Bachelor of English Studies with Honours

Muhammad Muzaimir Mohd Mokhtar

Programme Director

Overview

OUM’s Bachelor of English Studies (Hons.), or BEST, is uniquely different from traditional offerings of English. BEST takes as grounding that ‘doing English’ need not be interpreted solely in the traditional sense as choosing to study one branch of English (e.g., linguistics) instead of the other branches (e.g., literature, applied communication). BEST demonstrates that ‘doing English’ could alternatively and productively mean learning the essentials from the major branches of English in order to acquire a rounded contemporary education.

In short, BEST’s curriculum provides learners with opportunities to acquire not only advanced language proficiency but also knowledge and competencies in linguistics, communication, including advanced and professional writing, as well as literary and cultural studies.

Learners who successfully complete an English Studies programme at OUM can expect to be able to:

demonstrate advanced English language proficiency skills and knowledge
engage imaginatively in the advanced process of reading, analysing and/or producing complex and sophisticated literary and non-literary texts and discourse
demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of contextual approaches to the production and reception of texts and discourses across fields
reflect critically upon textual production and reception across time and space and in their own practice
apply a range of subject-specific and transferrable skills, including high-order conceptual, analytic and communication skills
embark on further study in English or related disciplines at higher levels.

*This programme is not available for International intake

Programme Structure
Fees

Course Category	Course Description	credit
Core	Learning Skills for 21st Century	3
	English for Written Communication	3
	English for Oral Communication	3
	English for Science and Technical Purposes	3
	Critical Reading	3
	English Across Time and Space	3
	Critical Writing	3
	English Grammar	3
	Sociolinguistics	3
	Psycholinguistics	3
	Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum	3
	Professional Communication	3
	Language and the Digital Age	3
	Advanced Writing: Argument and Persuasion	3
	Introduction to Media and Culture	3
	Language Policy and Planning	3
	Language and Literature: Texts and Contexts	3
	Advanced Writing: Elements of Style	3
	Contemporary Asian Short Fiction	3
	Doing Research in English Studies	3
	Southeast Asian Cultural Production	3
	Critical and Cultural Theory	3
	Contemporary Fiction and Film	3
	Introduction to General Linguistics	3
	Introduction to Drama & Poetry	3
	Introduction to Novels & Short Stories	3
	Final Year Project	6
	Industrial Training	6
	Total Credit	90
Compulsory	Falsafah dan Isu Semasa2	2
	Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban 2	2
	Entrepreneurship 2	3
	Kursus Integriti dan Antirasuah 2	3
	Community Service	2
total Credit	Total Credit	12
open Electives	Editing for Print and Electronic Publications	3
(Choose Any 6 Courses)	Principles of Advertising	3
	Copywriting	3
	Principles of Management	3
	Basic Concepts of Information Technology	3
	Thinking Skills and Problem Solving	3
	Introduction to Communication	3
	Postcolonial Studies	3
	Professional Ethics	3
	Total Credit	27

Malaysian Learner Fees

TOTAL	RM24,720
Year 1	RM1,854 (Sem 1)	RM1,854 (Sem 2)	RM1,854 (Sem 3)
Year 2	RM1,854 (Sem 4)	RM1,854 (Sem 5)	RM1,854 (Sem 6)
Year 3	RM1,854 (Sem 7)	RM1,854 (Sem 8)	RM1,854 (Sem 9)
Year 4	RM1,854 (Sem 10)	RM1,854 (Sem 11)	RM1,854 (Sem 12)
Year 5	RM1,236 (Sem 13)	RM1,236 (Sem 14)

Discount for the Physically Challenged Learners (OKU) and Senior Citizens

* Fees applicable to Malaysians and Permanent Residents only.
* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.

The University offers 50% discount for:
1. Senior citizens aged 60 and above on registration date; and
2. Physically challenged learners – a valid Orang Kelainan Upaya (OKU) is required.
The discounts are not valid for second time registration and repeating of subjects.
Learners who receive this discount are not entitled to other discounts and promotions.

Note
Processing fee: RM50
Re-registration fee of RM220 per semester is chargeable for extension of Masters Projects.

Financial options:	Payment Mode:
EPF (Account 2); or	JomPAY
Education or Personal Loan from commercial banks; or	Internet Banking
HRDF (subject to employer’s eligibility); or	Debit/Credit Card.

