This module takes you on a journey through the history and development of the English language, exploring its evolution alongside the literary and creative works that have shaped and reflected its development. Blending English language, literature, and creative writing, the module examines key milestones in the history of English, from Old English poetry to contemporary writing, highlighting how language, culture, and society influence one another, and how the language and texts of the present day have emerged.

You will analyse the grammar, vocabulary, and stylistic changes in English over time, applying knowledge and skills developed on the "Studying English" module at level 4 to investigate texts ranging from medieval manuscripts and Shakespearean drama to Victorian novels and modern digital storytelling. Sessions will encourage students to experiment with historical and present-day linguistic features and literary styles, analysing and/or crafting pieces that echo or challenge traditions from different eras.

The module fosters a nuanced understanding of how English has adapted to historical, social, and cultural contexts. It also develops skills in linguistic analysis, close reading, and creative expression. By engaging with English across centuries, you will gain a deeper appreciation of the language’s richness and versatility while cultivating critical and creative abilities relevant to academic and professional pathways. This will prepare you for the level 6 module "Beyond the Page", in which you will investigate how this kind of knowledge is relevant to life beyond university.

A number of methodological approaches to the study of English will also be introduced in this module, helping to develop your knowledge of a range of ways in which language and texts can be analysed and understood. By working with data, possibly including that which is relevant to the "Voicing the Past" and "Cestrian English" projects, students will explore how data from different periods can be analysed through established approaches, as well as approaches which are new and emerging, possibly including the application of AI tools. Through applying and reflecting on the application of these methods, you will be provided with a valuable skillset that is likely to appeal to a range of future employers. 

The module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a 140-hour work placement*. This placement is complemented by a number of school-delivered sessions designed to develop their employability, professional practice, and students' understanding of their career options. Students learn to reflect on the nature of creativity within their studies, and gain awareness of how this is valued and relevant in modern workplaces. 

*in some cases, evidence of considerable relevant graduate-level work experience may be accepted as an alternative to completion of the stipulated placement.

This module explores the dynamic relationship between language, power, and popular culture. You will critically engage with the ways language as discourse shapes social hierarchies, political dynamics, and cultural identities. Drawing on critical discourse and sociolinguistic frameworks, the module investigates the relationships between language and identity and how this can both reinforce and challenge power structures in various contexts.

Key topics may include the role of language in perpetuating inequalities, as well as in mobilizing social change; language as a marker of cultural identity, for instance accent and dialect in song, and in TV and film representation; and language in persuasive  discourses such as political speeches and campaigns, advertising, protest song lyrics and charity appeals.

Through data analysis and critical readings, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of the ways in which language, power, and culture are deeply intertwined, shaping human experience in profound and often contentious ways. You will be encouraged to reflect on the ethical implications of language use in their own local, national and international contexts.

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. industry apprioprate sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement

Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work.

• criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The Level 5, 40-credit modules require a basic foundation of knowledge of your chosen language e.g. GCSE or equivalent,  a Level 4 module in the same language or equivalent previous learning. This module includes an optional placement abroad, such as an intensive course at a partner university. You can choose:

• Advanced Language Development and Global Sustainability (choice of German, French or Spanish)
• Upper Intermediate Language Development and Global Employability (choice of Chinese, French or Spanish)
• Post Beginner Language Development and Global Cultures (choice of German, Italian or Spanish)

This module will provide you with the practical and theoretical underpinning of professional practice in your specific subject, enabling you to identify and develop key employability attributes and skills in preparation for your future career.  

You will spend several weeks working collaboratively with other students across the School for the Creative Industries on one major project or several smaller projects in a professional ‘simulated real world’ working environment.  Projects will be contemporary, topical, externally focussed and often involve partnership with outside agencies. The module will provide you with opportunities for immersive learning and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

This is an experiential learning opportunity that incorporates, 20 teaching contact hours/lectures to prepare for the150 contract hours where L5 students can use all their skills learned to date on an actual real-world (external business) client driven project, working in teams and produce an artefact. 

Students are also expected to undertake around 30 hours of self study.

This module not only gives them enhanced skills but the opportunity to work for a real client thus giving them a valuable CV and LInkedIn entry as work experience that can contribute to their employability portfolio. 

Students will collaborate in teams and produce full client documentation alongside a reflection of their expereince and this all give some much needed contemplation of their skills to date and how to use them.