Simply because the world of further education is a wonderful world where pretty much anything is possible, you can now take a university course on T-Swizzle herself, Ms Taylor Swift.
Nope, we’re not even remotely joking.
Yes, that’s right, in the same way that you can study things like the world of Harry Potter and Golf Management (whatever that is), people can now sign up for a university course on pop queen Taylor Swift. Now that’s what I call influence.
We regret to inform you that these classes aren’t yet available in the UK as far as we know, but if we know one thing about die-hard Swifties, it’s that they’ll go to extraordinary lengths to express their love for her — maybe even fly to another country just to bask in the knowledge of their favourite artist.
Arizona State University will offer a new course this fall titled “Psychology of Taylor Swift – Advanced Topics of Social Psychology.”
The course teaches advanced topics in social psychology that is featured in Swift’s work, life, and fans including romantic relationships,… pic.twitter.com/Iu1GR8n6zu
Probs be a good way of getting over an ex, to be fair.
Remarking the course as “a ‘swift’ approach to learning psychology”, Arizona State University’s new course, Psychology of Taylor Swift — Advanced Topics of Social Psychology, will draw on themes that feature in her songs as well as a focus on family, friends, fame and more.
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As ASU went on to explain when announcing the new set of classes being taught by PhD student Alexandra Wormley, “The course is basically using Taylor Swift as a semester-long example of different phenomena — gossip, relationships, revenge”.
The graduate teaching assistant rebuffed any suggestions that this is merely an intense exercise in fandom, emphasising that “the class is not a seminar on how much we like or dislike her — we want to be able to learn about psychology.”
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There’s no doubt plenty of people in the world that would find the psychology behind one of the world’s biggest pop stars fascinating. In fact, it turns out this isn’t even the only place offering a course on Taylor Swift — they’re not even the only university to announce one this month. What is happening?…
🎓 | Ghent University introduces a new course on Taylor Swift: “Literature (Taylor's Version).” 🇧🇪
— This in-depth class examines English literature's themes, genres, and techniques (circa 900-1900) through the modern lens of popular music, with a focus on Swift. pic.twitter.com/EFIin9ltQs
As it happens, in addition to a New York college launching a course inspired by the songstress last year, earlier this month another entirely different academic institution over in Belgium also unveiled their new Taylor Swift course which will be taught by a British professor named Elly McCausland.
The course, due to start in autumn this year, will be added to the master’s degree in language and literature at Ghent University and is simply entitled, ‘Literature (Taylor’s Version)’.
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Now that’s just excellent.
Like Wormley, McCausland assured that this is a serious course and will essentially use Swift’s work and own musical form of literature to look at historical texts from a different perspective. It’s even got the Richard Madeley seal of approval — who knew he was a Swiftie?…
Speaking to The Guardian, she said: “What I want to do is show students that although these texts might seem inaccessible, they can be accessible if we look at them from a slightly different angle.
“So, Shakespeare, in some way, is actually addressing a lot of the same questions as Taylor Swift is today, which seems crazy, but he is.”
Explaining the course in even great detail, she told Belgian outlet Het Laaatste Nieuws that there are parallels between Swift and the likes of Sylvia Plath, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charlotte Brontë, as well as various other authors and moments in literary history.
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Right, we’ve heard enough and we’re convinced; we’re about to take a year of work and become even bigger Taylor Swift experts than ever.
Featured Image — Taylor Swift (via Instagram)/Republic Records
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Manchester City are reimbursing fans who travelled to watch their defeat against Bodo/Glimt
Danny Jones
A bunch of Manchester City players are preparing to refund fans who travelled to watch the shock defeat against Bodo/Glimt earlier this week.
In case you missed the surprising score, Man City were on the end of a very unexpected result against the Eliteserien side, losing 3-1 in what was the club’s first-ever win in the Champions League.
More than that, it was also the first time a Norwegian team had won in the competition in nearly two decades, making it a historic night for the nation, albeit one to forget for the Blues.
Following the European upset, as a gesture of goodwill towards supporters, select members of the squad from Pep Guardiola’s so-called leadership group have now pledged to cover the trip made by the dedicated away fans, from the match ticket itself to travel costs.
JUST IN: Manchester City's players are reimbursing fans who watched their Champions League defeat against Bodo/Glimt.
