Dr Rachel Cross
(she/her)
BA (Hons), MA LMusTCL FHEA MISM
Teams and roles for Rachel Cross
Teacher/Tutor
Overview
I am a teacher working in the Writing Development Centre in the School of English, Communication and Philosophy (ENCAP). I enjoy working with undergraduate and postgraduate students to help progress their academic writing skills in one-to-one and group sessions.
I currently teach on the exciting new module Writing at University and Beyond, a module which I helped to develop with David Schonthal, other colleagues and a great group of students.
I completed my PhD in English Literature in ENCAP in 2024.
Research
Research interests
My research interests lie in two main areas.
I am interested in Victorian popular song, illustration and music. My PhD thesis analysed the three media of Victorian illustrated songs, investigating how the interactions between these three artforms contributed to the construction of meanings and the development of racial and sexual stereotypes.
I am also interested in academic writing and how to aid the development of this crucial skill. I am keen to explore how a multimedial and mutimodal approach can help students to gain confidence and become competent writers in academia and beyond.
Teaching
I have varied teaching experience (please see Biography page).
Modules taught at Cardiff University
2025 - 2026: Writing at University and Beyond. Teacher. Undergraduate first-year module, Cardiff University
2021 - 2024: Transforming Visions. Tutor. Undergraduate first-year module, Cardiff University
2023: The Illustrated Book. Guest lecturer. Undergraduate third-year module, Cardiff University
2018 - 2021: Critical Reading and Critical Writing. Tutor. Undergraduate first-year module, Cardiff University
Biography
Education and qualifications
- 2024: PhD in English Literature. Cardiff University
- 2022: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
- 2021: Associate of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
- 2017: MA in English Literature. Open University
- 2014: BA (Hons) in Humanities with English Literature. Open University
- 2010: Licentiate in Music Theory and Criticism. Trinity College, London
- 2006: Diploma in Piano Teaching. Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music
Career overview
- 2024 - present: Teacher in Academic Writing at the ENCAP Writing Development Centre, School of English, Communication and Philosophy, Cardiff University
- 2018 - present: Tutor in English Language and Literature (formerly at Worle Community School and now privately)
- 1995 - present: Teacher of Music Theory, Piano and Strings (privately)
- 2022 - 2024: Tutor in Academic Writing at the ENCAP Writing Development Centre, School of English, Communication and Philospohy, Cardiff University
- 2018 - 2024: Postgraduate Tutor / Teaching Associate in Literature, School of English, Communication and Philosophy, Cardiff University
- 2009 - 2019: Teacher of English Language for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), private language schools and Weston College
Professional Memberships
- Member of the International Professional Development Association (IPDA)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)
- Member of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM)