Dr Rachel Cross

(she/her)

FHEA BA (Hons), MA LMusTCL MISM

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 development of this crucial skill. I am keen to explore how a multimedial approach can help students to gain confidence and become competent writers both in academia and beyond.

Teaching

I have varied teaching experience (please see Biography page).

Modules taught at Cardiff University

2021 - 2024: Transforming Visions. Tutor. Undergraduate first-year module, Cardiff University.

2023: The Illustrated Book. Tutor. Undergraduate third-year module, Cardiff University.

20189 - 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, Worle Community School (and 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).