Programme Specifications

English Literature / Education


1 : Awarding Institution / Body
Aberystwyth University

2a : Teaching Institution / University
Aberystwyth University

2b : Work-based learning (where appropriate)


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:


Information provided by School of Education:



3a : Programme accredited by
Aberystwyth University

3b : Programme approved by
Aberystwyth University

4 : Final Award
Bachelor of Arts

5 : Programme title
English Literature / Education

6 : UCAS code
QX33

7 : QAA Subject Benchmark


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:

QAA English

Information provided by School of Education:

Education Studies



8 : Date of publication


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:

September 2023

Information provided by School of Education:

September 2023



9 : Educational aims of the programme


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:

To enable successful students to:
  • gain a knowledge of literatures in English by studying a range of literary texts in a variety of genres from different historical periods and (in some cases) geographical locations

  • develop a knowledge of the literary, social, historical, and cultural contexts of writing in English and an understanding of their significance

  • explore the literary relationships between texts and between texts and their contexts

  • develop a knowledge and understanding of the major theoretical formations in the twentieth century

  • investigate how different literary theories interrelate and confront each other

  • explore the relationships between literary theory and literary analysis

  • gain experience of the practical application of literary theory and literary analysis

  • acquire a knowledge of critical debates about the writing they study

  • engage in reasoned critical analysis of particular texts

  • become independent learners who can use a broad range of reference tools, assimilate and appraise substantial amounts of information, and address, define and solve problems

  • become self-aware readers of literature and writers about literature

  • develop an ability to arrive at independent conclusions and make judgements

  • develop an ability to express themselves clearly in speech and in writing

  • develop their own critical voice

  • develop their own interests and manage their own learning through their choice of options


Information provided by School of Education:

  • To provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the complex body of knowledge associated with Education

  • To enable students to critically engage with the key issues and current research in Education.

  • To enable students to critically reflect on and manage their own learning and performance;

  • To provide students with an opportunity to acquire the employability skills and personal attributes and values that are necessary for employment, training, or further education.



10 : Intended learning outcomes


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:


Information provided by School of Education:



10.1 : Knowledge and understanding


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:

The successful student will have gained a knowledge and understanding of:

A1 a range of different genres and periods of literatures in English
A2 the importance of the literary, socio-historical and cultural contexts within which texts are produced and read
A3 the relations between literary texts, and between texts and their contexts
A4 some of the critical issues and debates that have been raised by texts

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Teaching and learning: Lectures; tutor-led workshops and seminars; student-led workshops and seminars, written seen and unseen examinations

Assessment - coursework essays; written unseen examinations; oral presentation, dissertation

The programme ensure that all students study a range of writing in English from more than one period.


Information provided by School of Education:

  • A1 To understand the structure and development of the Education system within the UK and internationally and to be aware of assessment systems in place at each phase of the Education system.

  • A2 To understand how learners’ physical, intellectual, linguistic, social, cultural and emotional development can affect their learning

  • A3 To be aware of methods of safeguarding children and to understand a range of professional frameworks.

  • A4 Understand a range of strategies to establish a purposeful learning environment and promote good learning, achievement and behaviour.

  • A5 To be aware if the interdisciplinary nature of ICT and digital competency

  • A6 To be aware of the SEN code of practice for Wales and to be aware of strategies to support learners

  • A7 To understand the practical and ethical issues when working with and researching children

  • A8 To understand and evaluate issues relating to learner well-being and health.

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

  • Lectures 

  • Seminars 

  • Individual tutorials 

  • Group work 

  • Personal research 

  • Workshops 

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

 

  • Written assignments 

  • Examinations 

  • Placement Portfolio 

  • Undergraduate Dissertation 

  • Posters 

  • Oral Presentations 

  • Teaching/ Lesson Plans 

  • Interactive artefacts 



10.2 : Skills and other attributes


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

The successful student will develop the ability to:

B1 analyse and interpret a variety of texts
B2 exercise independent thought and judgement
B3 engage critically and self-reflectively with complex material and concepts
B4 present sustained, persuasive and coherent arguments
B5 communicate the results of their studies clearly
B6 plan and organise work and present work to deadlines

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Seminars and workshops are used to develop these skills, which are assessed by independently researched coursework assignments, unseen timed examinations, dissertation.

