Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The aims of the provision are generally in accord with the Subject Benchmark Statement for English. The Department seeks to encourage in its students a sense of enthusiasm for the subject and a full understanding of its social and cultural significance. It sees the study of English as a means of developing the ability of students to think creatively, to read critically and to be both sensitive and disciplined in their approach to their studies. Our graduates are trained to think independently, to reason critically, to weigh the importance of alternative arguments and perspectives and to analyse critically different forms of discourse. 

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The English Benchmark Statement

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ)

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

• substantial knowledge of a range of authors and texts from different periods of literary history, including those before 1800;
• an understanding of the distinctive characteristics of the different literary genres of fiction, poetry and drama, and should have an appreciation of  the structure and functions of the English language;
• an awareness of the role of critical traditions in shaping literary history and a knowledge of the linguistic, literary, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature is written and read;
• the ability to deploy useful and precise critical terminology;
• an appreciation of the power of imagination in literary creation and have an awareness of the range and variety of contemporary approaches to literary study. 

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of the programme students will have acquired:

• critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts and will have a thorough understanding of texts, concepts and theories relating to English studies;
• an appreciation of the central role of language in the creation of meaning and will have gained rhetorical skills of effective communication and argument;
• bibliographic skills appropriate to the discipline and will be practised in the accurate citation of sources and in the use of conventions in the presentation of scholarly work.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• present cogent and persuasive arguments both in oral and written form;
• critically assess the effectiveness and value of a wide range of oral and written communications;
• demonstrate advanced and effective research skills, including the ability to access and assess electronic data.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should possess advanced analytical skills and should be able to handle complex information in a structured and systematic way. They should be able to communicate effectively and work with others through the presentation of ideas and the collective negotiation of solutions.

They should be able to understand and apply a variety of theoretical and interpretive positions, and should be able to weigh the importance of alternative perspectives. They should possess effective organisational and time-management skills. 

4. Programme structure

Although open to revision, students should identify in their first year a plan of when they intend to undertake the necessary modules up to graduation.

4.1 Part A - Introductory Modules 

*In addition to their compulsory modules, candidates will also take modules with a total weight of 40 from the available optional modules. 

4.2 Part B - Degree Modules

In the course of Semester 1 and Semester 2, candidates may choose module(s) with a total weight of 20 from modules taught by departments other than English and Drama. 

4.3 Part C - Degree Modules

In the course of Semester 1 and Semester 2, candidates may choose module(s) with a total weight of 20 from modules taught by departments other than English and Drama. 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B and from Part B to C and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also: 

.1   In order to progress from Part A to Part B, obtain at least 40% in all compulsory modules.

.2   In order to progress from Part B to Part C, obtain at least 40% in all compulsory modules.

.3   To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, obtain at least 40% in all compulsory modules.

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of re-assessment in any part of the Programme to undergo re-assessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C, in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX.  The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the final percentage mark.