Student Profiles

First and foremost, the course content is brilliant, and the tutors are excellent. Though English Studies has two distinct pathways, I completed a unit from the Contemporary pathway and two units from the Gothic pathway, a combination that turned out to be perfect for me and my research interests. Each week I was introduced to new texts and different topics, all of which were considered and engaging. You have the freedom to choose what you write about for your assignments, and I found the tutors to be receptive and extremely supportive in terms of discussing ideas and offering advice. The workshop-based format of the seminars allows for interesting discussions, all of which are thoughtfully guided by the tutors who really push you to think widely and critically. 

I have certainly developed my critical thinking skills. I have also been introduced to subjects like trauma studies, and I have learned more about analysing film and television, not simply literature.

I worked as a peer reviewer for HIVE, the postgraduate journal, and I entered a research competition for Manchester Met’s own Postgraduate Arts and Humanities Centre Symposium. This work for the symposium involved collaborating with a PhD student from the Royal Northern College of Music to create and present a paper poster, based on their PhD research, at the event. Both of these activities allowed me to learn more about fellow postgraduate students’ research. I’ve also involved myself in the Gothic studies research community, attending Gothic studies conferences at both Manchester Met and Lancaster University. As a member of the International Gothic Association, I’ve learned more about current research in the field and I’ve made great contacts with Gothic scholars and early career researchers in the area. These activities perfectly compliment the gothic-literature classes I’ve taken on the Masters. Working as a course/student representative has been interesting too, affording me with the opportunity to speak for my classmates and raise issues that are important to postgraduate students.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty members, and even students if you can, to ask about the course generally and about the content and teaching style. Make the most of your time at the University by seeing what you can get involved with early on.

...the amazing tutors, who truly are expects in their fields.

I love the Gothic community at Manchester Met and it’s great being in close proximity to the fantastic Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies.