BA (Hons) English and Media (Sandwich)

Part of the English programme, this degree takes a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary approach towards the study of English, encouraging students to think in new and imaginative ways about not only fiction, drama, poetry and language, but also media culture.

The course features innovative approaches towards the study of literature and is taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals, combining real-world practical training with intellectually stimulating academic study.

On this exciting and broad-based degree, you will divide your time equally between the two subjects, combining the academic study of literature and language with media and culture. You will examine and reflect on the significance of media culture in shaping identity, ideology, representation and politics. You will also be able to combine your media and English interests in a range of theoretical projects and options.

There are many opportunities for you to explore your own practical and creative writing interests and take part in study trips nationally and internationally. This course is also available as a four-year variant, which includes studying abroad in one of our partnership European universities for an academic year. Such experiences increase your intercultural understanding as well as your employability.

Industrial focus

Students are encouraged to put their skills into practice in the workplace by seeking placements within media organisations.

Course content

Year 1

Six core units:

• Cultural Fragments: An Introduction to Literary Studies
• Adapting the Novel
• Making and Reading Poetry
• Media and Cultural Analysis
• Cultural Revolutions
• Writing: Facts and Fictions.

Year 2

Six core units and one option unit:

• Gender Agendas 1
• Gender Agendas 2
• Playtexts in Context
• Shakespeare
• Europe and its Others
• Cultures and Consumption.

Options:

• Corporate Studies 1: Mickey Mouse Studies
• Genre Study 1: Noir
• Identity and Representation 1: Ethnicity
• National Media 1: European Cinema
• Television Studio Magazine Production/Input
• Identity and Representation: Sex and Society
• Scriptwriting 1: Writing for TV
• Genre Study 1: Cult Cinema.

Year 3

Three core units and three option units:

• Final-Year Project
• Shock Value
• Culture Wars.

Options:

• Comedy
• Radical Re-readings
• Storytelling
• Writing about Writing
• Work Experience
• Shakespeare and the Performer
• Identity and Representation 2: Gender
• Genre Studies 2: Horror
• Corporate Studies 2: Warner Bros
• Visualising War
• TV Studio Magazine Production
• National Media 2
• Scriptwriting 2
• Working in the Media.

Why choose Solent?

Solent’s joint honours English programme offers a unique and innovative blend of the academic with the practical. Our team of respected academics and industry professionals brings these subjects to life and ensures that you gain the best possible preparation for an exciting career. Students have the option of studying abroad for an academic year in one of our partnership European universities, thus increasing their intercultural understanding and employability.

• Innovative approaches towards the study of literature, taught by cutting-edge researchers and industry professionals
• Combines real-world practical training with intellectually stimulating academic study
• Crosses boundaries between academic subjects
• Multiple opportunities for study trips nationally and internationally
• Plenty of opportunity to explore your own practical and creative writing interests.

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Assessment

In addition to traditional essays, examinations, research projects and presentations, you will have opportunities to submit creative writing, journalism, workbooks and portfolios.

Projects/work experience

In your final year, you will be offered the opportunity of arranging a work experience placement in which you may explore your own career development plans.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, effective writing, research, presentation, project management, evaluation and problem solving.

Student quote

Anna Newbury

“The English and Media course at Solent is not just about reading and writing essays. It has changed the way I see the world by opening my eyes to things that influence our daily lives. The last few years have boosted my confidence in my own writing style and opened my mind to authors I never would have considered before. The course has given me the chance to explore a variety of areas and develop the ones that suit me best to help guide me towards my future goals and career. The tutors offer so much support, not just with work, but also university life, and I have met people from all walks of life, making some of my best friends.”

Graduate quotes

Roy Moss

"There is a real creative buzz around the university. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to work on different courses – everyone sort of feeds off each other – it’s a great atmosphere.

"It’s quite a good mix between practice and theory. Most of the first two years is theory-based, looking at lots of texts and their cultural contexts. In the third year, you really get to expand and do more practical things, so you get the opportunity to use what you’ve learned."

Emily Asgarian-Lake

"Since being on the course, it has widened my scope as far as research, analysing things and looking at things theoretically. That’s how I discovered certain strengths in specific areas.

"The Work Experience Placement opened up so many opportunities. I made lots of contacts, both in and outside of university, which I hope will really help once I finish my degree.

"Studying at Solent really helps you to achieve your potential. The support of fantastic tutors who share their utmost enthusiasm for what they’re teaching – it’s just a fantastic experience."

Key info from UNISTATS