In the day to day context, whilst every endeavour will be made to provide the courses and services described in the Programme Specification, Blackpool and The Fylde College reserves the right to make such changes as may be appropriate for reasons of operational efficiency or due to circumstances including industrial action beyond its control. This document is available in alternative formats on request. Page 2 of 9
CONTENTS 1. Introduction... 4 2. Key programme Information... 4 3. Programme Overview... 5 4. Admission Criteria... 5 5. Progression Opportunities... 6 6. Programme Aims... 6 7. Programme Outcomes... 6 8. Programme Content... 6 9. Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategy... 7 10. Integration of Work Based Learning... 8 11. Summary of Relevant Academic Guidelines... 8 12. Indicators of Quality and Standards... 9 Page 3 of 9
1. INTRODUCTION The Programme Specification provides a summary of the main features of the English Language, Literature and Writing programme, and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate on successful completion of the programme. Further detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module is available in the following documents: Programme handbook B&FC Student handbook B&FC Admissions Policy Work Based Learning handbook (Foundation Degrees) Student guide to assessment and feedback www.blackpool.ac.uk 2. KEY PROGRAMME INFORMATION Name of the final award Programme title Teaching institution Name of awarding body/institution Details of Professional/Statutory body accreditation Length of programme/mode of study Subject Benchmark statements UCAS code Language of Study Batchelor of Arts BA (Hons) English Language, Literature and Writing Blackpool and The Fylde College Lancaster University N/A 3 years / full time 6 years / part time The QAA subject benchmarks are drawn from English, English Language, and Linguistics; also with reference to National Association of Writers in Education (NAWE) Creative Writing Subject Benchmark Statement. QQ13 English Date of Validation 2000 Date of most recent review 2012 Date programme specification written/revised 2013/2014 Page 4 of 9
3. PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Blackpool and the Fylde College remains committed to providing a highly responsive curriculum that is employment and future-focused and will enable students to develop the essential knowledge and skills that will prepare them for future success in work and life. Employability and Widening Participation remain central to the College s HE Strategy as it continues to develop a sustainable, Higher Education provision that supports the economic, social and cultural development of Blackpool, and the wider North West Region. The BA (Hons) English Language, Literature and Writing has experienced continued success, building on endorsements received from such eminent past external examiners as Professor Paul Simpson from Queen s University Belfast, Professor Katie Wales of Nottingham University, and Professor Rob Pope of Oxford Brookes University, who commented: This is an innovative and path-breaking programme, well-staffed and well run. The original and innovative degree is now an established programme, which has earned a good reputation, both within and outside the college. The degree introduces you to analytical approaches and issues in language and literature and encourages you to utilise those skills in your own writing. Throughout the degree programme, you are encouraged to become more aware of how you relate on a personal level to the broader social and cultural contexts through your English studies. This is achieved by the continued relevance to academic debate surrounding issues arising from the areas of linguistic and literary perspectives and practical writing skills. Our students graduate as English specialists, able to hold their own in a number of professions. The very nature of the course offers you the opportunities to pursue career-linked interests such as teaching, human resources management, public services and marketing, since you will study representative texts and practise skills in your own research and writing. Graduates also pursue postgraduate study and feel well equipped to cope with the academic rigours of studying at this level. 4. ADMISSION CRITERIA Level 4 Entry Acceptance for Level 4 entry to the programme would normally be on the basis of either: 200 UCAS points from 3 A levels including A level English at Grade C or above; or Overall merits on Access to HE programme, including merits in English Candidates with previous or alternative qualifications may be invited for interview at which they must show evidence of their aptitude for these chosen fields and an ability to work at degree level. Level 5 Entry Direct entry to Level 5 would normally be on the basis of: Successful completion of a relevant Level 4 qualification at BFC or another HE institution. Level 6 Entry Direct entry to Level 6 would normally be on the basis of: Successful completion of a related level 4 and level 5 qualification, for example, Foundation Degree in Communication at Work, along with a short Bridging Course if necessary. Page 5 of 9
5. PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES Students are well equipped to progress on to further study in English Language, English Literature, and Creative Writing, as well as into teaching in primary, secondary and further education. Students have also progressed onto postgraduate degrees in Social Work and Scriptwriting, and have been employed in the Creative Arts industry. The generic skills and attributes gained by graduates of the programme mean that they are also well prepared for work in administration, public relations, and project management. 6. PROGRAMME AIMS This degree course aims to equip students with the following: An understanding of linguistic and literary concepts Practical skills, with underpinning knowledge, in analysis of a wide variety of literary and nonliterary texts Knowledge of social and cultural influences on text production and consumption Practical skills in writing literary and non-literary texts Transferable skills such as research and ICT skills, accurate writing and effective presentation of information in a variety of genres. 7. PROGRAMME OUTCOMES Upon completion of this programme students will be able to: 1. Identify and understand linguistic and literary elements involved in producing texts 2. Produce a variety of literary and non-literary texts 3. Recognise and appreciate the historical social and cultural influences which shape the production and consumption of texts 4. Employ skills and knowledge in vocational contexts 5. Use research skills effectively, including using computing technology with confidence. 8. PROGRAMME CONTENT All Higher Education programmes delivered at Blackpool and The Fylde College consist of modules. A module is a coherent unit of subject material, which is complete with its own learning outcomes and assessments. More detailed information on module content is available in the programme handbook. Level 4 120 Credits Module Code Title Level Credits BL101 Introduction to Literature Part A 4 20 BL102 Introduction to Literature Part B 4 20 BL103 Introduction to Language Part A 4 20 BL104 Introduction to Language Part B 4 20 BL105 Introduction to Writing Part A 4 20 BL106 Introduction to Writing Part B 4 20 Level 5 120 Credits Module Code Title Level Credits BL201 Literature, Theory and Criticism 5 20 Page 6 of 9
