The University of Manchester Speciality : English Language & Literature
programme: English Literature

When an archaic old timely red-brick campus is mixed with the inventive and experimental fashion and music style of students in Manchester, one cannot help but watch in awe. This industrial town is a hotspot of exploration, friendship and academic endeavours. The university life is like no other. Students from other universities posthumously recognise Manchester students as undeniably cool. The DJ scene and accessibility to music venues in the city is a privilege like no other. The welcoming nature of students and the interconnectivity between friends is only found at the University of Manchester. The clubs and societies available are held in high esteem, such as the Mancunion and the various sports on offer. The lecturers are world famous and clearly have a passion for their subjects. The facilities are modern and ergonomically designed. The student housing is bustling and thriving with people excited for their next stage in life. Manchester university and the city of Manchester is somewhere I have absolutely fallen in love with and will have no doubt that anyone who comes here will fall in love with it too.

No matter the situation; a family dinner, hanging out with mates, sitting in the back of an Uber, I am always faced with the question – ‘what the hell are you going to do with an English Degree?’

It makes sense – at this point in a degree one is confronted by the immediacy of the future. Panic sets in, grad schemes are considered, or God forbid it, a masters.

Unfortunately this panic has extended into the department and teaching of English Literature. The world is an ugly place, yet our degree transports us to other fantastic worlds or time periods.

The fact is I don’t care about where my degree is going to take me, and neither should my department. I don’t want to hear about how my essay or group presentation is going to help me gain ’employability skills’ or is in any way accurate of a ‘real’ reflection of working life.

This opportunity to study for the sake of studying is special, and should be treated as such. Give students more opportunity to investigate what they want and learn about what they are interested in, all the while learning not what it takes to be a diligent corporate drone, but an interesting and well rounded human being.

Nobody takes English Literature for the career options. They take it because they want to learn about the world. I just wish the department (and University administration, where the pressure undoubtedly stems from) would do more to fight for what going to university is really about.

The university provided both support and inclusivity at all levels, and it’s teaching staff made my peers and I feel supported throughout our degree. The university was, however, found lacking during the pandemic, when it failed to communicate clearly with us on its lockdown protocols and how our teaching would be effected.