A First Class Student Experience

“My experience in the English and Creative Writing Department at Aberystwyth University is a jewel that I treasure greatly – its various facets encompassing a diverse and wide-ranging variety of modules; a vibrant student community; the magnificent Hugh Owen Library (and its supportive staff); brilliant tutors; and, of course, the gorgeous surroundings, which include the illustrious National Library of Wales (as much a gem in and of itself)”. Aly Cuddy (MA alumnus) 

• Aber English and Creative Writing students are part of a friendly, supportive community of students and staff. 

• As a medium-sized department, we are lucky enough to be able to get to know our students as individuals, which helps us help you reach your full potential – and to have a great time here too. 

 Metin Mitchell (PhD) 

I can’t recommend highly enough the PhD in Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University. Not only was I blessed with a fantastic supervisor (the poet, Matthew Francis) but I had amazing support from the whole Department of English & Creative Writing. When it came to the Viva, I had been so well prepared for it that, in the event, it felt just like an enjoyable and constructive conversation between academic colleagues. I also received tremendous encouragement with my own novel, The Crescent Moon Fox, which was published in the year following my PhD. I would also say that overall, Aberystwyth is a gem of a university. What I particularly like about it, is its whole ethos of focusing on learning (rather than making profit from students), the easy access to the National Library of Wales – which is invaluable for a PhD student – and the sheer joy of being surrounded by beautiful scenery.   

 

Freya Blyth (Creative Writing MA)

I have absolutely loved the course here at Aberystwyth University. The department is truly a community that helps build and grow our creative practices as well as our development as writers! The teaching is so fantastic, I can’t tell you how many amazing discussions and debates over feminist texts we’ve gotten into on a Monday morning! There’s nowhere else I would rather have studied, and the combination of the community and town itself and their support that I feel here, is unparalleled. I would highly recommend anyone who is considering joining this course to come here as they will be welcomed into the community that has become my home, and that is now where I have opened my own independent, feminist Bookshop By The Sea! 

Aly Cuddy (Creative Writing MA)  

I attended Aberystwyth University as a mature student and pursued a Creative Writing degree before advancing to an MA. The MA was a natural progression, allowing me to continue exploring chosen research avenues with greater independence whilst retaining access to the valued guidance of the department's exceptional tutors.   

While each module during my time at Aberystwyth held its own special significance, what resonated throughout was the freedom for creative expression, alongside opportunity for in-depth research, that had the added bonus of broadening my academic network and horizons. The course's interdisciplinary approach developed a holistic appreciation of my chosen craft, whilst collaborative opportunities amidst a vibrant student community encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.   

Thanks to the skills and experiences gained at Aber, I am currently weighing up the options available to me across a variety of graduate schemes, as well as considering further study at PhD level. I highly recommend pursuing an MA at Aberystwyth to any student seeking an enriching education. It transformed me both personally and professionally, providing a stimulating learning environment that I will always cherish. 

Eva Morris (Literary Studies MA)  

My MA with the English and Creative Writing department has been nothing but supportive and collaborative.  

Beginning the MA during the pandemic, there has been nothing but continual, steady support from the departmental team. Choosing to go part time in the first year of my degree was an easy and smooth process, and when I needed a year out of study, that too was incredibly well supported and easy to manage. My personal tutor remained in contact with me throughout my year away from studies, meaning the transition back to university was a lot less stressful than I thought it would be, and allowed me to settle back into the department with ease. I truly cannot thank the English and Creative Writing Department enough for their wonderful team, and their constant communication throughout the degree – which was the main factor in why I chose to stay at the university for my MA degree.  

The variety in the module choices were well supported by the department. Course module books tend to have multiple copies in the Hugh Owen Library, which makes everything so much easier, and the entire reading list is available either physically or virtually which makes study and assignment work go much smoother.  

Aberystwyth and the university as a whole are a beautiful place – both the student and local community are wonderful, and your surroundings are truly gorgeous. The experience here is wonderful, and I am so grateful to have been a part of the community. 

Abbie Ena-Smith (Literary Studies MA) 

Though I have a special interest in queer and Victorian studies, I enjoy a wide variety of literature throughout history – which my course has allowed me to explore with the rich variety of optional modules on offer.  

As well as the wide variety of modules on the course, the departmental staff were one of the many reasons I chose to study at Aberystwyth. They are not only really approachable and enthusiastic, but everyone in the department is incredibly supportive of the approaches that you wish to take with your own learning. During my degree I have been able to hone my research skills, in view of studying for a PhD. Additionally, I have been able to bolster my professional skillset through writing academic portfolios and participating in conference-like presentations. These skills will take me further in the career I wish to pursue.  

One of the biggest positives about this experience for me has been the close-knit community within the department, allowing me to feel supported and to strive for my best. 

Natalia Elliot (Literary Studies MA) 

For someone who originally applied to do psychology, I actually quite enjoyed ending up on the English MA course! It was a really interesting experience with the variation of topics that are taught.   

English was always an enjoyable subject for me, so after undergrad I chose to continue to an MA. A particular favourite of the course was how lively and relaxed some of the discussions could be – especially on the ‘Women, Fiction and Female Community 1660–1792’ module. I found that all my modules included interesting, detailed context that I otherwise wouldn’t have thought twice about; it was never boring.   

After my MA I ended up going into publishing where some of the work involves research, deadlines, and interpersonal skills, which I feel that both the MA as well as the lovely staff at Aberystwyth have prepared me very well for. 

Emma Butler-Way (PhD) 

I chose to do the PhD here as I had had a fantastic experience within the English Department for both my BA and MA degrees, and when the opportunity to stick around for a bit longer in the department and its nurturing, engaging environment came up, I did everything I could to make the most of it. I picked Aberystwyth due to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere – particularly within the Department of English and Creative Writing – and the various extra-curricular opportunities available, from the Music Centre to the pottery classes available at the Arts Centre. Being by the sea was also a big draw, despite the inclement weather it brings in the winter months! 

As a PhD student, I was able to enrol on the University’s TPAU scheme, through which I was able to gain a teaching qualification (AFHEA). Gaining this qualification, and attending the training sessions for it, helped me to develop my own teaching practice as I took on teaching work within the Department of English and Creative Writing. From a researcher perspective, opportunities to present work both in internal research seminars and external conferences, have proved to be invaluable in the development of my research practice.  

Since being awarded my PhD in February 2022, I have had work published in Victoriographies and Victorian Popular Fictions, and I have recently been offered a full-time lecturing position on Aberystwyth University’s Foundation Scheme.