English Literature and History of Art - BA (Hons)

University of Birmingham

Overall, I’ve had a really positive experience studying at the University of Birmingham, especially as a postgraduate student. The highlights of my MA History course have been the teaching, excellent facilities, and a campus that genuinely feels like a student community. The teaching on the MA History course is a real highlight. Lecturers create an environment of genuine passion for their subjects and fields of interest, and seminars are small and discussion-focused, which allows you to engage closely with both staff and other students. Lecturers are clearly specialists in their fields and are very approachable, particularly when it comes to essay planning, specific and detailed feedback, and dissertation supervision. Postgraduate research can be demanding, and it’s easy for the workload to feel intense at times. However, the university provides a lot of support to make it manageable, including personal tutors, supervisors, office hours, wellbeing services, and academic guidance. These structures really help students stay on track and make the most of their studies. The university’s facilities are excellent, particularly for History students. The Main Library has extensive print and digital collections, with strong access to online databases and archives that are essential at postgraduate level. There is also an interlibrary loan service, meaning the university can often source books and materials from other universities if they are not available on site, which I’ve found particularly useful for specialist research. There are also plenty of quiet and collaborative study spaces across campus, which is especially helpful during busy assessment periods, as well as reliable IT support. The campus itself is one of the university’s strongest features. It is green, well laid-out, and feels like a dedicated student space, while still being well connected to the city. Having a train station on campus makes it easy to commute and explore Birmingham, which is a diverse and lively city with lots to offer students. The university also offers a lot to balance academic study, including a wide range of Guild societies covering everything from arts and crafts to almost any sport you can think of. The social side of societies is very active, with regular events and popular midweek and weekend socials.

The campus is always so vibrant and plenty of events all year round. The library is well stocked and maintained, with a great atmopshere for study. Plenty of support too from a range of people who help you succeed.

The university itself is lovely being a nice campus university a short train journey from the centre of Birmingham, a nice historic campus. The facilities are impressive with some buildings being slightly older and tired but for the most part great. The student support from lecturers is great but as it is a very large university sometimes the administration support can take a little while. The student life is great with a lot to do around the city. The student union is always there to help if there is ever any issues.

I have had a great experience studying at the University of Birmingham so far. Both the academics and extra-curricular aspects of university life have been amazing. There is always something to get involved in and meet new people. The community here has been incredibly supportive. Any wellbeing-related needs are also easy to address, as there are a variety of resources available for all students.

Doing the Shakespeare MA allows you to live in Stratford-upon-Avon, with plenty of opportunities to see relevant plays at the RSC (which is only about 5 minutes from campus). The town is small but friendly, and I have enjoyed my first semester here immensely. The staff are very supportive, and are willing to answer any questions that arise throughout the term in a way that feels both helpful and understanding. In terms of the work, the library has almost all of the books needed, and others are available through Birmingham's online catalogue. The social scene is a little bit isolated from Birmingham's main events, but students make an effort to arrange events in Stratford too.