English Literature and Spanish BA (Hons) - 2025/6
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 6
Final award and programme/pathway title
BA (Hons) English Literature and Spanish
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| DipHE | English Literature and Spanish |
| CertHE | English Literature and Spanish |
| Ord | English Literature and Spanish |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | UPG13002 | 360 credits and 180 ECTS credits |
| Full-time with PTY | UPG13025 | 480 credits and 240 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
English
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences - Literature & Languages
Programme Leader
LAZZARI Gabriele (Lit & Langs)
Date of production/revision of spec
13/11/2024
Educational aims of the programme
- This programme is designed to: develop a high standard of written and oral competence in Spanish, using it as a means of understanding, expression and communication
- develop a range of subject-specific and transferable skills that centre upon independent critical and creative thinking, and to provide practical support in the development of employability skills
- develop reading, analysis and writing of complex literary texts and discourses in relation to their historical, social, political, cultural, geographical and global contexts
- develop resourcefulness in research and writing skills, assist personal and professional development, and foster rigor, resilience and confidence, preparing students to fulfil their potential in today¿s world
- enable students to develop intercultural awareness and understanding of historical and contemporary exchange between English, particularly its literary tradition, and Spanish language and culture
- enable students to offer prospective employers a range of skills derived from their studies and from working and/or studying in the countries where Spanish is used
- ensure wide reading across the Anglophone canon as well as non-Western and marginalised traditions, with the possibility of in-depth study of contemporary literatures and cultures, creative writing, and the interface between global literatures and other related media
- impart an enthusiasm for, and understanding of, the subject that informs future choices, including careers, further study and lifelong learning
- provide students with a thorough knowledge of the history, culture and political and social institutions in societies in which Spanish is used, and enable them to access primary and secondary sources in Spanish
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Students who successfully complete this programme will show: knowledge of the use of Spanish as a medium for understanding; expression and communication, including acquisition of a wide-ranging vocabulary | KC | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| explicit knowledge of the linguistic structures, grammar and stylistic registers of Spanish and the ability to use linguists' tools, such as grammars, dictionaries and glossaries | KC | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| reading, analysis and writing of literary texts and associated critical and theoretical discourses | KC | Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| ability to comprehend the complex nature of literary language and genre, and how they are affected by social and cultural norms from a global and culturally sensitive perspective and the ability to demonstrate independent thought and judgement, to synthesise information, and to formulate creative and critical proposals | KT | Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| ability to use a wide range of digital and online tools for the study, research, and production of critical and creative knowledge | CPT | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| ability to practice independent and critical thinking, to collaborate productively with peers, and to communicate professionally in a variety of modes¿written, verbal, and digital | CT | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| ability to apply an understanding of social, cultural, historical and geographical contexts for the production of literary texts | KC | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| ability to demonstrate resourcefulness by managing time effectively and by developing projects to inform own and/or others learning | CPT | CertHE, DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| ability to establish connections between theoretical and textual materials (familiar and unfamiliar), and to develop original interpretations of themand the ability to analyse the role of authorship and textual production within contemporary publishing | CT | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) | |
| ability to integrate critical information and use it to access and work with resources for creative and critical outcomes and the ability to use effective bibliographical skills and to conduct research independently and rigorously, in both digital and physical spaces | PT | DipHE, Ord, BA (Hons) |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over three academic years, consisting of 360 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Students who have not had the opportunity to take a language up to A level can apply for the ab initio pathway. This is available only to students with proven language learning aptitude (such as another language at A level), and will involve very intensive language learning modules in the first year, enabling students to reach approximately A level standard and join the rest of the cohort for all modules in the second year.
Full-time with PTY
This Bachelor's Degree (Honours) programme is studied full-time over four academic years, consisting of 480 credits (120 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5, 6 and the optional professional training year). All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Bachelor's Degree (Ordinary) (300 credits)
- Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
- Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Students who have not had the opportunity to take a language up to A level can apply for the ab initio pathway. This is available only to students with proven language learning aptitude (such as another language at A level), and will involve very intensive language learning modules in the first year, enabling students to reach approximately A level standard and join the rest of the cohort for all modules in the second year.
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 - FHEQ Level 4
English Literature and Spanish - ab initio pathway
In the first year of the degree, it is are compulsory for students on the ab initio pathway to take the three ab initio modules:
In semester 1, the compulsory 30 credit module LAN1007 (Ab Initio Language I: Foundations) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1035 (Literary Histories I) and ELI1033 (Thinking Like a Critic I).
