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Master of Arts English Literature with Pathways (English Literature: Contemporary and English Literature: Creative Writing), Level 7, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
I'm pleased to welcome you to the MA English Literature. Whether you have studied with us before or are joining us for the first time, we're delighted to have you here and hope that you settle into your postgraduate studies quickly. This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a digital version of the Module Handbook for each module you study on your course.
The Course Team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies.
Dr Caroline Herbert
Course Director
Whether you are joining us for the first time, or returning to your course, we welcome you at the start of what we are sure will be a stimulating, challenging and rewarding year of study with us.
Our aim is to provide all our students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that informs understandings of the world we live in. Our courses are highly valued by employers, and our approach to student learning and support places you at the heart of everything we do. In addition to offering a diverse range of teaching approaches and a variety of different methods of assessment, we attach the greatest importance to providing you with constructive feedback on your work so you can develop your future learning.
Our learning environment is student-centred, and we value your opinions. We want to know about the things you enjoy and think we do well, and also to hear about ways in which you believe we can improve your experience with us. You can share your views with us through course representatives, evaluation of modules, or constructive comments to staff. Whichever route you choose, we are always interested in what you have to say.
Staff across the School of Humanities and Social Sciences will provide you with all the support we can to help you succeed on your chosen course, and we look forward to working with you as you achieve your academic ambitions. I hope you have an enjoyable and rewarding year.
Professor Andrew Cooper, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
An Academic Advisor drawn from the Course Team will be allocated to you at induction.
Skander El Fadhel
EnglishAdmin@Leedsbeckett.ac.uk
For the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Admin Office Opening Hours please see Appendices section at the end of the Course Handbook.
Course Reps are elected at the start of each academic year. Once elected, an announcement will be made via MyBeckett.
Your Academic Librarian team can be contacted onHSSLibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
To find out the key resources for your subject and to book an appointment with the Library's Academic Support Team, see your Subject Guides: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/schools/humanities_and_social_sciences
Level 7 Lead Tutor
Dr Nasser Hussain
The contact details of other key services, such as Student Advice, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Student Money, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward emails from your student email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your student email address can be found on the Library Student IT Support page (http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook)
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. This will be done in a variety of ways: via an announcement via MyBeckett or an email to your student email address.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff and students for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Your course team will advise how Microsoft Teams will be used on your course and make guidance available as required.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page.
Taught sessions, both mandatory and optional, will be scheduled and included in your online timetable. Depending on your course, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions where student engagement is required at a specified time or tutor pre-recorded lectures.
Normally, timetables will be made available to continuing students on 31st July and during induction week for new students via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Administrator.
Course Overview
The aims of the programme are for students to exit the programme with the following traits:
- advanced knowledge and critical understanding of a range of literatures in English, informed by recent developments in the field.
- critical understanding of key literary, critical and theoretical issues and debates in the field of English literature, and the deployment of a range of practical, critical and theoretical skills specific to the modules studied.
- expertise in the application of theoretical and conceptual models to the analysis and/or creation of literary texts.
- the ability to produce critical and reflexive evaluation of methodologies, informed by a range of cultural, theoretical, and practice-led reference-points.
- the ability to demonstrate intellectual independence, self-direction, and originality in tackling problems, and to act independently in planning, designing, and implementing a sustained project of research and/or creative practice.
- effective ability to construct coherent and persuasive arguments both orally and in written form, including the informed and confident use of appropriate critical vocabulary.
- possession of appropriate bibliographic skills, including the scholarly use of citation and reference in the presentation of written work.
