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Education Secondary and English Literature

BA (Hons)

Undergraduate degree - combined honours

Award
BA (Hons) Education Secondary and English Literature
School/s
School of Education, School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities
Campus or location
Newton Park
Course length
Three years full time.
UCAS codes
Institution Code: B20
Course Code: 39G6 or 39E2
Campus Code: A,BSU

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.

Pursue your passion for English Literature while developing the knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll need for a successful career in Education – and beyond.

  • Gain valuable classroom experience and benefit from our strong partnerships with schools, charities and cultural organisations.
  • Develop practical and professional skills and apply these to contemporary challenges and debates.
  • Learn to communicate confidently and creatively in a variety of ways with a range of audiences.

University of the Year for Social Inclusion

Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024

#7 in the UK

for Student-Staff Ratio in Education (Guardian University Guide, 2024)

#12 in the UK

for Satisfied with Course in English (Guardian University Guide, 2023)

Explore the diverse worlds in literature – with an educator’s mind. Our English Literature and Secondary Education degree enables you to acquire specialised subject knowledge while developing practical and professional skills for a range of careers in secondary teaching, education, cultural industries, and the Arts.

Every book we pick up gives us different perspectives on the world. Studying English and Education in combination encourages you to gain a global perspective and apply it to pressing issues, debates, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

From classic texts to new and unfamiliar writing, you'll be asked to think differently about what ‘literature’ can be and to explore original ways of reading and analysing it.

These ways of critical reading will energise your study of education. We’ll ask you to place your reading in wider contexts, and to draw on other disciplines to deepen your understanding and sharpen your insights. You’ll investigate the broader contexts of professional practice in Education through placements in secondary schools and other educational settings during each year of your degree.

The course offers a guaranteed interview for our PGCE Secondary.


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What you'll learn

Overview

You’ll explore education from many theoretical and ideological perspectives in your core modules. This in-depth knowledge of the education sector, combined with your specialist subject knowledge in English Literature, gives you that all-important edge when you embark on your professional education career.

Course structure

Year one
The first year introduces key concepts and skills that underpin the subject of English Literature and Education Studies and allows you to ask questions, challenge your own assumptions and interrogate a range of critical evidence, texts and authors.

You’ll be given an introduction to secondary schools via a school placement in the first semester.

Year two
You’ll focus on developing your own critical voice through the study of texts and reading practices that speak to diverse audiences.

You’ll also explore practical considerations related to classroom organisation, assessment and the learning environment. You’ll undertake a second school placement, this time with a focus on developing your professional identity.

Year three
In English Literature we enable you to focus your studies on particular topics. You can also opt for an extended piece of writing and research or choose from a variety of practical projects (previously, students have created digital resources, worked at literary festivals, and produced educational materials, to name a few examples).

In Secondary Education, you'll identify questions about education that you'd like to explore, develop your proposal, and conduct an independent piece of research in your area of interest. You'll also have opportunities to engage with PGCE (Initial Teacher Training/ITT) staff and students to ease your transition to initial teacher training – if this is your desired next step.

How will I be assessed?

Coursework includes essays, group presentations, a podcast, research-based reports, independent projects, and portfolio-based work. We’ll provide you with prompt feedback and give you regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding.

How will I be taught?

All modules are led by experienced university staff. Many staff are active researchers and authors in their fields and from the outset, they’ll introduce you to their particular specialisms and research interests. You’ll also benefit from regular visiting speakers – these include headteachers, PGCE staff, practitioners, educational advisers, specialist researchers and international visitors.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Opportunities

Schools and placements

We have an excellent partnership with schools where you can develop your understanding of Secondary level teaching.

You’ll attend a placement in each year of the degree for approximately eight to ten days. They usually occur one day a week during a term to allow you to continue with other university studies. We’ll arrange each placement for you. We try to ensure that you're located within a reasonable distance from where you live; however, you should normally expect to travel using your own or public transport.

You must be in possession of a Bath Spa DBS disclosure. Details are sent once you have accepted your place with us.

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Careers

This course is designed to inform a range of careers – from classroom teaching where you can share your passion for English Literature, to advisory roles that inform educational policy and practice.

The transferable skills you’ll gain on this course will prepare you for a career that demands confident communication at all levels. You’ll be well-equipped for project management, education and events management. You may also choose to continue your studies at postgraduate level.

Successful completion of the Secondary Education degree qualifies you for a guaranteed interview for our PGCE Secondary courses.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

You'll be based at Newton Park campus. You'll also undertake placements in schools in each year of your studies.

You'll benefit from access to a wide range of excellent facilities, including:

Access to our research centres will give you the opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest in teaching research and excellence.

Fees

2024 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time £9,250
International full time £16,675

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

We’re looking for individuals who are curious, reflective and interested in their subject areas. You’ll be motivated, committed and keen to push the boundaries of your knowledge and get the best possible preparation for your future career.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. All applicants will also be required to hold a grade 4 or equivalent in GCSE English, Maths and Science.

  • A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in any subject.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred.
  • International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required.
  • Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Entry requirements for PGCE courses

The entry requirements for subsequent interview to the PGCE programme may alter (for example if the DfE changes entry requirements for PGCE courses). You’ll be advised of any changes during the degree.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.

Need more guidance? Head to our  pages.

Contact us

Admissions: 

Course leader (Secondary Education): Eleanor West
Email: e.west@bathspa.ac.uk

Course leader (English Literature): Dr Stephen Gregg
Email: s.gregg@bathspa.ac.uk

Three year course

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