English Studies

Overview

Description

The bachelor´s programme in English Studies prepares you for work in numerous fields related to cultural production, the language arts, the manipulation of texts and the generation of creative content.
The programme provides non-native as well as native English-language speakers with the skills needed to compete effectively in the global world. Our writing focus, a unique focus in Sweden, allows students to take elective courses emphasising both academic and creative writing skills. Your own oral production is also emphasized through courses in drama and rhetoric.

The programme has six terms and during the last term you choose one of two distinct specialisations and prepare a corresponding Bachelor’s thesis.

Literature
This specialisation relies on contemporary critical approaches, enabling you to understand literature not as a museum but as a living body of knowledge.

Linguistics
This specialisation engages in theoretical and practical examination relevant to the complexity and diversity of 21st-century language and culture. It is designed to combine critical and creative thinking.

Through lectures, writing workshops, seminars and project work you learn how to approach problems creatively and critically.
Potential working fields include writing, publishing, teaching, journalism, advertising, marketing, design, translation and media.

Content

Interviews

Dorit Scharf from Germany thinks that the English Studies programme promotes communication skills as well as understanding of society.

 

Engaged in thought and action

Dorit Scharf was born and grew up in Germany.  After high school she was a trainee at an Internet radio station and then went abroad to combine her interest in journalism with language studies. Now she is studying second-year English Studies

"I really like the programme," said Dorit. "A bit unexpectedly, I found the theoretical parts especially interesting. I realized how language and literature reflect and influence society."

In-depth and practical

There is a major emphasis on your own motivation and initiative. 

"Of course, you should have an interest in going in-depth and analyzing the form of language as well as its content and underlying thoughts. You also should have the self-discipline to study on your own." 

Dorit describes her class as an exciting mixture of Swedes and students from other countries, including native speakers of English.

Publishing or journalism

Elective terms offer the option of taking courses of your own choice or of studying abroad through exchange programmes. Dorit has been accepted for courses in England. After finishing her degree, she sees opportunities all around the globe. However, she has not yet decided on her future job.
                        
"Maybe journalism or publishing, since I want to work with current affairs. Content and engagement are important to me. I am also thinking about further studies at a postgraduate level." 

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Emma likes to inspire people

"I just stumbled upon the programme when reading the course catalogue: an English education and a place for writers really spoke to me," said final-year student Emma Lindell.

Emma says she has learned a lot about the world and also about herself.

Emma says that she has learned a lot about the world and also about herself.

"I am happy with the way I have developed my thinking. I especially liked courses on academic writing and phonetics. The two final-term courses about culture and literature have been demanding but also very interesting."

Right from the start

She also likes the teachers. 

"There are both native-English teachers who are good at teaching the language and also teachers from elsewhere who can give different perspectives on cultural issues."

Emma recommends taking the studies seriously from the very beginning to make it easier later on, and taking your time looking for elective courses. 

"Try to find a good combination of courses that has relevance for your plans, and ideally connects with the courses you will read during the last year."

English is global

"When you can express yourself well in English you can reach so many more people. I think that if as a Swede you know English to a high level, you have great opportunities. We Swedes are well-educated in general and if we could bring that out in the world by getting better at English, I think there would be good opportunities for us to compete internationally."

Emma likes to communicate and to inspire people. In particular, she likes working with copyediting. After graduating, she is planning to study journalism or to continue in a master’s programme. 

"My dream is to work for UNICEF in their communication department, with their web and newsletters. Someday, I also want to write a novel in English."  

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Stephen Anderson giving a guest lecture at Malmö University

Stephen Anderson from New Zealand, Copywriter at IKEA

What was it like studying English at Malmö University, in Sweden?

"I thought the quality of the education and educators was of a very high standard, and I was often inspired by the passion and enthusiasm of the teachers. Being an international faculty, it gave me the opportunity to network with a diverse range of people from all around the world and be exposed to viewpoints very different from my own. Also, Swedes have a high level of English literacy, so communicating with the local wildlife has never been a problem."

Stephen’s job connects him with many creative and passionate people, and the daily work is often unpredictable and surprising.

"As the Copywriter in a project team, my responsibility is - together with an Art Director - to come up with an idea that best communicates a message and decide whether that aim is best served with text, imagery or both. These projects may be aimed at the web, for print or television." 

"Once we decide on a conceptual direction and an idea, my focus is to present and motivate this direction for the client and, hopefully, convince them to approve it. Once approved, we further develop the idea and, with a project leader keeping us on track and on time, we begin to make it a reality. To do this, we typically involve: Production Leaders, Interior Designers, Photographers and Graphic Designers. Once production has begun, I turn my full attention to all textual aspects of the project."

Stephen definitely thinks that his education at Malmö University has prepared him for what he does today.

"The fundamental principles of how to write an effective and logically sound text have been invaluable. I am still intrigued and fascinated by the power of these subtle, yet persuasive, techniques. I regularly employ them when preparing a text or giving a presentation. My education has also armed me with a degree of confidence that comes from knowing the rules, a willingness to break them and knowing I’m part of an ever-evolving and developing language."

Do you have any advice for current English Studies students who are interested in a career in communications?

"Stay informed with what is happening in the world of communication – it is constantly evolving. Identify the kind of communication role you feel you would enjoy and/or be good at. You can seek out specialised educations to refine your skills or, like me, find a job that has the potential to increase your skill level and help you develop in your chosen career. If you choose the latter, start looking at what kinds of companies employ communicators. Advertising agencies, PR firms, global retailers, news organizations, publishing houses, to name a few. Research these companies thoroughly before you even consider drafting a CV."

"I researched a bunch of companies and chose IKEA according to my own personal criteria. I then found out everything I could about the company, the way they communicate, the copywriting department, who the boss was and who would most likely be reading my job application. All the tools you need are out there. Don’t wait for a job ad to appear, stand out by showing initiative and don’t be discouraged if you don’t yield any fruit in the beginning. It took me 18 months to get my job from the first contact."

"I would also recommend putting together a 'book,' a portfolio showing examples of your work. It’s a good opportunity to show off your writing talents and any other skills you’ve gained, e.g. Photoshop. You can develop your book to target a specific employer. It can also be a lot of fun to put together."

"Everyone needs to communicate something, so being skilled in the art of sharing messages and ideas is always going to be in demand. And, in my experience, it is stimulating, challenging and enjoyable work."

Career

Career opportunities
English Studies at Malmö is a response to the need for second-language English speakers to compete effectively with native English speakers in the global village. The programme prepares you for work in fields related to cultural production, the language arts, the manipulation of texts, and the generation of creative content. These include writing and publishing, advertising, marketing, design, translation, and media and entertainment. An English Studies BA from Malmö, with its paths in literature or linguistics, and the emphasis on writing, will give you an edge when you enter the workforce. You will also be prepared to undertake postgraduate work in literature, linguistics, or creative writing.

Contact

Further information

Åsa Ulemark, student services assistant
Phone: 040-66 57212
E-mail: asa.ulemark@mah.se

Asko Kauppinen, programme responsible
Phone: 040-66 57357
E-mail: asko.kauppinen@mah.se

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Information about the School of Arts and Communication

The School of Arts and Communication – also called K3 after its Swedish name “Konst, kultur och kommunikation” – is a multidisciplinary school engaged in media, culture and design. At K3 we combine traditional scholarship and academic knowledge with artistic methods and practical skills. In our teaching and research, art, technology, design and communication converge in new and innovative ways.

K3 offers education in fields as English, interaction design, media and communication studies, visual communication, graphic design, arts journalism, as well as a range of practical courses in different types of media production.

 

Degree programmes at K3

Courses at K3