English Studies offers a broad curriculum of literary and linguistic studies in English. Cross-Cultural Studies in English (CCSE) focuses on the English language and literature in English as the site of encounters, fusions, conflicts and transformations between people and ideas of different cultures. The focus of Language and Communication (L&C) is on the study and use of language and language in society.

Admission to the School is strictly on the basis of academic record including at least a minimum C grade in the Use of English AS exam and good AL results, GPAs or their equivalent. Students intending to enrol in courses in English Studies and/or Cross-Cultural Studies in English in Year 2 and Year 3 must normally have completed ENGL1009 and achieved a satisfactory result of at least a C grade. Students who intend to enrol in Language and Communication must pass LCOM1001 with a C grade.

Students who fail to achieve a C grade (53%) in ENGL1009, or with an unsatisfactory report from their tutor, will not normally be permitted to major in English Studies or Cross Cultural Studies in English. Students who fail to achieve a C grade (53%) in LCOM1001 will not normally be permitted to major in Language and Communication. Both ENGL1009 and LCOM1001 are subject to a quota. Students must select a minimum of eight six-credit courses (or equivalent) in their major.

At the end of the students' first or second year, the School will invite a small number of students to be Special Honours majors. Special Honours students may be Majors in English Studies, Cross-Cultural Studies in English, or Language and Communication. Selected on the basis of their academic record and tutors' recommendations, these students will take at least 6 credits annually in their Major beyond the normal requirement, and will be guaranteed admission to the courses of their choice.