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 develop an understanding of the social and cultural significance of English literature;
• to enable students to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of issues in English and Drama through specialist study and research;
• to stimulate productive reflection on the similarities and differences between modes of study in both subjects. 

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

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

• A knowledge of classical and contemporary Drama; a significant knowledge of a range of authors and texts from different periods of literary history, including those before 1800.  
• An understanding and practical experience of a range of research and critical methods in English and Drama studies; a capability of comparing theatre institutions, structures and practices historically and geographically.
• An appreciation of social and cultural diversity.
• The ability to understand the epistemological underpinnings of different research traditions in the subject areas.
• An understanding of the distinctive characteristics of the different literary genres of fiction, poetry and drama, and of the structure and functions of the English language.  
• They should also have an understanding of the power of imagination in literary creation and of the range and variety of contemporary approaches to literary and performance studies.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students will have acquired:

• critical skills in the close reading and analysis of texts and will have a thorough understanding of texts, concepts and theories relating to English and Drama studies;
• the ability to articulate arguments in speech, writing and other forms.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

• present cogent and persuasive arguments in oral, written and practical form;
• critically assess the effectiveness and value of a wide range of oral, written and performed communications;
• locate and retrieve information using a variety of research methods;
• they should be able to design and perform practical projects individually and in groups.

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 using communication effectively, including dialogue, writing formats and visualisation;
• demonstrate effective organisational and time-management skills.

4. Programme structure

.1 Part A - Introductory Modules

 Candidates must choose 20 credits of optional English modules in Semester 2 so that 120 credit units are accumulated over the year. All of the 60 Drama credits are compulsory

 Drama Component

English Component

 4.2 Part B - Degree Modules

Candidates normally attempt 60 credits in each semester, accumulating 120 credit units over the year.

Drama Component

Candidates normally choose modules from the following list with a total modular weight of 60 credits but may take fewer in accordance with the University's Credit Framework. The minimum number of Drama credits to be accumulated at Part B is 40.

Optional modules will be available in the following subject areas:

• Literature from 1350 to the present

• Language and Linguistics

• Creative Writing

• American Literature and Film

• Performance and Theatre Practice

• Theoretical, Technical and Historical Drama

In the 2020-2021 academic year the available modules will be:

 English Component

Candidates normally choose modules from the following list with a total modular weight of 60 credits but may take fewer in accordance with the University's Credit Framework. The minimum number of English credits to be accumulated at Part B is 40.

*Students must take at least one module from the four available compulsory modules listed.

Interdisciplinary Arts options also available in Semester 2:

Candidates may choose to take a module in the following list in place of a module in their main subject area(s).

Optional modules will be available in the following subject areas:

•  History of Art, Architecture and Design
•  Visual Culture
•  Arts Management
• Language, Literature, and Culture
• Publishing

In the 2020-2021 academic year the available modules will be:

DPS route

Candidates will undertake an approved placement leading to the Diploma in Professional Studies. 

OR

DIntS Route

Candidates will undertake an approved study placement at a partner institution outside the United Kingdom leading to the Diploma in International Studies.

Participation in either a work or study placement is subject to School approval and satisfactory academic performance during Parts A and B.

4.4 Part C - Degree Modules

Candidates normally attempt 60 credits in each semester, accumulating 120 credit units over the year.  In accordance with University Regulations, students should take at least 90 credits of C-coded modules in their final year of study.

 Drama component

Candidates normally choose modules from the following list with a total modular weight of 60 but may take fewer in accordance with the University's Credit Framework.  The minimum number of Drama credits to be accumulated at Part C is 40.

 Optional modules will be available in the following subject areas:

• Literature from 1350 to the present

• Language and Linguistics

• Creative Writing

• American Literature and Film

• Performance and Theatre Practice

• Theoretical, Technical and Historical Drama

In the 2020-2021 academic year the available modules will be:

 *Students may choose whether to take Dissertation in English or Research Project in Drama but may not choose both. They do not have to choose either.

 English component

Candidates must normally choose optional modules with a total modular weight of 60 across the year. The minimum number of English credits to be accumulated at Part C is 40.

 *Students may choose whether to take Dissertation in English or Research Project in Drama but may not choose both. They do not have to choose either.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 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 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 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.