International Learner Fees

TOTAL	RM29,417
Year 1	RM2,225 (Sem 1)	RM2,225 (Sem 2)	RM1,978 (Sem 3)
Year 2	RM2,225 (Sem 4)	RM2,225 (Sem 5)	RM2,225 (Sem 6)
Year 3	RM2,225 (Sem 7)	RM2,225 (Sem 8)	RM2,225 (Sem 9)
Year 4	RM2,225 (Sem 10)	RM2,225 (Sem 11)	RM2,225 (Sem 12)
Year 5	RM1,483 (Sem 13)	RM1,483 (Sem 14)

Notes:
1 – Fees applicable to International applicants
2 – The fee above excludes registration fee, processing fee and resource fee. Fee imposed first semester only-non refundable . (Diploma RM3,150, Bachelor RM3,650, Master RM4,150, PhD/Doctorate RM4,650).
3 – Financial method: Telegraphic Transfer , PayPal (Invoice will be prepared in MYR and will be added 6% to cover PayPal transaction fees.)
4 – The fees are for subject fees only and are not applicable for research, registration, repeating of subjects and other fees.
5 – 60% payment of the semester fees must be made before the semester starts, 40% payment before the examination week.

* The University reserves the right to revise the fees without prior notice.

**LATEST UPDATE: September 2024

Entry Requirements

Download Entry Requirements

Program Educational Objectives (PEO)

This programme aims to produce graduates that are:

1	Knowledgeable and technically competent in the English language, advanced literacy, and problem-solving, and able to provide services of high standards to the relevant stakeholders
2	Effective in leveraging on their knowledge management and interpersonal skills to communicate and collaborate with others, as well as to lead where required, in problem-solving issues arising from the multiple domains of life
3	Ethically upright and compassionately nurturing of societal members
4	Creatively driven to continually acquire new knowledge and skills as a commitment to lifelong learning, as well as to create entrepreneurial opportunities for the advancement of self and society

Programme Learning Outcomes (PLO)

By the successful completion of the programme, learners should be able to:

1	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the underlying values, concepts, theories, and skills relevant to the broad field of English Studies; MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Knowledge & Understanding (C)
2	Critically apply knowledge and skills to analyse, problem-solve, and process new information to resolve arising issues in typical and novel situations within and beyond the discipline MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Cognitive Skills (C)
3	Demonstrate practical competence including planning, organising, and implementing in fulfilling work, study, and life responsibilities MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Practical Skills (P)
4	Apply interpersonal skills in managing and nurturing relationships with individuals and teams from wide-ranging backgrounds in work and social contexts MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Interpersonal Skills (P)
5	Communicate ideas and viewpoints cogently, professionally, and effectively in appropriate language and in various mediums to a range of audiences and situations MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Communication Skills (P)
6	Demonstrate skills in using the appropriate information/digital technologies to support work and studies in an ethical, socially-responsible manner MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Digital Skills (A)
7	Organise, interpret, analyse and present information in numerical and graphical form to make meaning of the past and present, and to predict the future MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Numeracy Skills (A)
8	Collaborate and work effectively with individuals of varying backgrounds on a one-to-one or team basis, taking leadership role where appropriate, to fulfil collective ethical goals and objectives MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Leadership, Autonomy, & Responsibility (A)
9	Demonstrate progressive life skills leading to self-care and self-development, encompassing such characteristics as enthusiasm for independent learning, self-control, social etiquette, and professionalism MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Personal Skills (A)
10	Value and cultivate the technical, management and personal skills, competencies and attributes recognised as entrepreneurial skills MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Entrepreneurial Skills (A)
11	Commit to ethical, professional, and compassionate behaviour in line with personal, organisational and occupational codes of conduct. MQF LEARNING OUTCOME DOMAIN: Ethics & Professionalism (A)

Credit Award (APEL.C)

This programme applicable for Credit Award (APEL.C). More Info: https://apel.oum.edu.my/apel-c-credit-award/

FAQs

Updated: 10 September 2019

At what levels are English Studies programmes offered by Open University Malaysia (OUM)?
English Studies is offered at the Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral levels.

Which of these programmes in English Studies should I pursue?
Opt for the Bachelor of English Studies (Hons.) (BEST) if you have yet to earn a first degree and want to acquire a firm foundation in the discipline. For more on the standard entry requirements, visit: https://www.oum.edu.my/programmes-offered-at-oum/undergraduate/bachelor-of-english-studies-with-honours/

Aside from the standard entry requirements, you would also need to have obtained a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, MUET, Cambridge English Qualifications). This is mandated by MQA effective September 2019.