10.2.2 Practical skills

The successful student will develop:

C1 research skills
C2 writing skills
C3 competence in structuring and presenting arguments orally and in writing
C4 an ability to work in groups
C5 time and task management
C6 word-processing skills
C7 ability to use recognised presentational skills, including bibliographical and notational conventions
C8 oral presentation skills

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Teaching and learning: skills-based course in first year; preparation for oral and written assignments; essay writing; group work in seminars and workshops; independent study Assessment: coursework assignments; essays; unseen examinations; group oral presentations

Information provided by School of Education:

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • B1 Analyse and interpret a range of academic texts and government documents

  • B2 Critically evaluate a range of source materials

  • B3 Apply theory to practice

  • B4 Understand a range of learning and teaching styles

  • B5 Communicate knowledge to others in written and spoken forms

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

  • Lectures

  • Seminars

  • Group work

  • Personal research

  • Workshops

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

  • Written assignments

  • Examinations

  • Placement Portfolio

  • Undergraduate Dissertation

  • Posters

  • Oral Presentations

  • Teaching/ Lesson Plans

  • Interactive artefacts.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • C1 Demonstrate the ability to understand the diverse learning needs of learners and evaluate how to provide the best possible education for them to maximize their potential, whatever their individual aspirations, personal circumstances or cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic background;

  • C2 Understand the role of multi-agency approaches to supporting learners.

  • C3 Be aware of, and work within, the statutory framework relating to their responsibilities

  • C4 Understand and apply psychological theories of learning and teaching

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

  • Lectures

  • Seminars

  • Group work

  • Personal research

  • Workshops

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

  • Written assignments

  • Examinations

  • Placement Portfolio

  • Undergraduate Dissertation

  • Posters

  • Oral Presentations

  • Teaching/ Lesson Plans

  • Interactive artefacts.



10.3 : Transferable/Key skills


Information provided by Department of English and Creative Writing:

D1 ability to analyse issues
D2 ability to research, assimilate, select and organise relevant material using a variety of research tools in paper and on-line formats
D3 writing skills (in a range of modes)
D4 competence in structuring and presenting arguments
D5 an ability to work in groups
D6 time and task management
D7 word-processing skills
D8 oral presentation skills

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Student-centred seminars and workshops; essay writing assignments; oral presentations; dissertation

Information provided by School of Education:

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

  • D1 Demonstrate independent working and thinking

  • D2 Research, assimilate, select and organise relevant academic material

  • D3 Evaluate key theories

  • D4 Work as part of a group

  • D5 Communicate to a range of audiences

  • D6 Demonstrate effective time management

  • D7 Demonstrate critical self-reflection

  • D8 Argue coherently by analysing evidence and applying logical thinking

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

  • Lectures

  • Seminars

  • Group work

  • Personal research

  • Workshops

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

  • Written assignments

  • Examinations

  • Placement Portfolio

  • Undergraduate Dissertation

  • Posters

  • Oral Presentations

  • Teaching/ Lesson Plans

  • Interactive artefacts.



11 : Program Structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards



BA English Literature / Education [QX33]

Academic Year: 2023/2024Joint Honours scheme - available from 2000/2001

Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 years

Part 1 Rules

Year 1 Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
EN11300

Critical Practice

Semester 2
EN10220

Ancestral Voices

EN11320

Critical Practice

Year 1 Core (40 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
ED14520

Children's Development and Learning

Semester 2
ED13820

The Learner and the Learning Environment

Year 1 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
EN11220

American Literature 1819-1925

IC17700

Academic Writing: Planning, Process and Product

WL10120

Re-imagining Nineteenth-Century Literature

WL11420

Literature And The Sea

Semester 2
CL10120

Greek and Roman Epic and Drama

EN10520

Contemporary Writing

IC13420

Language Awareness for TESOL

IC17720

Academic Writing: Planning, Process and Product

WL10420

Introduction to Poetry

Year 1 Options

Choose one module (20 credits)

Semester 1
AD10120

Polisiau a Materion Mewn Addysg

AD13620

Sgiliau Allweddol i Brifysgol

ED10120

Policies and Issues in Education

ED13620

Key Skills for University

ED14620

Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years

Semester 2
AD14320

Datblygiad Iaith

ED11820

Inclusive Learning Practices

ED13720

Play and Learning:Theory and Practice

ED14320

Language Development

Part 2 Rules

Year 2 Core (20 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
ED20120

Psychology of Learning and Thinking

Semester 2

Year 2 Core (20 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
EN20120

Literary Theory: Debates and Dialogues

Semester 2

Year 2 Options

OPTIONAL MODULES : You must take 20/40-60 credits, ensuring a total of 100-140 credits over the 2nd and final years, from:

