Course summary

The degree in Media and English Literatures is taught by a dedicated staff team from a range of academic and media industry backgrounds. You will therefore encounter diverse perspectives and evaluations of the role of the media in contemporary cultures. In particular you will understand how contemporary media texts are frequently informed by English Literature. You will have the opportunity to develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work in the media and related industries. As part of your modules in the English Literatures subject area, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of literatures, from the canonical to the popular, from diverse authors. Your programme has a strong emphasis on the way in which literatures shape social and cultural identities. Your modules will focus on the politics, ethics, and ideologies of cultural representation, and issues of equality and diversity in literatures and culture. You will be taught by friendly, welcoming staff, who are dedicated to working with you to enable you to achieve your full potential. Your modules will include sessions with internationally renowned literary critics, award-winning novels and poets. You will have the opportunity to participate in our Literatures@Wolves Culture Programme, including visits to sites of regional, national and international interest, with regular events on campus, theatre performances, visits to museums, galleries and events. There will be embedded opportunities for assessment and work experience that plays to your strengths, and that will support your skills for employment on graduation. You will have the opportunity to complete a Student Record of Achievement, a record of skills and experiences to present to prospective employers. This course features a coordinated approach to the study of Media and English Literatures. The aim of this integrated joint degree is to break down the artificial barriers that have separated the written word from contemporary forms of communication such as multimedia platforms, television, and radio. The English Literatures component of the aware complements its Media partner by maintaining a balance between the study of canonical literatures and the incorporation of ‘media texts’, such as popular music and drama, film and television adaptation, and other media. The plurality of ‘literatures’ in the course title reflects the diversity of texts that you study; the English side of the degree will promote your understanding of the political and ideological significance of literature and culture in a wide range of social and historical contexts, especially in relation to gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, class, and disability. You will develop your awareness of the significance of ethical evaluations of reading and writing, supporting an understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion in literature, language and culture. You will be encouraged to reflect critically on literary production and reception, value and cultural capital. On this course you will learn about the ways in which media and literature both reflect and shape our understanding of the world, and our perception of our place within that world. You will develop a range of research, digital and analytical skills that are required not only in the creative and media industries, but also more generally in the public and private sectors. Graduates in English and Media have taken up a wide variety of careers including: working in radio, television, journalism and marketing, as well as various management and communication roles in retail, business, and local government. The degree in Media and English Literatures provides an excellent foundation for continuing studies at postgraduate level, and is a pathway to our MA programmes in English, Popular Culture, or Contemporary Media.