English Studies and Professional Education BA (Hons)

From books and magazines to email and the Internet, texts are all around us. As texts of all kinds become more prominent and powerful in our lives, the ability to analyse them and appreciate their often elusive meanings becomes more highly prized. The English Studies degree at Stirling will enable you to recognise ideology and bias, and see through the spin of cultural and political debate. You’ll refine your ability to think and write clearly – valuable skills in many careers and professions. Our graduates are well prepared in these transferable skills and have an excellent success rate in finding rewarding employment in many fields.The English Studies degree at Stirling introduces students to the critical and theoretical study of English, Scottish and American literature. Students have the opportunity to engage with texts from a broad range of historical periods, from the Middle Ages to the present day. There is also a language pathway through the degree, allowing you to study modules in language and linguistics in each semester. The opportunity to work with young adults to help them fulfil their potential must surely rank as one of the most important and influential roles anyone can take up as a career. What are the complex processes that underpin both learning and teaching within classrooms and other ‘learning spaces’? How can we use expert knowledge and developed experience of these processes to maximise the quality of education experienced by all our young people? Choosing to study Secondary Education at Stirling will involve exploring these and other core pedagogical beliefs, issues and practices and lead to one of the most rewarding and challenging career choices available to any graduate. You will usually follow eight semesters (four years) which leads to an Honours degree in the chosen teaching subject(s) and Professional Education. Alternatively, seven semesters (three and a half years) lead either to a General degree, or to a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Education. General degree students may only be able to qualify in one teaching subject.