- the qualities and transferable skills necessary for undertaking a higher research degree in the field and/or for highly-skilled employment/professional practice.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
1 | Understand, apply, and criticise key practical, conceptual and theoretical issues and debates in the analysis and/or creation of literary texts; |
2 | Reflect on and evaluate methodologies, drawing on a range of cultural, theoretical, and practice-led reference-points; |
3 | Demonstrate intellectual independence, self-direction, and originality in tackling problems, and act independently in planning, designing, and implementing a sustained project of research and/or creative practice; |
4 | Construct persuasive and sophisticated arguments both orally and in written form, including the advanced use of appropriate critical vocabulary and appropriate bibliographic (citation and reference) skills; |
5 | Articulate how to transfer the qualities and skills necessary for undertaking a higher research degree in the field and/or for highly-skilled employment/professional practice. |
While level learning outcomes are not strictly applicable to a Masters programme, the following table maps the CLOs against the Qualification Descriptor within the FHEQ relating to Masters Degrees (level 7):
Qualification Descriptor | Course Learning Outcomes |
A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice. | 1, 2 |
A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship. | 1, 2, 4 |
Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline. | 1, 2, 3, 5 |
Conceptual understanding that enables students to evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline; and to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses. | 1,2 |
Be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgments in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level. | 3,5 |
Continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level. | 2, 3 |
Holders will have the qualities and transferrable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
The outcomes outlined here have been designed with the QAA's demarcation between the intensity, complexity and density of study associated with a master's degree and other qualifications at this level in mind. The learning outcomes below reflect the distinction that 'masters degrees, in comparison to postgraduate certificates and postgraduate diplomas, typically include planned intellectual progression that often includes a synoptic/research or scholarly activity,' most notably in a Dissertation. (QAA, 2014, p. 29)
See: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf
PGCERT English Literature | PGCert students who gain 60 credits are not expected to demonstrate the depth and breadth of skills/knowledge demanded of full MA candidates. To be awarded a PGCERT, students will achieve CLOS 1, 2, and 4. | Level 7 |
PGDIP English Literature | To be awarded the 120-credit PGDip, students will achieve CLOS 1, 2, 4, and 5. | Level 7 |
Assessment & Feedback
On this course students will be assessed predominantly by coursework, which may include written work and oral presentations. Students also complete a major independent project.
Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett, on course noticeboards or in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/. Please check the penalties that apply to this course as some Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body requirements may mean that different penalties apply.
If you have been recommended 'flexibility around deadlines' as a reasonable adjustment in a Reasonable Adjustment Plan, your Course Administrator will be able to advise you of the process.
You are required to submit your written work via Turnitin; further information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within four weeks of your submission. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Tutors are also continually giving you feedback, either in writing, in seminars, or in individual and group meetings. In seminars you will receive ongoing feedback for your learning and progress. In this context, feedback will take the form of discussion with your tutor, either individual or in a group, and their responses to your ideas. You will be given opportunities to practice writing exercises and essay questions in the course of the semester. Sometimes these may take place in class, but you will also be asked to prepare practice pieces to bring to the seminar sessions. Practice exercises allow us to give you individual and group feedback to help you prepare for an assignment, but also to help you improve your critical reading and essay writing skills more generally. Module tutors and Academic Advisors hold weekly 'consultation hours', during which students can seek tailored individual feedback and guidance on their progress, and there will be opportunities in modules to gain individual guidance and feedback.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from Level 4 to Level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online system: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/results-online/.
Results will appear in Results Online within five working days of the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, students may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, students may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Director, Course Administrator or Academic Advisor for any necessary clarification.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
In most modules, the principal teaching and learning activity is the seminar. Usually seven seminars are run per module. Outside of seminars, students are supported with online learning via MyBeckett and in tutorials with module tutors, Course Directors, or other academic staff. Where academic content and good educational practice make it appropriate, student learning may be facilitated through a range of digital technologies.
Seminars involve close analysis and discussion of pre-assigned reading, sometimes in small groups and leading to plenary or 'feedback' sessions with reports from small groups, creative responses and the workshopping of ideas, feedback and critique of work in progress, student-led discussion through the presentation of short papers or the setting of learning tasks, and assessed student presentations. Occasionally seminars may also accommodate short presentations by tutors or by students, including informal and assessed presentations.
As is particularly appropriate at Level 7, onus is placed on preparation outside of class. Students are required to read and write outside of class, then to share this work with their cohort, in addition to the work they complete during the seminars. Independent learning may involve the close reading of primary sources and suggested secondary sources, reading from the learning resources suggested by the module tutor, independent research using books, journals, websites, and electronic databases, completing seminar preparation tasks, guided creative writing tasks, keeping a reflective learning journal, collaborative work with other students on prepared topics, and both assessed and informal presentations.