If you meet all standard entry requirements but do not possess a minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent, you may apply to join BEST via the APEL route which takes into account your previous work and learning experience. To know more about APEL, visit: http://apel.oum.edu.my/apel/
If you already have a recognised degree in any discipline and want to acquire an advanced degree in English, then the Master of English Studies (MEST) programme is for you. For details, visit: https://www.oum.edu.my/programmes-offered-at-oum/postgraduate/master-of-english-studies/

Even if you have yet to obtain a basic degree in any discipline, you may still be eligible to join MEST if you (i) are 30 years old or above in the year of application; (ii) possess Diploma/A-Levels/STPM qualification or equivalent; (iii) have accumulated the relevant prior experience, and (iv) pass OUM’s APEL assessment.

For more on APEL, visit http://apel.oum.edu.my/apel/
Prospective learners with at least a Masters in a relevant field and who are keen on research may pursue English Studies via the PhD Arts route offered by OUM.

Are OUM’s English Studies degree programmes offered in full-time or part-time mode?
All OUM degrees programmes offered in Malaysia are run in part-time mode, making them particularly suitable for working adults seeking to upgrade their qualifications, knowledge and skills without having to give up their jobs or compromise on their life responsibilities.
How are OUM’s English Studies degrees different from English programmes offered elsewhere?
BEST and MEST are uniquely different from traditional offerings of English. Both programmes are reflective of English as an evolving intellectual discipline offered in progressive universities across the globe.
BEST takes as grounding that ‘doing English’ need not be interpreted solely in the traditional sense as choosing to study one branch of English (e.g., linguistics, communication) instead of the other branches (e.g., literature). BEST demonstrates that ‘doing English’ could alternatively and productively mean learning the essentials from the major branches of English in order to acquire a rounded contemporary education.
In other words, BEST’s curriculum provides learners with opportunities to acquire not only advanced language proficiency but also knowledge and competencies in linguistics, communication, including writing, as well as literary and cultural studies.
MEST builds on BEST by offering contemporary courses in language studies, writing, and literary studies. These courses are simultaneously accessible to learners new to the discipline and sufficiently advanced to stimulate new ways of thinking.
For more on the unique curricula of English Studies at OUM, see, for example, https://goo.gl/CsaJJL
The PhD Arts (English Studies) programme is research-based and suitable for independent, self-directed learners of advanced standing.
What does English Studies at OUM offer me?
In terms of learning outcomes, learners who successfully complete an English
Studies programme at OUM can expect to be able to:
demonstrate advanced English language proficiency skills and knowledge
- engage critically and imaginatively in the process of reading, analysing and producing advanced discourse
- demonstrate knowledge and appreciation of contextual approaches to the production and reception of texts and discourses across fields
- reflect critically upon textual production and reception across time and space and in their own practice
- apply a range of subject-specific and transferrable skills, including high-order conceptual, analytic and communication skills
- embark on further study in English or related disciplines at higher levels.

