(Integrated Master in Literature:) Integrated Master in Literature Studies
Literature
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Literature, Film, and Theatre Studies
Colchester Campus
Masters
Full-time
English
MLITQ391
10/05/2023
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
Course qualifiers
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Doug Haynes
Reader in American Literature and Visual Culture
University of Sussex
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
The Master of Literary Studies in Literature is a four-year degree that combines elements of undergraduate and postgraduate study. Students will have the opportunity to explore the world of postgraduate literary study, including experimental and specialist forms of literature, and have the opportunity to develop a self-directed literary investigation in the final research project. By offering a shorter dissertation that is competed in the summer term, the MLitSt allows students to move on after just three terms of postgraduate study, with experience of Masters Integrated Masters (FHEQ Level 7) level study and a full portfolio of undergraduate work.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Specialist knowledge of the dissertation subject.
A2: Advanced knowledge of taught module topics assessed at FHEQ Level 7.
A3: Novel contributions to the field of study in the form of coursework essays.
A4: Understanding of research culture and research skills.
A5: Understanding of academic pathways beyond undergraduate study and pathways to academic publication.
Learning methods
A1 – Research and writing of final project or dissertation undertaken with very small group and individual supervision allowing for as broad a range of access requirements as possible.
A2 – Small group seminars delivered by subject experts across topics relevant to the MLitSt disciplines.
A3 – Students have the opportunity to work with module supervisors in writing their coursework pieces, which also build on small group seminar discussion. Essays and final pieces are a pedagogic tool as well as a means of assessment.
A4 – Students will attend specialized research skills modules to help them understand the research culture in which they are participating and to equip them to succeed.
A5 – Through working closely with academic staff in small groups, and through LT 901 and LT 905, students will learn about ways to participate in a research and publication culture beyond the university.
Assessment methods
A1 – Through dissertation marking.
A2 – Through participation marks, included as standard in all LiFTS modules.
A3 – Assessment of written coursework.
A4 – These modules include a coursework portfolio.
A5 – Through student engagement across the course, assessed by all aspects of coursework.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Advanced written communication.
B2: Advanced verbal reasoning and discursive skills.
B3: Advanced independent research skills.
B4: Deeper understanding of the field of literary studies.
Learning methods
B1 - There is a written coursework component to all modules. Students have access to one-on-one writing support in addition to small group seminars making the process maximally inclusive.
B2 – Small group seminars are workshop and discussion led, meaning that learning is directed and sustained by student participation.
B3 – Students will work one-on-one with a member of academic staff to compose an original dissertation.
B4 – Students take a range of taught modules enabling them to see their discipline from a number of different perspectives.
Assessment methods
B1 – Coursework marking including dissertation/ final project.
B2 – Student participation in small-group seminars will influence the nuance and scope of their coursework.
B3 – LT 901/ LT 905 coursework portfolio and final dissertation/ project.
B4 – The holistic mark for the MLitSt will demonstrate the students’ understanding of the field.
C: Practical skills
C1: Ability to express oneself in a clear, argumentative and rigorous way.
C2: Ability to search for, and then abstract and synthesise relevant information from a range of sources, using books, journal articles, library and internet resources.
C3: Ability to select own topic and structure a substantial piece of independent study.
Learning methods
C1 – Students will generate a portfolio of critical work, with critical discussion in seminars and critical commentaries, that builds their argumentative, evidential and expressive communication.
C2 – Students will use a broad range of research methods in undertaking literary studies at a higher level.
C3 – All students will design and complete a final project at 10,000 words length.
Assessment methods
C1 – Coursework assessment.
C2 – Coursework assessment.
C3 – Assessed by final project.
D: Key skills
D1: Clear, focused, relevant and effective written expression and oral communication developed through seminar participation and written coursework.
D2: Use appropriate IT to research and present materials
D3: Management of projects and timetables. Finding, understanding and organising information.
D4: Ability to "read" an argument in seminar discussion; ability to respond effectively; ability to work in a variety of group contexts
D5: Receptivity to feedback in the form of written comments on coursework and oral communications.
Learning methods
The five relevant key skills are implicit throughout the degree, and are supported in their development by seminar work, feedback on essays, and key skills packages.
Assessment methods
All relevant key skills are assessed through coursework and dissertations; D5 is additionally assessed through a participation mark.