually stimulating academic study.

There are many opportunities for you to explore your own practical and creative writing interests and take part in study trips nationally and internationally.
One of the unique aspects of this course is the opportunity to spend a year studying in one of our partner European universities, such as Limerick, Avignon (for French speakers only), Malta, Barcelona, Utrecht and Navarra (for Spanish speakers only). This is not an obligatory aspect of the English Joint Honours scheme at Solent, but students who are successful will achieve their degree over four years, under the title ‘with European Placement’.

Industrial focus

You will be taught by professional practitioners with strong links in the advertising industry and an impressive track record of securing work placements and employment for students. Practical projects focus on advertising campaigns, creative thinking and problem-solving. 

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Cultural Fragments: An Introduction to Literary Studies
• Adapting the Novel
• Introduction to Advertising
• The Language of Advertising
• Making and Reading Poetry
• Marketing Fundamentals. 

Year 2

Six core units:

• Gender Agendas 1 and 2 
• Playtexts in Context
• Shakespeare: Script, Stage and Screen
• Integrated Marketing and Communication
• Cultural Influences of Advertising
• Art Direction and Copywriting. 

Year 3

Three core units and one option unit:

• Dissertation/Major Project
• Shock Value: Rejecting Realism in 20th Century Literature
• Agency simulation 
• English Option
• Advertising Option.  

Why choose this course?

• Support from the Lawton Group and Five by Five, the national branding and communications agency, in setting up work placements and bringing in professionals.
• Strong links with the D&AD (British Design and Art Direction) and YCN (Young Creatives Network) feed valuable insights and knowledge into the course.
• Innovative approaches towards the study of literature, taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals.
• Multiple opportunities for study trips nationally and internationally.
• Modern, well-equipped studios space and a friendly, supportive teaching team. 

Assessment

Assessment in Advertising is carried out through course assignments, essays, exams, portfolio building, live projects and presentations. There will be a dissertation in Year 3. For English you will complete traditional essays, examinations, research projects and presentations and have opportunities to submit creative writing, journalism, workbooks and portfolios. 

Key career skills

Creative thinking, presentation, project management, visual communication and problem solving. 

Projects/work experience

Industry-specific work placements and briefs are available on the Advertising side of the course, while the English side offers a work experience option in which you may explore your own career development plans.