Our students

I am about to enter the 3rd year of my English Literature with Creative Writing degree at the University. When I first began to consider university three years ago, I applied to three in all, and I am entirely grateful for the circumstances which led me to accept my place at Huddersfield. One thing that I’ve grown to admire about its sterling English department is how incredibly helpful my tutors are; even if I drop in unannounced at a time that is clearly inconvenient, they will always go out of their way to answer any queries that I might have about my work. As I embark upon my final year of undergraduate studies, the guidance and support offered by them makes me feel confident about the challenging road ahead. I would recommend this course to anyone who wishes to gain a diverse knowledge of the field and a chance to build their creative muscles in an encouraging environment where everyone knows everyone by name, and students do not hesitate to ask questions because we know that we won’t have to wait weeks for the answer.

Sarah is studying an English Literature BA(Hons) degree. In her film, she describes how helpful and friendly she has found her tutors and how her work placement with Bradford Magistrates Court has increased her confidence and shaped her career ambitions. Interested in English? You might also like to hear from Elliott talk about his course in English Language and Linguistics BA(Hons). 

Sarah is studying an English Literature and Creative Writing BA(Hons) degree. She chose the University after attending an Open Day and fell in love with the campus. She likes the new Student Central building where all the main social and study facilities are in one place. The best thing about her School are the lecturers who are passionate about what they teach. Sarah also talks about the modules available on her course - see the full video

Come along to one of our Open Days

“In my first year I studied the ‘Introduction to Narrative’ module and the ‘Writing for English Studies’ module. These two modules in particular challenged me, but also helped me to realise that my interest and abilities stretched beyond linguistics."

"The University is extremely student-focused. The staff within the English department have always encouraged and assisted me with my path of study, informing me of further opportunities that were open to me that I would otherwise have remained unaware of. I was allocated a personal tutor, but found that in addition to my tutor, many other tutors have an open door policy which means I am able to discuss all aspects of my study - both academic and otherwise - with approachable and helpful staff. In October this year I reviewed a Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel by a member of the Psychology Department. This was a paid project which brought me to the attention by the Head of Creative Writing, Michael Stewart, and off the back of this I've been asked to review more of this author’s work.  I've also made professional contacts for similar, future projects."

“My goal is to continue into postgraduate study, with a view to one day becoming a lecturer.  I intend to explore writing and editing as a possible means to help me to fund further study, whilst expanding on the skills I have already acquired at university. I’m keeping my options open! “Do it! I have found the whole university journey extremely enlightening and liberating - so much so that I don’t plan on leaving just yet. I would encourage anyone applying to study English Literature, Creative Writing and/or Linguistics at Huddersfield to go for it, safe in the knowledge that the University staff will support and assist you, whilst also allowing you to fine-tune your own pathway through your degree.”

Through perseverance and an acknowledged bit of “punching above her weight”, she has recently gone from Assistant Publisher at the academic publishing group Emerald, to Research Copywriter in the central Marketing and Communications team at the University of Huddersfield.

Megan says that she “has great memories from my time at Huddersfield as a student”.  She “got involved with the environmental society and took part in the student panel” as an undergraduate.  And as she took her MA, she took part in the annual Postgraduate Conference.  This gave her the opportunity to present her work to peers and helped gave her an insight into what’s needed to publish an academic piece of work.

Megan acknowledges that she struggled at University to find her career direction.  “I found it hard to make the link between my life at University, and what I would be doing when I left.  But there was plenty of advice from the Careers department at the University.  And, I know it sounds dull, but I’d recommend perseverance – I learned after finishing my BA that it takes time in today’s job market to get where you want to go”.

She advises “don’t be afraid to punch above your weight.  By taking a chance you will learn and develop much quicker”.

Good luck in your new job, Megan! 

Why English Literature with Creative Writing?

"I've always loved stories of any kind so was extremely drawn to the Literature course. I am primarily a creative person so the chance to also study creative writing was extremely exciting and also gave me a good balance of creative and academic study."

Poppy on the teaching she received
"All of my creative writing modules have been very inspiring and encouraging to me. I haven’t had the best confidence in my writing in the past but the modules and the teachers have really boosted my self-belief and taught me a lot, and I am now keen to pursue a career in writing.

"I've particularly enjoyed the modules ‘20th Century Fiction’ and ‘Modernism, Literature, and the Arts’, as the casual, involving style of teaching really suits me as a student and makes me feel really enthusiastic about what I’m studying.

"Writing my Dissertation has been one of the best highlights of my time at the University. It is a big challenge, but has really allowed me to develop my own ideas and get stuck into a serious, extensive piece of academic writing."

What are the best aspects of the facilities here at University of Huddersfield?
"I think that the Brightspace and Summon systems are really fantastic and make studying a lot easier. I've always found the staff very friendly, encouraging, and happy to help if I need a chat about my work."

Future plans
"It's my aim to become an author and illustrator of my own books. The creative writing modules and the course as a whole have given me the confidence and knowledge to pursue my career as a writer."

I would like to get a career in publishing, so a degree in English Literature was very helpful.  I loved every minute of my first degree and am now doing a Master’s by Research in Literary Studies at the University. The University was very welcoming and offered me a place with open arms. I felt valued, like they really wanted me to come and study here. Also, the structure of the course was really appealing to me as it offered modules which strongly reflected my interests. And all of my lecturers are incredibly inspiring and passionate, with the great ability to communicate a strong passion for their subject to their class. They explain everything in detail and make it very easy to understand the lesson as well as stimulate you to research and find out more. Their teaching is not confined to the classroom, and I can’t remember the number of times they gave me precious advice to put into practice in every-day life.

Studying English Literature is an exciting and greatly rewarding experience which provides invaluable skills and inspires you for life. If you really like the subject, every lecture or seminar will be exciting as well as great fun and you’ll have the time of your life researching material for your essays. You’ll get the chance to deepen your knowledge of your favourite areas after you’ve had a taste of everything that’s on offer and the time to decide what you really want to focus on, along with the best support system of lecturers and tutors ready to help.