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English Literature shares frontiers with many subjects and has become the central field of humanistic study in UK universities. The University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø degree programme approaches English Literature as a versatile academic discipline characterised by the rigorous and critical study of literature and language, importantly concerned with the production, reception and interpretation of written texts, primarily literary; and with the nature, history and potential of the English language. We recognise and celebrate that the study of English develops a flexible and responsive openness of mind and sympathy, conceptual sophistication in argument, and the ability to engage in dialogue with past and present cultures and values.

The programme’s key aims are to deliver the following:
• Systematic knowledge of the discipline as traditionally constructed by examining a wide range of literature in different genres across different historical periods, but with an emphasis on post-1770 literature, and in particular, study of the twentieth century
• Critically-informed understanding of ways to approach literary texts, and understanding of current critical issues and theories
• The ability to engage closely and in detail with the stylistic and rhetorical features of texts, and to conceive and develop creative works in a self-critical manner and across a range of genres
• The ability to read, write, and speak the language of effective and thorough communication
• Opportunities for rigorous discussion and debate, encouraged in a tutorial and seminar environment
• Competencies directly relating to employability:
- high-order conceptual, literacy, and communication skills
- intellectual skills of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation
- high-level, fluent, and accurate writing skills
- good IT skills.

In the English Department we also believe in the surpassing value of the reading, discussing, and understanding of great works of literature, both as processes that lead to higher levels of employability and the development of transferable skills, and as ends in themselves that are enriching and, ultimately, liberating. Literature is ethically and emotionally educative. In the words of Iris Murdoch, addressing the issue of ‘two cultures’: ‘the study of a language or a literature or any study that will increase and refine our ability to be through words is part of a battle for civilization . . . for clarity and truth, against vile fake-scientific jargon and spiritless slipshod journalese and tyrannical mystification. There are not two cultures. There is only one culture and words are its basis; words are where we live as human beings and as moral and spiritual agents’ (Writings on Philosophy and Literature, 1997).

• Framework for Higher Education Qualifications ();
• Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement(s) ();
• Other (list)

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of ³Ô¹ÏÍø and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.