What our students have to say about studying English
After completing my undergraduate degree at another Liverpool university in 2016 and a teacher training course at LJMU in 2017, I chose to undertake my MRes in English at LJMU in 2020-21. This was the best decision I made. The English team embrace new students with great passion and warmth, and there is a collaborative spirit that makes students feel valued. I felt that a real interest was taken in our progress and development – this was evident in tutorials, presentations, and Q&A sessions. The course also allowed me to creatively apply my research into non-academic fields (via film, podcast, articles and community engagement). I valued this because I was able to think about how my research interests could bridge the gap between academia and the community. In addition, the links that LJMU English has with institutions in Liverpool are extremely valuable, making you feel central and active within the city. Ultimately, the MRes in English at LJMU allowed me to become well-rounded in various areas, whilst also providing a strong foundation in research and thesis development.
– Dan Pearson (MRes English)
The ‘Literary and Cultural Theory’ module has enabled me to think critically about various situations, including recent movements and protests. Thinking about what I learned about postcolonial theory and Marxist theory has enabled me to see our current times from a different perspective. I've been able to spark healthy debate with those with differing views to mine, and back my views up with the knowledge I've gained. Recent events have really shown me how much I have gained from this module. I've gained invaluable insight that I can apply to everyday life, and am able to express my opinions in a more knowledgeable manner. This is what I go to university for – to shape my thought processes, and myself as a person.
– Maisie Wilson (BA English, Media, and Cultural Studies)
For me, the dissertation module was thoroughly enjoyable despite being the most challenging project I have completed at university. To have the freedom to choose my own topic and texts allowed for a project that expanded my knowledge on a theme I already found interesting, and upon completion, resulted in a feeling of elation. Whilst mainly working independently, the support I received from my supervisor was excellent; he guided me through the process, which made it much less daunting. Overall, completing my dissertation was honestly a major high point during my university experience.
– Ellie Broadhurst (BA English Literature)
‘Race in America’ was my favourite module that I chose on the English side of my joint-honours degree. I read so many texts that both moved me and taught me new things about racial discourse. A text that stood out to me was Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine. I used a quote from one of the poems in this book for my sign at the Black Lives Matter protest in Coventry. The quote read ‘Because white men can’t police their imagination, black men are dying’.
I finished ‘Race in America’ inspired and motivated to learn more, so I searched for a Masters course that explores racial issues. I am now hoping to study Race, Education and Decolonial Thought in Leeds this coming September.
– Lucy Ward (BA English, Media, and Cultural Studies)
‘Migrants to the Screen’ is a multi-discipline module which allows you to explore the format of a variety of novels, how they are adapted to the screen and the technical aspects of how this is presented. The novels studied are all beautiful and comparing them to their screen adaptations allows you to consider other people’s perspectives of the texts. The tutors for this module are extremely supportive and provide you with all the information needed to make written work successful. I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this module and would recommend it to any prospective students.
– Lynn Lundy (BA History and English Literature)
I really enjoyed the dissertation module as I was able to take a topic that I was interested in prior to the module and critically develop my ideas alongside a designated tutor.
– Tom Smith (BA English Literature)
