English is today the most important language in the world. It is the mother tongue of some 400 million people, and the second language of many more. The net-based course gives a basic introduction to the main disciplines of English as an academic subject: linguistic, literary and cultural studies. The course qualifies students for further studies in English at intermediate (“fordjupning” level) and master’s level. The course also qualifies candidates to teach English, if combined with PPU (practical pedagogical training). From 2017, admission to PPU will be limited to holders of a master's degree. Students can choose whether to begin their studies either in the autumn semester or the spring semester: autumn semester is generally recommended. Students who choose to begin in the autumn should continue in the next semester with a unit in the same discipline (so that ENG141N in the autumn should be followed by ENG143N in the spring, ENG142N in the autumn should be followed by ENG144N in the spring). Students who begin in spring, should begin with ENG143N, then study the literature/culture units (ENG142N and ENG144N) before taking the final language unit ENG141N in the fourth semester. The programme of study is also offered full time.