Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• to provide an intellectually stimulating environment in which students can develop the critical and practical skills of Drama, and a perspective on the social and cultural significance of English literature;
• to enable students to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of Drama, and of selected instances of  English literature and language;
• to enable students to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of issues in Drama through specialist study and research;
• to stimulate productive reflection on the similarities and differences between modes of study in Drama and English;
• to enhance students’ career and employment opportunities on graduating.

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

• The Benchmark Statement for Dance, Drama and Performance
• The Benchmark Statement for English
• 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:

• Knowledge of classical and contemporary Drama;
• Some knowledge of a range of authors and texts from different periods of literary history, including those before 1800;
• Understanding and practical experience of a range of research and critical methods in Drama and English studies;
• Capability of comparing theatre institutions, structures and practices historically and geographically;
• Appreciation of social and cultural diversity;
• Awareness of the role of culture in a changing landscape of performance and literary production;
• Grasp of the epistemological underpinnings of different research traditions in Drama;
• Some understanding of the distinctive characteristics of the different literary genres of fiction, poetry and drama;
• An appreciation of the structure and functions of the English language.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

• engage in critical reasoning;
• apply Drama, theatre studies and literary concepts and theories;
• articulate arguments in speech, writing and other forms.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

• locate and retrieve information;
• use research tools;
• design and perform practical projects;
• present cogent and persuasive arguments both in oral and written form;
• critically assess the effectiveness and value of a wide range of oral, written and performed communications.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

• handle complex information in a structured and systematic way;
• participate effectively in group work;
• use communication effectively, including dialogue, writing formats and visualisation;
• manage their time effectively.

4. Programme structure

4.1 Part A - Introductory Modules

Drama Component

 English Component

4.2 Part B - Degree Modules

 Candidates may choose optional modules so that as few as 50 or as many as 70 credit units are attempted in a semester, provided that 120 credit units are accumulated over the year.

Drama Component

 Candidates must normally choose modules from the following list with a total modular weight of 80.

English Component

 Candidates must normally choose optional modules with a total modular weight of 40.

4.3 Part C - Degree Modules

Candidates may choose optional modules so that as few as 50 or as many as 70 credit units are attempted in a semester, provided that 120 credit units are accumulated over the year. Students must take a minimum of 90 credits with an EAC code.

Drama component

Candidates must normally choose modules from the following list with a total modular weight of 80. 

 *Theatre Practice 2 cannot be chosen in Part C if Theatre Practice 1 was studied at Part B.

English component

 Candidates must normally choose optional modules with a total modular weight of 40.

Students choosing EAC009 Dissertation will be required to specify whether this will count as part of their Drama credits or part of their English credits, and select an appropriate topic with this categorisation in mind.

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 30% in all modules.

.2   In order to progress from Part B to Part C, obtain at least 30% in all modules.

.3   To be eligible for the award of a degree, obtain at least 30% in all 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 average percentage marks for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40% : Part C 60% to determine the Programme Mark.