COURSE CURRICULUM

This English and Education Studies degree combines the close study of literature with a multidisciplinary exploration of education through sociology, psychology, history and philosophy, allowing you to understand how texts, ideas and learning systems are shaped by culture, society and power. In English, you will engage with a wide range of literary traditions and critical approaches, from Enlightenment and Romantic literature through to modernism, postmodernism and contemporary writing, while also studying how identity, language and meaning are constructed through theoretical frameworks such as post-structuralism, Marxism, feminism, psychoanalysis and post-colonialism. You will analyse literature in relation to broader cultural and political debates, including issues of identity, representation and social change, and develop advanced skills in critical reading, interpretation and argument. Alongside this, Education Studies examines how education operates within society, with a strong focus on inequality, social justice and global development, including frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will explore key sociological perspectives including functionalism, conflict theory, feminism and critical race theory, gaining a critical understanding of how class, gender, race and religion shape educational experiences and outcomes. The course also investigates teaching, learning and cognition, encouraging you to reflect on how individuals think, reason and engage with knowledge. Learning is enriched through optional modules that allow you to specialise in areas such as modern and contemporary literature, cultural studies, gender and identity, and the science of learning. In your final year, you undertake an independent research project or dissertation, demonstrating your ability to work autonomously and engage in sustained critical analysis. Overall, the programme develops strong analytical, research and communication skills, preparing you for careers in education, publishing, media, cultural industries, public sector roles and further academic study.