By Mesha Pope
3rd year student
The School of English recently held a careers day which hosted fourteen guest speakers, each with a different angle on life after university. The speakers had mostly taken different paths, and had individual journeys to gain experience, knowledge and a true feeling of what they really wanted to do as a career. There was a combination of creatives, professionals, ex-students along with a couple of curve-balls!
by Mesha Pope, 3rd year student
“I hide them in bowls under the bed. Packets of Marks and Spencer’s crisps, Kettle Chips… Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar, they’re the best ones.”
Uplifted. Nostalgic. Heartbroken.
Just three of the varied emotions I felt whilst watching the wonderful Maria Ferguson. Fat Girls Don’t Dance was both hilarious and heart-warming in equal measure. She describes herself as being a ‘chubby kid’ and so her work exposes her continued struggle with food and how this affected her as an up and coming performer.
Siobhan Coleman
Recent Graduate, School of English, 2017
Last night I got the fantastic opportunity to attend the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of the Twelfth Night. The theatre is located in the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Home to the famous Anne Hathaway’s 500 year old cottage, and the gorgeous riverside, I really wish I had more time to explore the heritage of this town and all the stunning architecture. However, with the limited time we had, we explored in the best way possible, by visiting the local Wetherspoons! We then proceeded to marvel at all the Shakespearian themed goodies in the theatre’s shop. This was a treat for any English student, a whole shop dedicated to the legendary writer!
By Siobhan Coleman
Graduate, 2017, School of English
Stepping out of our comfort zones can be a daunting challenge for most of us, however I am going to discuss the fantastic benefits of saying yes to a new experience.
I, alongside some second year students had the opportunity of representing the School of English. We were invited to interview the actor Simon Callow at the Birmingham and Midlands Institute. Despite this being an incredible opportunity, we all felt very nervous as this was a first time experience for us all. Many fears were circulating all of our minds. What will he be like? Will he be difficult to talk to? Will he be down to earth or standoffish? The truth is none of us had any idea what to expect, however the outcome of the day turned out to be to the most unlikely scenario.
As our final year students head towards the end of their time with us at University, we asked a few of them to reflect on their journey and experiences with us so far.
BA (Hons) English Literature student Sophie and BA (Hons) English and Drama student Katie answer a few questions on their views on the university, their chosen course and their future plans.
Why did you initially apply to study in Birmingham?
Sophie: The city life! I wanted to be near everything.
Katie: I currently live in Wolverhampton and wanted to live at home and commute. I have school friends who chose Birmingham City University and I heard really positive things. I also like how the campus is in the city centre and very accessible.
Dr. Sarah Wood is the Head of the School of English.
Learn more about her background, her interests and what she enjoys about working for the School and the University.
