English Literature

English Literature offers an exciting approach to the study of literary texts from Shakespeare to the present.

At Bath Spa University we offer a wide range of English Literature modules. You can choose modules on specific authors such as Shakespeare, Margaret Atwood or Sylvia Plath or you can explore topics such as Literary London, Post-colonial Literature or Writing and the Environment. The English programme is reviewed regularly and new modules are planned.

English Literature at Bath Spa University is a popular programme with an excellent reputation. Along with only 32 other universities, English Literature was rated 'excellent' by the Higher Education Funding Council for teaching quality: we were commended for 'the friendly and supportive atmosphere within the School and the energy given to maintaining an attractive learning environment'. The English Literature programme will develop your critical and creative responses to a wide range of texts in English and it will develop your communication skills to a high standard. In recent years a number of English students have gone on to postgraduate study at Bath Spa and other universities.

80% of the research submitted under English Language and Literature to the independent Research Assessment Exercise 2008 was judged to be internationally recognised, internationally significant or world-class. The quality of the English Literature programme reflects both staff expertise in research and scholarship, and their commitment to excellence in teaching. Students benefit from their expertise and enthusiasm. We are keen to make students feel involved in the subject and its modules and aim to foster a lively atmosphere of engagement and debate.

Teaching Methods and Resources

Modules are taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Lectures set out the broad themes and issues; seminars offer the opportunity to explore a particular topic in depth and may include student presentations, group-work, computer-assisted sessions, and documentary or audio visual work. Tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss your work with your tutor on a one-to-one basis. There are also study trips: for instance, to the theatre, to London, to museums such as the Empire and Commonwealth Museum, and to the Bodleian Library in Oxford. English modules also make extensive use of online resources such as Early English Books Online.

Assessment Methods

English modules are assessed by a variety of coursework assignments (including essays, study journals and reviews), by presentations, and by seen and unseen examination.