The module will provide a general introduction to cognitive poetics before focusing on specific theories and frameworks. This is a micro-credential module, taking place over 10-11 weeks and designed to work around you.
Indicative content will include:
the nature of literature
language and the mind
figure-ground relationships
cognitive deixis
schema theory
conceptual metaphor
Text World Theory
Cognitive Grammar
mind-modelling.
The literary texts studied for the module will be drawn from a range of genres and periods.
This is a level 7 module (equivalent level of study to a postgraduate or masters degree) worth 15 credits
Seminars will enable you to reflect upon the issues raised in your own reading and will draw on a range of teaching styles: group discussions, text analysis, critical readings and debating key ideas. You will develop your own theoretical and practical approaches to issues and debates. You will be expected to undertake independent learning, particularly the critical reading of secondary reading and associated research in cognitive linguistics, stylistics and literary theory. In addition, you will be expected to undertake preparation for writing your coursework.
Please note the availability of this module is subject to a minimum recruitment threshold.
Why Cognitive Poetics?
Learn from the best
Delivered by world-leading stylistics researchers with global academic profiles and strong practitioner links
Designed around you
Our flexible, career-focused CPD courses are designed to fit around your professional life
Research-led
Grounded in nationally and internationally recognised expertise
Objectives and outcomes
Develop your understanding of cognitive poetics as a research paradigm
Explore cognitive poetic concepts, theories and frameworks in order to understand the processes involved in literary reading
Develop your own stylistic analyses informed by insights from cognitive linguistics and literary-critical work.
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cognitive poetics as a way of analysing literature
Demonstrate knowledge and critical engagement with the operational parameters and affordances of different cognitive poetic theories and frameworks for stylistic analysis
Undertake detailed stylistic analyses of a range of texts using different cognitive poetic frameworks
Synthesise introspective analysis with empirical work examining the ways in which cognitive poetic analysis can account for readerly interpretations of texts
Speak to our Admissions Team
If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:
Transcripts must indicate some studies of English.
Applicants must also provide evidence of mathematics – grade C/4 or above at GCSE (or equivalent)
You will also need to provide:
A professional reference
If you are a current student or recent graduate (within the last 2-3 years), we will ask for an academic reference
If you are currently employed and not a recent graduate, we will ask for a professional reference
An official academic transcript of your university grades to date
A completed application form.
Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study but also a great place to live.
Qualifications in your country
For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:
Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.
Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.
If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.
We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.
The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications.
Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.
Fees
UK students (2026/27)
£700
More information on fees
The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.
Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.
There will be a weekly 2-hour online seminar, with an additional 1 hour (minimum) of online, self-paced learning activities.
There will be a twilight delivery of these classes, to fit around you
Seminars will enable you to reflect upon the issues raised in your own reading and will draw on a range of teaching styles: group discussions, text analysis, critical readings and debating key ideas. You will develop your own theoretical and practical approaches to issues and debates.
You will be assigned a personal tutor to support you throughout the course
Assessment
Assessment is on an individual basis. Coursework is used to test knowledge and understanding of the texts and topics studied. The assignment will be a cognitive poetic analysis of a text of your own choice, to be submitted at the end of the module.
Hello, what would you like to ask us?
Hello! We are a team of current Aston University students from various parts of the world, studying a wide range of postgraduate subjects.
Feel free to ask us anything about studying at Aston University.
Our courses offer you the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills and/or develop your career. In addition, our ethos is to equip you to make a real difference in your field.
The programme offers excellent subject knowledge enhancement for teachers of English in schools, and provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate studies or further research in any aspect of English.
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