English SKE (self-funded only)
Our self-funded online English SKE courses allow you to develop your knowledge of curriculum content and reflect on approaches to teaching English Language and Literature in UK secondary schools.
Applications closed.
Applications for this SKE course are currently closed. We expect to reopen around December 2026.
Study an English SKE course at Sussex
The Sussex online English SKE is mainly undertaken through self-study with plenty of reading and online course materials.
The course is delivered by subject experts and experienced practitioners who ensure that your English Language and Literature learning is always related to teaching in schools. You will learn different approaches to reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Course structure
The Sussex online English SKE is available as a 100, 200 or 300 hour self-funded course, which can be taken full-time or part-time.
Once you have enrolled, you will be able to choose what to study from the following 100-hour units:
- KS3 Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPAG)
- KS3 and KS4 Poetry
- KS3, KS4, KS5 Shakespeare
- KS4 Prose and Drama
- KS3/4 English Language
- KS3 Class Readers and Wide Reading
- A-level Language and Literature
Learn more about self-funding your SKE.
Resources
In addition to input from specialist subject tutors you will also receive:
- a full subscription to the
- a fully paid subscription to
- access to thousands of physical and e-books through our Library
- licensed software such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Pro
- access to
Study routes
After you register, you will be able to choose one of the following options to complete your 100 hours:
- Complete one full 100-hour unit.
- Choose the SKE Essentials route (Literature or Language) using our guided templates.
- Select a Pick and Mix route by choosing two units and completing 50 hours of each.
SKE Essentials (100 hours)
The Essentials route provides 100 hours of focused study in either English Literature or English Language. Materials are drawn from the extended units and cover the most widely taught elements of each area. This option suits students with existing foundational knowledge who want a structured refresher or a broad overview of essential content.
Literature SKE Essentials
This route uses guided templates and activities to work through key texts commonly taught at KS3 and GCSE English Literature.
- Part One: Poetry – 30 hours
- Part Two: Shakespeare – 30 hours
- Part Three: Victorian and Modern Prose – 30 hours
- Part Four: Mini-lesson – 10 hours
Language SKE Essentials
This route uses guided activities to cover core elements of the English Language curriculum, including early reading, KS2–KS3 transition, and explicit SPaG instruction.
- Part One: SPaG and early reading – 30 hours
- Part Two: KS3 & 4 English Language – Reading – 30 hours
- Part Three: KS3 & 4 English Language – Writing – 30 hours
- Part Four: Mini-lesson – 10 hours
Contact us
If you have any queries about studying an SKE at Sussex, email ske@sussex.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1273 678783.