Overview

The Department of English at the University of Ghana is one of the oldest and most distinguished centres for the study of language, literature, and communication in West Africa. Our undergraduate programme offers students a rigorous intellectual foundation in English language studies and literary studies. Students engage with the structures and uses of language, the histories and varieties of English, African and world literatures, discourse and communication, critical theory, creative expression, and contemporary cultural debates.

The Department approaches English as both a subject of academic inquiry and a practical resource for participation in society. We believe that language is central to education, governance, culture, media, diplomacy, and professional life. Our teaching therefore encourages students to become thoughtful readers, effective writers, careful analysts, and responsible communicators.

At the heart of our philosophy is the conviction that higher education should cultivate intellectual independence. Students are challenged to question assumptions, evaluate evidence, engage diverse perspectives, and develop the analytical discipline required for leadership in a rapidly changing world. Through close interaction with faculty, collaborative learning, and research-based teaching, we provide an environment that supports both academic excellence and personal growth.

Graduates of the Department leave with advanced communication skills, critical reasoning abilities, intercultural awareness, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to local and global communities.

Aims & Objectives

The Bachelor of Arts in English seeks to provide students with a broad and intellectually demanding education in language, literature, and communication.

The programme aims to:

• Develop advanced competence in written, spoken, and analytical uses of English.
• Provide a strong foundation in the study of language structure, meaning, variation, and use.
• Introduce students to major traditions in African, Ghanaian, British, American, and world literatures.
• Foster critical reading, interpretation, argumentation, and research skills.
• Encourage intellectual curiosity, creativity, and independent thinking.
• Equip students with the ability to analyse texts, media, discourse, and cultural practices in their social contexts.
• Strengthen professional communication skills relevant to contemporary workplaces.
• Prepare students for postgraduate studies and research in language, literature, communication, and related disciplines.
• Cultivate ethical awareness, cultural sensitivity, and responsible citizenship.

By the completion of the programme, graduates should be able to communicate effectively, conduct independent research, analyse complex texts and social issues, and apply their knowledge in diverse professional environments.

Career Prospects

A degree in English provides graduates with highly transferable skills that are valued across numerous sectors. Employers consistently seek individuals who can communicate clearly, analyse information critically, conduct research, and engage effectively with diverse audiences.

Graduates of the Department pursue careers in areas such as:

Media, Publishing, and Communication (journalism, broadcasting, editing and proofreading, publishing, content development, creative writing, and scriptwriting, among others)

Education and Academia (teaching at basic, secondary, and tertiary levels, educational administration, curriculum development, and academic research)

Corporate and Professional Communication (public relations, corporate communication, customer engagement, and technical writing, among others)

Public Service and International Organisations (diplomacy, civil service, international development agencies, policy analysis, advocacy and public engagement)

Law and Related Fields (legal studies, legislative research, policy support services, and legal communication)

Digital and Creative Industries (digital content creation, social media strategy, communication consultancy, and cultural and creative enterprises)

Tuition Method

The Department employs a student-centred and research-informed approach to teaching and learning. Instruction combines theoretical understanding with practical application and active participation.

Teaching methods include face-to-face lectures, interactive seminars and tutorials, small-group discussions, research projects, individual and group presentations, collaborative assignments, textual analysis workshops, case studies, practical communication exercises, academic writing activities, oral presentations and debates, and independent reading and supervised research.

Students are encouraged to engage critically with texts, participate actively in classroom discussions, and apply concepts to contemporary linguistic, literary, cultural, and professional contexts.

Entry Requirements

Admission into the Bachelor of Arts programme of the University of Ghana is competitive and based on the requirements approved by the University Admissions Board. Applicants must satisfy the general undergraduate admission requirements of the University of Ghana.  

Ghanaian Applicants (WASSCE/SSSCE)

Applicants must obtain credit passes in:

Core Subjects

• English Language
• Core Mathematics
• Integrated Science/Core Science
• Social Studies

Elective Subjects

• Three elective subjects relevant to the Bachelor of Arts programme.

Applicants must satisfy the aggregate requirements determined by the University for admission into the Bachelor of Arts programme. 

Recommended Background

While students from diverse academic backgrounds may apply, the Department particularly welcomes applicants with strengths in:

• English Language
• Literature in English
• Ghanaian Languages
• Other General Arts subjects

Strong reading, writing, analytical, and communication skills will be advantageous for success in the programme.

International Applicants

International applicants must satisfy the admission requirements established by the University of Ghana and demonstrate adequate proficiency in English where applicable.

For detailed and up-to-date admission guidelines, applicants should consult the University of Ghana Admissions Office and the official admissions portal.