JUPAS Code: JS2023
Why study a degree in English today?
The English Major Programme offers excellent opportunities for students to develop
- disciplinary knowledge in English language and literature with a cross-cultural perspective
- written and verbal communication skills
- critical thinking skills and appreciation of creative writing
- leadership skills and teamwork techniques
- awareness of international values, including overseas study and/or work experience
These are valuable assets for global citizens and leaders of the 21st century.
What is the English Major Programme about?
The English Major Programme provides students with
- a rigorous disciplinary training in English language and linguistics, comparative literature, and literatures written in English
- comparative and cross-cultural perspectives on, as well as approaches to, English language and linguistics, literary studies, and creative writing
- useful critical and analytical tools when addressing issues related to language, literature and culture in everyday life
What are the special features of the English Major Programme at HKBU?
Concentration: Students can use their major elective units to concentrate their study on a focused area within their Major, namely, "Literary and Comparative Studies" or "Language and Communication Studies" in their third and fourth years. Students may also choose a "flexible" concentration within the Major by accumulating sufficient units leading to a "General Studies" concentration.
Minor: Students may use their free elective units to develop a Minor in an area outside their Major programme. Depending on individual interests, students may choose any approved Minor programme on offer, such as Creative Writing, Theatre Studies, Marketing, Journalism, etc.
Orientation Camp
Activity organized by the English Society
What other special learning opportunities are available in the English Major Programme?
We offer a broad array of extra- and co-curricular activities, including overseas exchange and other programmes.
Overseas Exchange Programmes
Students may choose to go overseas on study exchange for one or two semesters in order to
- experience a new culture
- improve their language proficiency and cross-cultural perspective
- enhance their career prospects
- improve their interpersonal skills
- develop their leadership skills
“The year I spent at the University of Leeds opened my eyes to different people and cultures. There I found myself being more willing to explore and break out of my comfort zone. There I found an even greater appreciation of the subject I was studying (English Literature). There I found new meaning and layers to my own identity. This experience not only prepared me for my postgraduate studies, but for life as well – I would not give it up for anything.” Grace Wong (Alumna)
Student exchange at the University of Leeds
Student exchange at the Mercer University
Overseas work attachment at the Fish, Atlanta
Work Attachment in Atlanta
Work Attachment Programme
Students can also join programmes organized by the Office of Student Affairs and work overseas in the summer. Popular placement choices include Disneyland in Florida, the American Red Cross in Atlanta and Chicago, and other worthwhile destinations.
“I worked in the Department of Finance in the City of Chicago during the seven-week internship. Even though I was not a business major, I handled my tasks with ease and confidence. My confidence was mainly developed owing to my learning in the English programme which values collaborative work, classroom interaction, and written and spoken skills. I truly enjoyed my study in the programme for it allowed me to shine and learn from my brilliant teachers and classmates.” Shirley Chan (Alumna)
Students and teachers participating in the Academic Week
Overseas English Immersion Programme
Awards and Scholarships
An English major student (third from left) has received a Literature award
Each year up to a dozen awards and scholarships may be offered to ENG students who demonstrate outstanding performance in academic or related areas.
Students have also enjoyed participating in extra-curricular activities, such as the Harvard National Model United Nations, the Hall Tutorship Programme, Leadership Training Programmes, and the Global Citizen Programme, so as to develop their leadership skills.
What about my Career Paths or Job Opportunities after HKBU?
Teachers and students attending a poetry reading sharing session
Teaching has long been a reliable career choice for many of our graduates. Some have chosen to work in government departments or with top accountancy and business firms. Others have opted to build careers in the creative arts or in public relations. Our Programme has produced pop song writers, novelists, lawyers, immigration officers, bankers, journalists, translators, editors, university professors, entrepreneurs, politicians, and many more. With a BA English Language and Literature degree, you will soon discover that the world is your oyster!
What Our Alumni Say
"As I am about to graduate, I can now take stock of what I have learnt. Firstly, I am equipped with different approaches to interpret texts (and the world)! Secondly and more importantly, I am encouraged to develop my own voice and approach. Bonus: literature provides me with a chance to live the lives of characters in literary works. In other words, a chance to walk an alternative path in an alternative world. Please do not expect that you will simply learn from books. With the inspiration of lectures, you come here and develop your own ideas." (Alumnus)
"The English Programme at HKBU helped me tremendously in achieving what I have now. My professors were always encouraging and helpful. I was given opportunities to exercise and sharpen my leadership and creativity skills. Now a licensed therapist for psychiatric patients, I am also playing a leadership role in my organization." (Alumnus)