Students may be required to use digital platforms such as Microsoft 365, Google Docs and Google Blogger in composing and sharing drafts, for example, or feeding back on the work of their peers. These activities may be alternatively facilitated by the VLE, MyBeckett. In some modules, students may make use of social media (e.g. Twitter) as a medium for writing and publishing. This technology can be accessed through iPads, which are available to loan from the School for the duration of the seminar.
Seminars may make use of educational technologies, such as PowerPoint slides, images, maps, video clips and other visual material. Detailed module guides allow students to identify the learning activity for each week and provide suggestions for seminar preparation and secondary reading. These learning materials are made available to students via MyBeckett.
Assessments may involve a short analysis of a text, the preparation of an essay plan, a literature search, the compilation of a bibliography, the compilation of an anthology of sources; an essay written in response to a question set by the tutor, an essay written in response to a question or topic devised by the student, a portfolio of creative writing and accompanying commentary or craft exercises.
In addition to the learning that takes place in the modules, students may take advantage of Academic Writing tutorials. We have also offered, in recent years, a range of enhancement sessions that focus on the writing craft and the industry (e.g. workshops on specific aspects of the craft, consultations on work in progress and symposia on editing and the publishing industry). Students are also encouraged to attend in-house research events such as the annual English Research Seminar series, convened by members of the English subject group.
Flipped and blended approaches to teaching and learning are intrinsic to work undertaken at Masters level, given the extent to which students are expected to work independently, including in preparation for class, and the extent to which such activities utilise digital resources. Learning sets may also be employed either within or besides tutor-led face-to-face classes. In these learning sets students will independently work on group activities, which will have been set by the tutor. Students may be expected to upload learning set material to MyBeckett and/or prepare material for discussion in the following face-to-face class.
This information is correct for students progressing through the programme within standard timescales. Part time students will be supported by the course team to determine an appropriate selection of modules from the level for each year of study. Students who are required to undertake repeat study may be taught alternate modules which meet the overall course learning outcomes. Details of module delivery will be provided in your timetable.
Level 7 |
|
Block 1 - modules delivered over 7 weeks | Core (Y/N) |
Creative Criticism (both Contemporary and Creative Writing Pathways) (20 credits) | Y |
Poetry and Poetics (both Contemporary and Creative Writing Pathways) (20 credits) | Y |
Block 2 - modules delivered over 7 weeks | Core (Y/N) |
Literature in Practice (both Contemporary and Creative Pathways) (20 credits) | Y |
Neoliberal Fictions (Contemporary Pathway only) (20 credits) | Y |
Voice and Diversity (Creative Writing Pathway only) (20 credits) | Y |
Block 3 and over the summer - modules delivered over 7 weeks | Core (Y/N) |
Contemporary Caribbean Writing (both Contemporary and Creative Writing Pathways) (20 credits) | Y |
Contemporary Apocalyptic Fictions (Contemporary Pathway only) (20 credits) | Y |
Rewritings (Creative Writing Pathway only) (20 credits) | Y |
Major Project (both Contemporary and Creative Writing Pathways) (60 credits) | Y |
A standard module equates to 200 notional learning hours, which may be comprised of teaching, learning and assessment, any embedded placement activities and independent study.
Modules may have more than one component of assessment.
Overall Workload | |
Teaching, Learning and Assessment | 192 hours |
Independent Study | 1671 hours |
Placement | - |
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University expects you to attend and contribute fully to all mandatory sessions on your timetable as set out in your student contract. Engagement in your lectures, seminars and practicals is an important part of your learning - contributing both to the University community and the learning experience of your fellow students on the course. This includes engagement in scheduled virtual learning and activities and meetings in online environments related to your studies.
We monitor your engagement at the University as regular attendance and academic achievement are closely linked. Moreover, by monitoring your engagement and attendance we can identify students who may need our guidance or support at an early stage to help them progress in their studies. This is part of our commitment to ensuring an excellent education and experience and supporting your success at Leeds Beckett.
