You’ll benefit from a flexible programme of study, which introduces you to the methods and approaches of different disciplines, allowing you to concentrate on areas you find especially interesting
Teaching methods vary according to the characteristics of each module. Many are taught via weekly lectures and weekly seminars. Workshops are used in English Literature to discuss subjects in more depth and encourage independent analysis, and in Media for modules where the degree of practical skills taught is enhanced by the supervision of experts in their field.
In your first year, a core Literature module will equip you to read and interpret both traditional and contemporary literary texts critically as a scholar of English literature. Alongside this you can choose to revisit Shakespeare and consider his cultural relevance today through fictional, cinematic and TV adaptations; or to deepen your understanding of Gothic writing by tracing its origins back to the Romantic era. Core media modules introduce you to media and visual communications. You’ll gain an understanding of the basic processes and technical skills of media production. This includes key concepts and theories of media cultures, including media bias and media effects and learning how to use text and graphics to reach key audiences using different types of software.
In your second year, your ability to work as an effective and confident researcher is honed across both disciplines. In Media you’ll learn about research methods in the communications industry. Plus, there are practical opportunities to learn about publishing, and radio. You get to follow your own interests while you are conducting interviews or focus groups, writing blogs, articles, features or copy, creating magazine layouts or putting together a podcast or video. This might be food, film, travel, politics, lifestyle, or sports. You are encouraged to be creative and think independently. In your English Literature modules you’ll focus on period-based literature from the Renaissance onwards and gain an understanding of literary history, from Elizabethan verse and drama, via Augustan poetry and the emergence of the novel in the 18th century, to the radical transformations of the Victorian age, and the emergence of modernity in the twentieth century. You’ll also have the opportunity to consider ways of reading that go beyond textual analysis or historical context, such as understanding literature through the political or ideological lens of Marxism, feminism and post-colonial theory. You can choose a work experience module, Literature at Work, which explores English in the classroom and aspects of the literary heritage industry. The module is centred around a six-week work placement where you’ll gain valuable transferable skills. Our students have worked as school classroom assistants, in publishing houses or attractions such as London’s Charles Dickens Museum and Dr Johnson’s House.
Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too. You’ll decide in your second year with us, so there is still plenty of time to think about this.
Your final year gives you the chance to specialise. In English Literature you can tailor your literary study to reflect your own interests. Themed options include children’s literature, young adult fiction, Renaissance tragedy, European crime fiction, literary adaptations, and the culture of print in the 18th century. In Media, specific skills from pitching to business, campaigning for a cause or to advertise a product or service, content creation, web design, film or magazine production, all help hone skills transferable to the world of work.
Your study of English Literature will enhance your ability to analyse and synthesise complex ideas, and to express yourself clearly in both written and spoken English. These skills will be hugely beneficial to your study of Media, especially when coupled with practical skills which help to prepare you for your future career. Design your own app proposal, create a hard-hitting ad campaign, build a brilliant website, and craft an inspiring feature article, all whilst being supported by our industry experienced team. Working across different platforms and for different audiences, you’ll develop a packed portfolio that will demonstrate your skills, adaptability and ambition.
But you’ll need more than practical know-how to get published. So, we’ll develop your understanding of the global media industry, its influence on society, the legal and ethical contexts of your work and the impact of emerging technologies.