In semester 2, the compulsory LAN1008 (Ab Initio Language II: Developing Skills) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1036 (Literary Histories II) and ELI1034 (Thinking Like a Critic II). In addition, students on the ab initio pathway will take SPA1050 (Contemporary Spain I) as a compulsory module.
English Literature and Spanish - Post A-level pathway
For students with an A-level qualification in the language in question they follow the Post A-level pathway.
In semester 1 for these students, LAN1001 (Skills for Language Specialists) & SPA1056 (Spanish For Academic Study) are the two compulsory Language modules, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1035 (Literary Histories I) and ELI1033 (Thinking Like a Critic I).
In semester 2, SPA1057 (Spanish for the Professional World) and SPA1050 (Spain: An Introduction to its History, Culture and Society) are the two compulsory Language modules, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1036 (Literary Histories II) and ELI1034 (Thinking Like a Critic II).
* There is no distinction between ab initio and Post A-level pathways after the first year of the Programme.
Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 - FHEQ Level 5
Students choose four of the listed optional modules (two in English and two in Languages).
As part of your optional module selection, you are able to choose up to 15 credits from our range of interdisciplinary modules (subject to availability). For more information please refer to the website (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/personalising-your-degree-university-surrey)
Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 - FHEQ Level 6
It is compulsory for students on the Programme to do one of the Dissertation options available in their final year. Students should choose between:
English Literature (ELI3033 - English Literature Dissertation) OR Creative Writing (ELI3034 - Creative Writing Submission) OR Languages (LAN3003 - Long Dissertation + advanced language skills module) options.
As part of your optional module selection, you are able to choose up to 15 credits from our range of interdisciplinary modules (subject to availability). For more information please refer to the website (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/personalising-your-degree-university-surrey)
Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
Module Selection for Year 1 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 4
English Literature and Spanish - ab initio pathway
In the first year of the degree, it is are compulsory for students on the ab initio pathway to take the three ab initio modules:
In semester 1, the compulsory 30 credit module LAN1007 (Ab Initio Language I: Foundations) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1035 (Literary Histories I) and ELI1033 (Thinking Like a Critic I).
In semester 2, the compulsory LAN1008 (Ab Initio Language II: Developing Skills) will be taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1036 (Literary Histories II) and ELI1034 (Thinking Like a Critic II). In addition, students on the ab initio pathway will take SPA1050 (Contemporary Spain I) as a compulsory module.
English Literature and Spanish - Post A-level pathway
For students with an A-level qualification in the language in question they follow the Post A-level pathway.
In semester 1 for these students, LAN1001 (Skills for Language Specialists) & SPA1056 (Spanish For Academic Study) are the two compulsory Language modules, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1035 (Literary Histories I) and ELI1033 (Thinking Like a Critic I).
In semester 2, SPA1057 (Spanish for the Professional World) and SPA1050 (Spain: An Introduction to its History, Culture and Society) are the two compulsory Language modules, taken alongside the two compulsory English Literature modules for that semester, ELI1036 (Literary Histories II) and ELI1034 (Thinking Like a Critic II).
* There is no distinction between ab initio and Post A-level pathways after the first year of the Programme.
Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Module Selection for Year 2 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 5
Students choose four of the listed optional modules (two in English and two in Languages).
As part of your optional module selection, you are able to choose up to 15 credits from our range of interdisciplinary modules (subject to availability). For more information please refer to the website (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/personalising-your-degree-university-surrey)
Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
Module Selection for Year 3 (with PTY) - FHEQ Level 6
It is compulsory for students on the Programme to do one of the Dissertation options available in their final year. Students should choose between:
English Literature (ELI3033 - English Literature Dissertation) OR Creative Writing (ELI3034 - Creative Writing Submission) OR Languages (LAN3003 - Long Dissertation + advanced language skills module) options.
As part of your optional module selection, you are able to choose up to 15 credits from our range of interdisciplinary modules (subject to availability). For more information please refer to the website (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/personalising-your-degree-university-surrey)
Professional Training Year (PTY) -
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELIP013 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR WORK) | Core | 120 | Year-long |
| ELIP014 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (WORK-STUDY 50/50) | Core | 120 | Year-long |
| ELIP015 | PROFESSIONAL TRAINING YEAR MODULE (FULL-YEAR STUDY) | Core | 120 | Year-long |
Module Selection for Professional Training Year (PTY) -
Students must choose one of the above three modules.
