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Changes to policy and curriculum

BA (Hons) English Literature (Q66) - Qualification amendment

Warning: the content within this page reflects what was communicated to students in the 2017/18 academic year. As such, this information may no longer be factually accurate.

The Open University plans to change the structure of the BA (Honours) English literature (Q66). The last date a student can claim this qualification under the existing rules is 31 December 2023.

After 31 December 2023, the following modules will not count towards this qualification:

  • Creative writing (A215)
  • Worlds of English (U214)

However, a new Stage 2 module - Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233) - will be introduced in October 2019.

What this means for students

These changes will only affect students if they do not not complete Q66 before 31 December 2023. If they have completed their Stage 2 modules before 1 September 2019, then they do not need to take any further action. If a student has not completed their Stage 2 modules before 1 September 2019, they may need to change their study plans to include the new module A233.

Students who plan to complete their qualification before 31 December 2019 will study the compulsory module Reading and studying literature (A230) before choosing one of the following modules:

  • Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233) - Recommended module
  • Creative Writing (A215)
  • Children's literature (EA300) - will start for the final time in October 2020
  • Worlds of English (U214)

Students who plan to complete their qualification after 31 December 2019 will still study the module Reading and studying literature (A230), but they will then need to study the now-compulsory module Telling stories: the novel and beyond (A233) starts for the first time in October 2019.

If a student intends to complete their qualification after 31 December 2023 and they have an award of credit transfer, they'll need to have this reassessed. Students can contact our Credit Transfer Centre if they wish to do this. Students are also strongly advised to check their planned programme of study with one of our advisers to ensure that they've selected a suitable combination of modules.

If a student wishes to combine their study of English Literature with Creative Writing, or English Language, students might want to consider transferring to one of the following qualifications:

Why this is happening

Student feedback has indicated that further English Literature modules would be welcome at Stage 2 of this degree. By introducing the new stage 2 module and focusing more on English Literature at Stage 2 of the degree, students will be able to deepen their understanding of English Literature and progress smoothly to Stage 3.

Please talk to your Student Support Team if you need any further information. You can find out how to contact them on Contact the OU.