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office to let them know. This may then be recorded as an 'authorised absence'.
Please note that any attendance reports can be shared with you and your Course team. You might be asked to contact your School office so that appropriate academic or pastoral support can be offered, should your attendance record give cause for concern.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company and the Home Office. There are measures in place for students who seek to falsely register either their own or fellow students' attendance.
Our Academic Engagement Policy is available under 'Student Contract' on the Student Regulations web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific attendance requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
If you are unable to study due to Covid-19 (coronavirus) symptoms, please see the guidance available on our Covid-19 web page.
If you are unable to study because of another illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Any Leeds Beckett student who suspects they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
If you are thinking about changing course or withdrawing from your course, further information can be found on our Student web pages.
International Students
Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all students who have a Student visa. Failure to meet UKVI attendance and engagement requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked.Students who hold a Student visa need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see www.ukcisa.org.uk or our Student Immigration Advice and Compliance web page for full information.
For up-to-date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please visit the International Students' web pages on the Students website or email the Student Immigration Advice and Compliance Team on siac@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
You should have been enrolled on the International Student's Academic Introduction module in MyBeckett when you began your studies - if you missed this you can self-enrol and explore the content which introduces you to making the academic transition to a UK university. Please refer to Library page supporting international students
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
At the end of the Course, you will be able to articulate how to transfer the qualities and skills necessary for undertaking a higher research degree in the field and/or for highly-skilled employment/professional practice. With some of the world's major corporations now recognising the value of the so-called 'soft skills' delivered in Humanities degree, we are confident that many valuable transferable skills are embedded in this programme of learning. Employability and extra-curricular activities include: students reflecting on experience and entrepreneurial skills in Literature in Practice (here students can draw on experience obtained in work and other professional environments to reflect on how it has both helped and been enhanced by research skills developed as a student); undertaking a major project requiring skills of project management, liaison, independence of mind, and advanced research techniques; working throughout the course on complex assignments demanding highly-skilled attributes of critical and creative thought, collaboration and independence, argumentation and empathy. In practical terms, besides delivering these skills in the traditional forms of teaching, learning and assessment, tutors will ensure that students are able to find opportunities to pursue the kind of extra-curricular activities which might enhance their learning and development of skills. At induction, students will be offered introductions to a range of possible employability opportunities made available through the Careers central service. Students will moreover be able to undertake the non-credit bearing employability module overseen by the Careers team. While embedded throughout the course, these activities become explicit in Literature in Practice, which, in an 'application form' exercise, assesses students' ability to articulate how their skills, knowledge and experience equip them to undertake a major project of their own design.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
presenting their achievements and allying their disciplinary knowledge with transferable skills. We continually help students understand, through detailed feedback and discussions, the significance of this application of their learning. The course team also works with regional and national partner organisations and employers including Festival Republic, Peepal Tree Press, The Geraldine Connor Foundation, The David Oluwale Memorial Association, Palgrave, The Tetley, Leeds Light Night Arts Festival and Ilkley Literature Festival to offer work experience placements and opportunities for students to enhance their employment experience alongside their undergraduate studies.
Further work-related activities associated with this course:
- Encouraging students to undertake the Careers Readiness Survey (CRS), where you will be asked about careers and employability support and your sector interests. A tailored list of careers resources will then be presented to you on screen and sent to your email, giving you direct access to information and support that you have told us is relevant to you.
- Encouraging students to undertake the co-curricular online careers module where you will undertake career development learning, learn how to make effective career decisions and enhance your employability (100% of students would recommend it to other students).
- Providing optional employability modules at level 5 (Applied Humanities: a live-brief learning module where you will gain first-hand experience of planning, delivery and evaluating a professional working brief set by an industry partner organisation) and level 6 (Careers Cartographies: an online career development and work-integrated learning module designed to enhance your skills, knowledge and non-linear career options through work-based learning.