Semester 1
AD20220

Llythrennedd Mewn Plant Ifanc

AD20600

Gweithio Gyda Phlant

AD24320

Diogelu ac Ymarfer Proffesiynol

ED20220

Literacy in Young Children

ED20420

Education, Diversity and Equality

ED20600

Working with Children

ED24320

Safeguarding and Professional Practice

Semester 2
AD20320

Dulliau Ymchwil

AD20620

Gweithio Gyda Phlant

ED20320

Research Methods

ED20620

Working with Children

ED20820

Making Sense of the Curriculum

ED22420

Discourses Language and Education

Year 2 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
EN20920

Literary Modernisms

EN21220

Literature and Climate in the Nineteenth Century

EN21620

Contemporary Queer Fiction

IC27720

Effective Academic and Professional Communication 1

Semester 2
EN21020

Literary Geographies

EN21120

Contemporary Writing and Climate Crisis

EN22920

Literature since the '60s

IC27720

Effective Academic and Professional Communication 1

WL20720

A Century in Crisis: 1790s to 1890s

Year 2 Options

Choose 20 credits

Semester 1
CL20320

Classical Drama and Myth

EN23120

In the Olde Dayes: Medieval Texts and Their World

EN28720

Writing Women for the Public Stage, 1670-1780

Semester 2
EN22120

Place and Self

Final Year Core (20 Credits)

Compulsory module(s).

Semester 1
ED30120

Assessment and Education

Semester 2

Final Year Options

OPTIONAL MODULES : You must take 20/40-60 credits, ensuring a total of 100-140 credits over the 2nd and final years. You must only take either the AD or the ED module

Semester 1
AD30620

Hawliau Plant

AD33600

Traethawd Hir

ED30420

Special Educational Needs

ED30620

Children's Rights

ED33600

Major dissertation

Semester 2
AD30320

Datblygiad Mathemategol yn y Blynyddoedd Cynnar

AD33640

Traethawd Hir

AD34720

Cyfathrebu

AD34820

Datblygiad Emosiynol a Chymdeithasol

ED30320

Mathematical Development in the Early Years

ED33640

Major dissertation

ED34720

Communication

ED34820

Emotional and Social Development

Final Year Options

Choose 60 credits

Semester 1
EN30000

Undergraduate Dissertation

EN30120

Reading Theory / Reading Text

EN30520

Romantic Eroticism

IC37820

Effective Academic and Professional Communication 2

WL30620

Remix: Chaucer In The Then and Now

WL35320

Literatures of Surveillance

Semester 2
EN30040

Undergraduate Dissertation

EN30320

Victorian Childhoods

EN30420

Writing in the Margins: Twentieth-Century Welsh Poetry in English

EN30820

Haunting Texts

EN31320

The Mark of the Beast: Animals in Literature from the 1780s to the 1920s

EN33620

Ali Smith and 21st Century fiction(s)

IC37820

Effective Academic and Professional Communication 2


12 : Support for students and their learning
Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor. Personal Tutors have an important role within the overall framework for supporting students and their personal development at the University. The role is crucial in helping students to identify where they might find support, how and where to seek advice and how to approach support to maximise their student experience. Further support for students and their learning is provided by Information Services and Student Support and Careers Services.

13 : Entry Requirements
Details of entry requirements for the scheme can be found at http://courses.aber.ac.uk

14 : Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of teaching and learning
All taught study schemes are subject to annual monitoring and periodic review, which provide the University with assurance that schemes are meeting their aims, and also identify areas of good practice and disseminate this information in order to enhance the provision.

15 : Regulation of Assessment
Academic Regulations are published as Appendix 2 of the Academic Quality Handbook: https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/aqro/handbook/app-2/.

15.1 : External Examiners
External Examiners fulfill an essential part of the University’s Quality Assurance. Annual reports by External Examiners are considered by Faculties and Academic Board at university level.

16 : Indicators of quality and standards
The Department Quality Audit questionnaire serves as a checklist about the current requirements of the University’s Academic Quality Handbook. The periodic Department Reviews provide an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and for the University to assure itself that management of quality and standards which are the responsibility of the University as a whole are being delivered successfully.