University of Chester
speciality: English Language & Literature

I entered the University of Chester in my second year and found myself welcomed by a wide array of theoretical and critical modules. The modules varied from discussions of gender, rebellion, 19th century literature and even a module all about publishing.
However, it is sad to see that this variety in modules is decreasing for the cohort just a year below. I truly believe that it is the module variety that set this course apart from others and allowed the lecturers to shine.

That being said, the lecturers on this course are so knowledgeable, helpful and welcoming. A useful element of this course is the one to one tutorials that are actively encouraged by the academic staff. Whether it is a question about an assignment or the course in general, meetings either online or in person help build support into the everyday student life.

A great thing about this university is the professional experiences it allows, whether it be the jobs on campus such as a Student ambassador or the placement module which is available for many students in their second year. The location is a great in between of a city and town in all the best ways. There are many campuses scattered across the city that allow you to discover the range of the city at your own pace.

At University of Chester many students can thrive and there are opportunities for many, I think it is suffering as many other Higher Education faculties are from a lack of funding in certain departments. That being said I am happy with the level of support that is offered to students within the English department.

My overall experience at University was not something I like to remember. This was mainly due to feeling like an outcast because I didn’t fit into the social ideals of university life. From excessive drinking, partying and participating in clubs I would have no interest in. If that was not bad enough the actual university program was pretty dire too. Out of the 20 lectures I had met throughout my 3 years, I can confidently say that 2 maybe 3 were actually helpful. The rest are simply there for their own purposes and will have absolutely no interest in helping, instead they will systematically try to manipulate and force their own ideas on you. Be warned if you do not conform, this will affect your overall grade. I can say that I attended the first half of the year with one of my professors only to provide honest feedback on how I would benefit from a different style/approach to the lessons to be told that it was only my opinion and so the lessons would proceed as they were. The class had agreed prior but did not feel comfortable speaking in front of the professor. I then decided I would not attend the lessons and you would think that would be detrimental but my score neither declined or increased it simply maintained.
All of this is to say that with teachers who want to help you, you can succeed and go far as those few who helped me actually kept in touch after I decided to leave university without completing my final assignment. Due to them staying in touch and encouraging me, I completed my final dissertation and actually have a degree today because of it!
University is not for everyone and you do not have to stick to the conventional route that university forces you to. You just need to find the few people who are actually going to help you!