What are the courses offered under BEST and MEST?
- BEST courses (120 credits) comprise:
  - Compulsory MPU Courses (12 credits): Hubungan Etnik; Entrepreneurship; Tamadun Islam and Tamadun Asia; Health and Wellness; Community Service
  - Core Courses (81 credits): Learning Skills for the 21st Century; English for Written Communication; English for Oral Communication; English for Science and Technical Purposes; Professional Ethics; Critical Reading; English Across Time and Space; Critical Writing; English Grammar; Sociolinguistics; Psycholinguistics; Writing and Reading Across the Curriculum; Professional Communication; Language and the Digital Age; Advanced Writing: Argument and Persuasion; Introduction to Media and Culture; Language Policy and Planning; Language and Literature: Texts and Contexts; Advanced Writing: Elements of Style; Contemporary Asian Short Fiction; Southeast Asian Cultural Production; Critical and Cultural Theory; Contemporary Fiction and Film; Postcolonial Studies; Introduction to General Linguistics; Introduction to Drama and Poetry; Introduction to Novels and Short Stories
  - Core: Final Year Project (6 credits)
  - Core: Industrial Training (6 credits / 12 weeks)
- MEST courses (42 credits) include:
  - Core Courses (27 credits): Mapping English Studies; Academic Writing for Postgraduates; Reading Literature; Language, Power and Society; Creative Nonfiction; World Literature; Research in English Studies 1; Global Englishes; Sense of Style
  - Electives (9 credits): Malaysian Fiction; Literary Theory; Cultural Studies; Film and Society in Contemporary Southeast Asia; Postcolonial Writings
  - Project (6 credits)
I understand that research is compulsory at the doctoral level. But if I were to pursue BEST or MEST, would I need to do any research?
BEST and MEST comprise mostly taught courses and a small project write-up component.
For BEST, there is a final-year project that requires learners to produce a guided write-up of about 10,000 words or its equivalent.
For MEST, the guided project write-up is about 15,000 words or its equivalent.
How do BEST and MEST compare to TESL programmes?
BEST and MEST do not share the same curriculum with TESL (Teaching of English as a Second Language) programmes.
TESL is essentially a teaching degree. Its focus is more on equipping learners with pedagogic skills to be teachers of the English language. Of course, TESL graduates are not constrained to the teaching path. Many TESL graduates enjoy careers outside teaching. Similarly, BEST and MEST graduates can opt to teach.
For more on this, visit https://goo.gl/KXDSAJ
Can I enter the teaching profession with BEST, MEST or PhD Arts (English Studies)?
Innumerable English Studies graduates are gainfully employed as teachers and trainers, among other professions. You should nonetheless consider checking with your prospective institutions or employers if the scope of the degree you are planning to obtain fits what they have in mind when they look for potential employees to teach in particular areas within the broad field of English.
How soon can I complete BEST, MEST, or PhD Arts (English Studies)?
BEST is a 120 credit-hour programme, which means that it can typically be completed in 14 semesters. That’s approximately 4 ½ years if the programme is completed without any credit transfer, and if learners take the standard 3 courses per semester path.
Those whose English language proficiency is already very advanced should be able to take more than 3 courses per semester, subject to conditions.
MEST is a 42 credit-hour programme, which can be completed in a minimum of 6 semesters, or 2 years, as mandated by MQA.
The duration to complete PhD Arts (English Studies) is between 4 to 8 years.
How are BEST, MEST and PhD Arts (English Studies) delivered?
BEST and MEST run in online as well as blended modes.
Online mode means that you can follow an OUM programme from anywhere in Malaysia, at your own pace and alongside your online peers, with the guidance of your e-tutor. In this mode, you need not attend face-to-face tutorials or seminars, unless you want or are able to.
Blended mode refers to a combination of online study and face-to-face tutorials/seminars. Face-to-face tutorials/seminars are supplementary, and useful only to those who need them.
Face-to-face tutorials and seminars for BEST and MEST are offered only at selected Learning Centres. Tutorials for BEST core courses and MEST seminars are held at the OUM Graduate Centre/Petaling Jaya in Kelana Jaya.
This flexibility of modes is a specialty of OUM, the first open and distance learning university in Malaysia. It is particularly suitable for self-directed adult learners who want to upgrade their skills and qualifications on a part-time basis without having to give up work and other life commitments.
For PhD Arts (English Studies), learners are required to take a set of research preparatory courses which may require face-to-face attendance. Thereafter, learners may complete the programme from any location with the guidance of a supervisor.
When can I join BEST, MEST, or PhD Arts (English Studies)?
BEST and MEST programmes have intakes in the January, May and September semesters. Learners accepted into the PhD Arts (English Studies) programme may join OUM at any time of the year.
Who are the academic staff responsible for delivering English Studies at OUM?
English Studies programmes at OUM are delivered by qualified and experienced subject-matter experts and tutors/facilitators with degrees from reputable universities.
The Programme Director is AP Dr David Lim. Dr Lim obtained his PhD from the Australian National University. He has held the positions of Postdoctoral Fellow at Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, and Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for Integrated Area Studies, Kyoto University.
He is the author of The Infinite Longing for Home: Desire and the Nation in Selected Writings of Ben Okri and KS Maniam (Rodopi), editor of Overcoming Passion for Race in Malaysia Cultural Studies (Brill), and co-editor of Film in Contemporary Southeast Asia: Cultural Interpretation and Social Intervention (Routledge). He has also been published in such international refereed journals as Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction, Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, Journal of Postcolonial Writing, Studies in Gender and Sexuality, and Wasafiri.
Are course materials provided by OUM?
All core learning materials are provided or made available for library loan. They include specially-commissioned course modules, e-textbooks, study guides, reading bricks, AV files, CDs and/or DVDs. Learners may also use OUM’s physical and digital libraries to access a wide range of learning materials.

How will I be assessed should I enrol for BEST, MEST, or PhD Arts (English Studies)?
For BEST and MEST, assessment methods vary from course to course. Most courses have assignments and final exams. Assessment for several advanced courses is entirely assignment-based. At the PhD Arts level, the dissertation is the main assessment.

How much does it cost to pursue BEST, MEST or PhD Arts (English Studies)? Are there special rates for senior citizens and physically-challenged learners?
Fees for BEST amount to RM24,720. For full breakdown of fees, visit https://www.oum.edu.my/programmes-offered-at-oum/undergraduate/bachelor-of-english-studies-with-honours
Fees for MEST amount to RM23,268. For full breakdown of fees, visit https://www.oum.edu.my/programmes-offered-at-oum/postgraduate/master-of-english-studies/
A 50% discount on fees is offered to qualified senior citizens and physically- challenged learners.
All fees are subject to revision without prior notice.
For further enquiries on fees and financial matters, please email OUM’s Marketing Unit atadmission@oum.edu.my or call +603-7801 1800.

