Education and English Literature

Explore the ways that education, society, and organisations are structured, and how these structures impact the wellbeing and opportunities of individuals, groups and communities.

We introduce you to education systems from around the world and investigate how education can be used in different ways to change lives. We also look at educational policy and practice and how it can be used to promote social justice.

In your English Literature studies, 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.

Year one
The first year introduces key concepts and skills that underpin the subject of English Literature. You'll be introduced to formal and informal education and explore the potential of education to transform lives. Key themes include wellbeing, global citizenship and the impact of research.

Year two
In your second year you’ll be introduced to the key ideas and theories needed to understand contemporary educational issues.

You’ll learn about education policy and its role on a local and global scale. You’ll also evaluate how education contributes to achieving change in the workplace. You’ll explore global citizenship and wellbeing in more depth.

You’ll also get the chance to explore sustainable development. Depending on your choice of modules, you can undertake an education placement in your second year.

In English Literature, you’ll focus on developing your own critical voice through the study of texts and reading practices that speak to diverse audiences.

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).

You’ll develop a deeper understanding of a professional career in education and education’s role in sustainable development. Your dissertation in either Education or Biology will complete your studies. If you choose to focus on Education, you’ll get the chance to use your research to help solve real-world problems with our industry partners. If you choose Biology, you'll undertake an independent research project in an area that interests you.

If you’re interested in a teaching career, and you’re on target to successfully complete your degree, we offer a guaranteed interview for our Primary or Secondary PGCE courses in your final year.

Coursework includes essays, group presentations, a podcast, research-based reports, independent projects, practical assessments, and portfolio-based work. There are no exams on this course.

We’ll provide you with prompt feedback and give you regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding.

You’ll learn through a mix of seminars, lectures, individual tutorials and online tasks. You’ll also learn from guest speakers.

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

Throughout your degree, you'll be immersed in work-based learning, giving you the opportunity to investigate a range of education-related careers and develop your employability skills.

If you go into a school placement, you’ll be required to apply for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Services). You'll get more details once you've accepted your place with us. 

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

Depending on the optional module you choose in your second year, you can undertake additional accreditation in Outdoor Learning. Please note that you’ll have to pay a contribution towards the cost of this opportunity, including DBS, transport costs and payment of accredited course fee. 

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 wish to complete a PGCE and become a teacher, sharing your passion for English Literature with the next generation.

You’ll also gain a broad understanding of education in lots of different settings, which prepares you for a career in:

• Youth work
• Other roles in schools, such as Teaching Assistant
• Charity education
• Heritage organisations
• Prisons.

If you’re on target to successfully complete your degree, we offer a guaranteed interview for our Primary or Secondary PGCE courses in your final year.  We'll support you in achieving your aspirations – however they develop during the degree.

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) 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.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

Aiming to make work experience more accessible, we have introduced the PPY Bursary. Students undertaking a PPY can receive between £500 and £1,500 to be used towards placement costs such as travel, food, workwear or accommodation.

For more information and details of eligibility criteria, please visit the PPY Bursary webpage.

You'll be taught at our Newton Park campus. Nestled in the countryside at the edge of Bath, the campus offers a blend of modern and eighteenth-century buildings and good access to the city. 

From your lectures, you’ll be able to visit the library, the Students’ Union, and access our student information and support teams, as well as many of our facilities. 

ASk (Academic Skills)

Available both in-person and online, this dedicated team can help with essay writing, referencing, maths skills and statistics.

Careers and Employability

The team runs networking events and advisory workshops that explore your future options and the essentials of the job application process. They help you get experience by assisting with your search for work placements and paid part-time jobs while you're studying.

When you're ready to progress into your chosen career, they can help you secure graduate-level employment, freelance opportunities, and funding for your own business ideas. Career support continues for years after you graduate with the dedicated Grad Support Unit.

English Language Unit

If English isn't your first language, the ELU can help you improve your English, reach your full potential and boost your confidence.

Expert speakers

You'll meet our PGCE tutors, and other professionals working in education. You can also get involved with our research centres to stay up to date with the latest in education research.

Online resources

You can access thousands of specialist Library resources digitally. Don't forget to contact your dedicated subject Librarian for help with your research. Tutors will post helpful resources to the Virtual Learning Environment.

You’ll have free access to thousands of business, design, and tech courses online via LinkedIn Learning.

Student Wellbeing Services

SWS (Student Wellbeing Services) is available to support you throughout your learning.