English is today the most important language in the world. It is the mother tongue of some 400 million people, and an important second language for many more. The English Year Course gives a basic introduction to the main disciplines of English as an academic subject: language, literature and culture. In language, students will acquire a good understanding of grammar, lexicology, phonetics and varieties of English; this will enable them to apply this knowledge in their use of both spoken and written English in different contexts. The study of literature and culture also has the improvement of students' language skills in view, as it will broaden their vocabulary, expose them to a greater range of written and spoken forms, and give them the cultural knowledge they need to employ language correctly in different circumstances. In addition, it gives them the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the historical development of the literature, culture and society of the English-speaking world up to the present day.

The English Year Course qualifies students for further study and can be used in a diversity of future careers. After completing this programme, students can progress to a BA and then an MA (such as the BA in Language and Literature and the MA in Written Cultures offered at Volda University College). For students who are already in possession of an MA, completion of this programme will qualify them to teach English, if they combine it with PPU (practical pedagogical training). As well as teaching, the English Year Course prepares students for many jobs which require good written and spoken English, good communicative skills, cultural and literary understanding, critical thinking, and an ability to analyse and present complex information. These skills are central in, for instance, translation, museum or library work, other parts of the culture industry, and journalism. In order to profile the relevance of the programme for a future career, some of the course assignments are specifically work-related.

It is recommended that students who enrol on the English Year Course already possess a good knowledge of English, both written and spoken, and that they are prepared to do a lot of reading, of both older and more modern texts.