Can I apply for a PTPTN loan if I want to pursue BEST, MEST?
The PTPTN loan is only available to Malaysian citizens enrolled in a recognised undergraduate programme. You can only apply for a PTPTN loan after you have applied, been accepted and registered in the programme. For more information on PTPTN loan, visit http://www.ptptn.gov.my/
Are BEST, MEST and PhD Arts (English Studies) recognised by the Malaysian government?
BEST (A9470) and MEST (A11501) are fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The PhD Arts programme is due for full MQA accreditation.

What are the potential career paths for English Studies graduates?
English graduates have thrived in diverse careers. This is because they possess not only subject knowledge and subject specific skills, but also such transferable graduate skills as advanced literacy and communication skills, critical reasoning, and the capacity to critically analyse diverse forms of discourse.
Interesting and diverse career paths await English graduates, including Teaching, Training, Journalism, Management, Professional Writing, Creative Writing, Research, Editorial, Advertising, Media, Public Relations, Academia, Theatre, Consultancy, and more.
On the marketability of English / Humanities graduates, see, for example, https://goo.gl/C4XGe5, https://bit.ly/2VCO6ha, and https://bit.ly/2KjX55E

I’ve decided I want to pursue English Studies at OUM. How do I apply?
Apply online at http://cms-portal.oum.edu.my/
Alternatively, visit any of OUM’s Learning Centres (LCs) located throughout the country for guidance. For info on the LCs, go to https://www.oum.edu.my/learning-centres/

Where can I find more details on OUM’s English Studies programmes?
For BEST details, visit https://www.oum.edu.my/programmes-offered-at-oum/undergraduate/bachelor-of-english-studies-with-honours/
Details on MEST are accessible here: https://www.oum.edu.my/programmes-offered-at-oum/postgraduate/master-of-english-studies/
Whom should I contact if I need to find out more about OUM’s English Studies programmes?
For academic-related enquiries related to English Studies, email AP Dr David Lim at muzaimir@oum.edu.my or call +603 7801 3961
For general enquiries on OUM programmes, email the Marketing Unit at enquiries@oum.edu.my or call +60-3-2773 2121.
All information contained in this FAQ are subject to revision without prior notice.

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English graduates have thrived in diverse careers. This is because they possess not only subject knowledge and subject specific skills, but also such transferable graduate skills as advanced literacy and communication skills, critical reasoning, and the capacity to critically analyse diverse forms of discourse.

Here are some interesting and diverse career paths for graduates with a Bachelor of English Studies with Honours:

Career Field	Career Opportunities
Education	1. High School English Teacher 2. College or University Lecturer 3. Educational Administrator
Writing and Editing	1. Content Writer 2. Copywriter 3. Technical Writer 4. Editor (e.g., book, magazine, online)
Publishing	1. Publishing Assistant 2. Editorial Assistant 3. Literary Agent
Media and Journalism	1. Journalist 2. News Reporter 3. Public Relations Specialist 4. Content Producer (e.g., for websites)
Marketing and Advertising	1. Marketing Coordinator 2. Advertising Copywriter 3. Market Research Analyst
Public Relations	1. Public Relations Specialist 2. Communications Officer
Digital Content Creation	1. Social Media Manager 2. Blog Content Creator 3. Video Content Producer
Technical Writing	1. Technical Documentation Writer 2. User Manual Writer 3. Grant Writer
Nonprofit Organizations	1. Communications Specialist 2. Fundraising Coordinator
Library and Information	1. Librarian 2. Archivist 3. Information Specialist
Freelance Writing	1. Freelance Journalist 2. Freelance Blogger 3. Independent Author

Keep in mind that a Bachelor of English Studies with Honors can provide a versatile foundation for various career paths, and many graduates may find opportunities in other fields as well, based on their individual skills and interests.

Here are some common types of career fields and examples of career opportunities:

Interesting and diverse career paths await English graduates, including:

Teaching
Training
Journalism
Management
Professional Writing
Creative Writing
Research
Editorial
Advertising
Media
Public Relations
Academia
Theatre
Consultancy
and more.

The struggle to balance study and work gave me better insight into productivity and efficiency. I was able to apply the lessons learned to my occupation. My study at OUM was my progress in development. The encouragement and guidance from OUM gave me the platform and confidence to succeed in my studies. Today, my degree has given me generous employment recognition, added edge in promotion, and salary advances.

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