BL202 Language and Discourse 5 20 BL203 Writing: Genre, Text and Style 5 20 BL204 Linking Language, Literature, Writing: Theory 5 20 BL205 Linking Language, Literature, Writing: Practice 5 20 BL206 Excellence and Employability in English 5 20 Level 6 120 Credits Module Code Title Level Credits BL301 Literature, Society and Culture I 6 20 BL302 Literature, Society and Culture II 6 20 BL303 Acquisition of Language and Literacy 6 20 BL304 Applied English Studies 6 20 BL305 Dissertation / Writing Portfolio 6 `40 9. TEACHING, LEARNING & ASSESSMENT STRATEGY Learning and teaching strategies are designed to be informal and are based on interactive lectures, seminar sessions, and individual and group workshops. We also include the use of Moodle (VLE) as appropriate, to provide lecture notes, and supplementary video, audio, and textual materials. Both formative and summative assessments require students to demonstrate study skills and to use them in the analysis of information from a variety of sources. Various modes of assessment are used in different modules to ensure all aspects of learning are assessed and that students are engaged in different forms of assessment, covering their diversity of learning styles. The programme delivery follows a progressive pattern of acquisition of knowledge, its application and synthesis. In Year One, students will acquire and apply knowledge whilst in Year Two and Three, they will learn to evaluate and synthesise this knowledge in a range of academic contexts and with relevance for the workplace through applied writing studies (BL303, BL304) and the application of English studies to employment (BL206, BL302). An extensive induction and tutorial system familiarises students with: The programme aims The learning outcomes The assessment criteria Personal development skills Throughout the degree programme there is time set aside for group and individual tutorials. These play a crucial role in students academic and personal development, particularly in the first year, when a full 2-3 hour session a week is devoted to academic writing skills, referencing, etc., alongside pastoral care. In the second and third years the tutorial element is still built in, with 1-1.5 hours devoted each week to deliver whole-group and/or individual tutorials. Page 7 of 9
10. INTEGRATION OF WORK BASED LEARNING There is no work-based placement for this programme. However, direct links are made to the workplace in various modules, most specifically at Level 6 in Applied Writing Studies, which includes modules on Teaching and Learning with a requirement to demonstrate a practice-based approach with micro-teach sessions, production of schemes of work and lesson plans. There is also the opportunity to develop vocational writing skills in areas such as journalism, writing for children, and media production. At level 5, the module BL206 Excellence and Employability in English gives students the opportunity to relate their studies directly to a work-based context, either real or imagined. 11. SUMMARY OF RELEVANT ACADEMIC GUIDELINES UK Quality Code for Higher Education QAA Subject Benchmark Statements QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) B&FC Teaching Learning and Assessment Strategy B&FC Undergraduate Regulatory Framework Validating Partner s Undergraduate Regulatory Framework B&FC Undergraduate Assessment Regulations Page 8 of 9
12. INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS (QAA Review May 2013) QAA's judgements about Blackpool and The Fylde College The QAA review team formed the following judgements about the higher education provision at Blackpool and The Fylde College. The academic standards that the College offers on behalf of its awarding bodies meet UK expectations for threshold standards. The quality of student learning opportunities at the College meets UK expectations. The quality of information produced by the College about its learning opportunities is commended. The enhancement of student learning opportunities at the College is commended. Good practice The QAA review team identified the following features of good practice at Blackpool and The Fylde College: the clear link between the College's commitment to inclusivity and employability, and the resulting innovative assessment tasks the variety of assessment tasks and their relevance to the world of work, which was valued by students and employers the College's anticipatory approach to the consideration of and investment in learning resources the extensive and valuable contribution of students to the quality assurance and enhancement activities of the College the integrated approach to the provision of learning opportunities to enable the entitlements of disabled students to be met in the wider context of a College ethos of inclusivity the integrated and innovative approach to the provision of blended learning opportunities and e- resources using the virtual learning environment, which is both comprehensive and reliable the high-quality website, which provides a user-friendly point of contact for the College's intended audiences the positive contribution made by the role of the Higher Education Development Manager to the development and production of high-quality and accessible course data and management information the comprehensive and continuing development of the virtual learning environment that facilitates effective dissemination of information, providing a 'one-stop shop' for students and staff the positive contribution of the College's equality and diversity agenda to the enhancement of learning opportunities across its higher education provision the embedded culture of enhancement, as exemplified by the strategic leadership provided by the Higher Education Directorate and the complementary high levels of awareness among, and involvement of, staff and students across the College Page 9 of 9