Specific Employability Skills
The major strength of all English graduates is the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Studying an English degree also develops skills in:
- independent working
- time management and organisation
- planning and researching written work
- articulating knowledge and understanding of texts, concepts and theories
- leading and participating in discussions
- negotiation and teamworking to present ideas and information
- effectively conveying arguments and opinions and thinking creatively
- using your judgement to weigh up alternative perspectives
- critical reasoning and analysis
- using IT
Source: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/english
In addition to the employability skills you gain as a result of completing the English Literature course, you also have access to careers and employability support from professional services, which supports students and graduates with all aspects of career planning & decision making, along with helping you recognise and develop your employability skills.
The School has dedicated careers and employability support that enables us to build tailored career development learning into our programme at all levels of study. This allows us to support you with expert career development learning and employability from trained professionals who can help you make well-informed decisions about student and graduate employment or postgraduate study throughout your undergraduate career.
This is in addition to online careers and employability support via MyHub which includes a live jobs board where you have access to jobs and opportunities ranging from volunteering, Placements and part-time work to graduate vacancies. Careers and employability online events and workshops are accessible via MyHub, including regular careers and jobs fairs (including the annual Graduate & Placements Fair every October), employers and employer-led initiatives such as Women in Leadership (WIL) and Digital LEAP. Practical help and resources are also available to assist you in exploring and researching career options (including self-employment, freelance & business start-up), job hunting and presenting yourself professionally in CVs, applications, online (LinkedIn) and interviews. One-to-one online careers guidance appointments with our dedicated School careers and employability professional also enables you to access tailored careers information, advice and guidance for the English subject area.
The Beckett Careers team is available to support post-graduate students with all aspects of career planning & decision making, along with helping you to recognise and develop your employability skills.
This can be anything from career planning and understanding options with your degree, writing CVs and applications, developing a good online presence, help with interviews, and applying for further study (including teacher training), to searching for jobs and getting part-time work, understanding how to make the most of graduate fairs, and plenty more!
Email: careers@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5995 / 0113 812 7335
myhub.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/s/careers
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your course, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with course-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your course starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your course.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All students who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your course. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your course you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
You can access a range of physical and online resources relevant to your course through the University Library. The Subject Support page for English Literature provides course-specific resources and further information about media loans, books, and library facilities. It can be found in the 'Library and IT Support' section below.
Further module specific materials will be available via MyBeckett.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your course enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, course completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that students will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our students in the continuous enhancement of our courses and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your course and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to student outcomes on the course and student surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our courses nationally and to inform annual course enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve students' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your course.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for students on your course and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from students on your course to inform enhancements to the quality of your course and the student experience.
- Facilitating good communication between students and staff on the course.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your course.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your course; and
- Being an ambassador for your course.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all students to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your course and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific course or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and the Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
General Information
Post Graduate Diploma English Literature: Contemporary
Post Graduate Diploma English Literature: Creative Writing
Post Graduate Certificate English Literature with Pathways:
Post Graduate Certificate English Literature: Contemporary
Post Graduate Certificate English Literature: Creative Writing
Leeds Beckett University
PT students will be supported by the course team to determine an appropriate selection of modules from the level for each year of study. PT delivery is usually at half the intensity of the FT equivalent course, although there may be flexibility to increase your pace of study to shorten the overall course duration. Some modules may be delivered in a different sequence to that defined within this information set but the modules offered within each level are consistent. Please note that the work placement option is not generally available to PT students.
Course fees and additional course costs are confirmed in your offer letter. Course fees are presented to you annually through the online enrolment process. Please visit our Course and Tuition Fees Payment web pages for further information. Ongoing queries relating to additional course costs may be discussed with your Course Administrator.
Alternatively, you can contact any of the following teams:
For Student Finance related fee queries: studentfunding@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Other fee related queries: fees@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Payments: incomes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with Support Report Respect where students and colleagues who are victims of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct, can access support, advice and guidance.
For advice on University regulations and policies, students should contact the Students' Union Advice Service.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your course. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page.
The details of the External Examiners for this course are as follows:
Dr Neal Alexander
Senior Lecturer in Twentieth-Century Literature
Aberystwyth University
Appendices
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