They are covering the cost of match tickets for game which Pep Guardiola's side lost 3-1 🚨
The message from City stars is as follows: “Our supporters mean everything to us. We know the sacrifice that our fans make when they travel across the world to support us home and away, and we will never take it for granted.
“We also recognise that it was a lot of travelling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the pitch. Covering the cost of these tickets for the fans who travelled to Bodo is the least we can do.”
Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Scandinavian native Erling Haaland, who had a less-than-ideal return to his home country on Tuesday night, are said to be the individuals covering the fees
As per multiple reports, the figure is said to be just under £10k – approximately £9,357 spread across a total of 374 matchgoers, to be specific.
While the club and the players, specifically, have been praised by plenty for what many have labelled as a ‘classy move’, some are suggesting that the statement actually signals the opposite regarding their opponents, who shone on the night.
Scoring twice in quick succession midway through the first half before bagging the third and ultimately decisive goal in the 58th minute, it could have been four or five.
Bodo/Glimt had moments ruled offside and hit the woodwork in both halves.
Despite City pulling one back and showing promise of getting back in the game through Rayan Cherki, that momentum was quickly crushed when the aforementioned and only recently returning, Rodri, was sent off after a second yellow around the hour mark.
Following the arguably equally unexpected blow in the Manchester derby last weekend, it’s been a tough few days for the players and fans alike, but they still stand a chance of beating Arsenal to the Premier League title this season.
You can see the highlights from the Bodo/Glimt vs Man City game here.
Tesco launches 2026 Valentine’s dine-in deals with its ‘most generous’ menu yet
Emily Sergeant
Tesco has unveiled the menu for this year’s edition of its Valentine’s dine in meal deal, and it’s sounding tastier than ever.
Last year, thousands of Brits headed on down to their nearest Tesco to make the most of the retailer‘s always-popular Valentine’s dining deal and celebrate the international day of love in a more low-key way from the comfort of their own home – but this year, Tesco says it wants to top that success, and is hoping its ‘most generous’ menu yet will do the trick.
Launching early next month (9 February), this year, there’ll be two different dine-in deals to choose from based on your budget.
The Tesco Finest Valentine’s Dine In range includes one starter, one main, two sides – for the first time, giving customers more choice when building their meal – one dessert, and one drink, setting you back £20 with a Tesco Clubcard.
Or if you want to keep things a bit more budget-friendly, you can get the simpler Valentine’s Day Dine In option, which includes one main, one side, one dessert, and one drink, for just £15 instead.
Tesco has unveiled its Valentine’s dine-in menus for 2026 / Credit: Tesco (Supplied)
50% of the menu on offer is new for 2026 too, offering you some fresh foodie inspiration alongside much-loved favourites.
Some of the starter highlights include the Tesco Finest Camembert with Garlic & Parsley Dough Balls, Tesco Finest Coquilles St Jacques, Tesco FinestMediterranean Style Breaded Prawns with Hot Honey Dip, or if you’re vegan, you can try out Tesco Finest Mushroom Parcels instead.
For mains, on the menu we have Tesco Finest Salmon & Prawn En Croûte, and Tesco Finest Beef Bourguignon Pies served with a red wine jus, or the Tesco Finest Mushroom Stroganoff Pies for vegans.
But it’s the sides that are taking centre stage this year, with the expanded selection including the likes of Tesco Finest Samphire, Petit Pois & Sliced Cabbage with Mint Dressing, Tesco Finest Rosemary & Parmesan Fries, Tesco Finest Baby Potato Traybake with Chantenay Carrots & Tenderstem Broccoli, or Tesco Finest Garlic & Parsley Ciabatta, just to name a few.
There’s two different deals available this year, depending on your budget / Credit: Tesco (Supplied)
There’s also a selection of sweet treats to finish the night off, with everything from the Tesco Finest Belgian White Chocolate Delice Hearts, to the Tesco Finest Banoffee Pudding on the cards to pick from.
Drinks are also included this year too, with the likes of soft drinks, cocktails, beers, and award-winning wines to choose.
As mentioned, both Valentine’s Dine In deals launch in Tesco stores across the UK from 9 February, so you’re covered no matter whether you’re sharing a romantic moment, creating a spread for loved ones, or simply treating yourself at home.
Danny Jones -
16th August 2023 
