Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• encourage in students a sense of enthusiasm for the study of English and foster engagement with reading, writing and visual sources, through a broad and diverse curriculum; engage with the critical significance of the digital medium as a shaping determinant in how we read and construct texts
• encourage students to reflect critically upon acts of writing and reading in English, and on the history of textual production and reception;
• develop skills which are particular to interpretation in the digital medium, including introducing coding skills, promoting an understanding of verbal creativity and an appreciation of the aesthetic features of literary and non-literary texts;
• enable students to think independently, reason critically, analyse different forms of discourse, and weigh the importance of alternative arguments and perspectives;
• instill in students advanced competence in oral and written communication;
• develop a range of subject specific and generic skills of value in graduate employment, including highly developed critical, analytical and research skills;
• enable students to deploy digital tools, methodologies and approaches for written analysis and critical making.

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)
• SEEC Level Descriptors
• University Learning and Teaching Strategy

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of both English and Digital Humanities.  Key learning outcomes in English are:  

K1.            understanding the distinctive characteristics of the different literary genres of fiction, poetry, drama and other kinds of writing and communication; 

K2.             Knowledge of a range of authors and texts from different periods of history, including those before 1800; 

K3.            understanding the role of critical traditions in shaping literary history, and the importance of the linguistic, literary, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature is written and read; 

K4.             understanding the appropriate and precise use of critical, linguistic and stylistic terminology; 

K5.             understanding the range and variety of contemporary approaches to literary study which may include creative practice and its origin. 

Key learning outcomes in Digital Humanities are:

K6.            knowledge of digital tools and resources and the multiple ways in which these can be deployed in the study of English;

K7.            knowledge about the history of the internet and social media;

K8.            appreciation of how the digital revolution has changed human behavior, particularly in respect of authorship, publication and reading;

K9.             knowledge of digital editing, TEI, and the role and significance of coding in the creation of digital objects;

K10.          understanding and knowledge of debates, definitions, issues, concepts and methodologies in Digital Humanities, and, in particular, how these pertain to the study of English. 

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate high levels of understanding and skill within both English and Digital Humanities.  Within the English portion of the programme they should be able to:

C1.            use critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts;

C2.            show sensitivity to generic conventions and to the shaping effects on communication of circumstance, authorship, textual production and intended audience;

C3.            Critically evaluate how different social and cultural contexts affect judgments about the nature of language and literature;

C4.            Critically evaluate theoretical models that apply to their studies;

C5.            appreciate the central role of language in the creation of meaning;

C6.            demonstrate advanced and effective research and bibliographic skills, including the ability to access, work with and evaluate digital sources;

C7.            present cogent and persuasive arguments both in written and oral form and be able to respond to a range of texts through creative or analytical writing. 

Within the Digital Humanities portion of the programme they should be able to: 

C8.            demonstrate enhanced ability in the close reading of texts and how to construct an essay built around results generated from investigation of digital resources;

C9.            produce and analyse data visualisations, posters, blogs, PowerPoints and digital objects;

C10.          produce and analyse digital textual editions or artefacts.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

 See Cognitive Skills

c. Key transferable skills:

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

T1. demonstrate advanced literacy, oral and written communication skills;

T2. demonstrate advanced digital and analytical skills;

T3. interrogate and apply a variety of theoretical and interpretive positions and be able to weigh the importance of alternative perspectives;

T4. transfer the critical methods of English and Digital Humanities to a variety of working, professional environments;

T5. work independently and in groups, demonstrating high standards of academic scholarship and conduct to solve problems, find alternative solutions, reach end goals, and evaluate outcomes.

4. Programme structure

4.1 Part A 

Part A Compulsory Modules (80 credits) 

Part A Optional Modules (40 credits) 

In semester two, in addition to the above compulsory modules, the student must choose two from the following: 

4.2 Part B

Compulsory Modules (60 credits) 

 In addition, students are required to choose, from the 4 listed below, at least one module covering literature pre-1800, and at least one module covering post 1800. 

Optional modules (with a total modular weight of 60 credits) will be available in the following subject areas: 

• Literature from 1350 to the present
• Creative Writing
• American Literature and Film
• Drama
• Publishing
• Graphic Communication and Visual Culture
• History of Art, Architecture and Design
• Arts Management

Options in other Schools may be taken at the discretion of the AD(T). 

4.3 Part I 

DPS Route Candidates will undertake an approved placement leading to the Diploma in Professional Studies or, 

DINTS Route Candidates will undertake an approved international placement leading to the Diploma in International Studies. 

Participation in placement is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B. 

4.4 Part C

Compulsory Modules (60 credits) 

Optional modules (with a total modular weight 60 credits) will be available in the following subject areas:  

• Literature from 1350 to the present
• Creative Writing
• American Literature and Film
• Drama
• Publishing 

Options in other Schools may be taken at the discretion of the AD(T).

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of reassessment 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.