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | N | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | Y | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
Surrey's Curriculum Framework is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This programme is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas:
Digital Capabilities: throughout the programme, students will learn how to explore and practice a wide range of digital tools, allowing them to assess the potentialities and challenges of forms of artistic expression that are increasingly central in contemporary culture and society: among them, digital storytelling, visuality and filmic representation, video gaming, blogging, and podcasting. Both individually and through collaboration and group work, the programme allows students to actively participate in the production and in the critical evaluation of digital knowledge, providing them with critical and analytical skills that are highly sought by employers in the cultural and digital industries. Students will also gain skills in writing and communicating professionally on digital platforms, such as SurreyLearn, Microsoft Teams, and other digital and document sharing platforms.
Employability: the programme equips students with professional and transferable skills in communications, writing, and critical thinking. Students will learn how to write at a professional level in a variety of modes: analytical commentary and interpretive analysis, literary criticism, prose fiction, poetry, and writing for stage and screen. By analysing theoretical materials alongside literature, film, and other forms of visual and written expression, they will be able to carefully evaluate literary and cultural evidence, as well as synthesising and interpreting large and complex bodies of knowledge. During seminar discussions and class activities, students will develop skills in presenting their work effectively and concisely, both in verbal and written form. The programme thus equips students with skills¿clear and compelling communication, independent thinking, collaboration and team work¿that employers have consistently praised in PTY placement visits related to our programme. These skills are paramount in a wide range of professional environments and career paths, such as copywriting, communications roles, teaching, publishing, marketing, journalism and social media roles.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: the programme encourages students to share their work and their analytical and interpretive insights in class, allowing them to receive feedback from their peers and tutors, and empowering them to respond to it in intellectually productive ways. During seminar discussions, workshops, and class activities, students will learn how to explore resources collaboratively, learn from setbacks, and reflect on their individual progress. By fostering empathetic and open communication among students and between students and personal tutors, the programme supports students in their intellectual, cognitive, and affective journey. Students will become part of a community of literary and cultural scholars, writers, and creative practitioners, and will be able to explore the opportunities and challenges of studying, practicing, and producing critical and creative forms of expression. The programme fosters the wellbeing of our students, empowering them to become self-aware and resourceful individuals by offering a progressive, scaffolded learning experience and by allowing them to develop cultural sensitivity and emotional and social intelligence.
Sustainability: the programme encourages students to reflect on environmental and cultural sustainability, and equips them with tools and resources for shaping more equitable and sustainable futures. Students will be exposed to ecological thinking and ecocritical writing, and will read a variety of fictions and theories that address contemporary global issues related to sustainability, such as global warming, the Anthropocene, relations between human and non-human forms of life, and non-Western perspectives on sustainable ecosystems. Students will also be able to produce narratives and critical commentaries about these questions in written, oral, and digital-based forms (such as podcasting). By considering both global perspectives and local contexts, students will actively contribute to the imagination of potential solutions to contemporary challenges. The programme also exposes students to non-canonical perspectives originating from non-Western, queer, and/or indigenous communities, thus allowing students to broaden their critical horizon, develop ethical awareness, and become more environmentally and culturally sensitive thinkers and writers.
Global and Cultural Capabilities: the programme welcomes and supports students from a variety of cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds. Our pedagogical practices create safe and interactive spaces where students are encouraged to participate in the production and sharing of knowledge from their own cultural backgrounds and interests. The programme offers a learning journey that allows students to explore canonical forms, texts, and authors alongside perspectives, worldviews, and creative practices that have been historically silenced, marginalised, or endangered. Throughout the programme, students will develop sensitivity and appreciation for a diverse range of cultures and forms of artistic expressions, as well as emotional and cultural intelligence when discussing them with their peers and tutors. During seminars, workshop, and class activities, students will be encouraged to contribute actively from their own cultural perspective while practicing respectful communication and empathetic listening. In doing so, they will explore rigorous critical and creative tools, develop a high degree of self-awareness, and learn how to avoid conscious or unconscious bias when discussing contemporary global cultures and societies.
At FHEQ Levels 4 and 5 students take compulsory modules which address the core requirements for English and for Languages and Related Studies as they are outlined in the Benchmarking statements. Students spend Semesters 5 and 6 on professional and/or study placements in a Spanish-speaking country.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.