University of Birmingham Speciality : English Language & Literature
programme: English and Film

Ultimately, I am incredibly proud to attend UoB. There’s a long list of incredible alumni, a rich history, and a gorgeous campus that I can’t help but swell with pride upon as I walk to my classes. On paper, it’s a perfect institution, and I’d never discourage anyone from applying – it’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made.
As an English and Film student though, I can’t help but feel a little like the forgotten middle child. As with a lot of Russell Group Universities, there’s a huge focus (a prioritisation, even) on the more vocational subjects. Law, medicine, finance students etc., seem to have a lot more options open to them in terms of what the university offers. When it comes to work experience for arts students – there isn’t as much help. This isn’t entirely the universities fault – it’s a niche working sector – but there’s definitely a ways to go for students of the Arts.
That being said, I do love my course, and the actual content on the programme is varied and interesting. The course leaves room for the student to stretch their legs and discover what they’re interested in (for me, it’s been film editing!). There’s a huge crossover between practical and theory lessons, and the weighting between both sides of the course is perfect.
There is a real sense of community at the University that is so important to such a big, campus school, and I do love being a student here.