Current

Current Students

Matthew Carbery

First Year, English and American Literature student

 

After coming to Kent to study English and American Literature through the clearing process, I was slightly unsure of how the course and the university were going to compare to my expectations. I soon found after a few weeks that I needn't have worried- I've found myself busy throughout the year tackling accessible yet challenging work both in and outside of the course. The university itself is a perfect environment for social, sporting and intellectual pursuits, and I think I can fairly say you'd have to make a great effort to not enjoy yourself here.

 

 

 

Sam O'Dwyer

First Year, English and American Literature with Spanish

I have really enjoyed my first year studying English and American Literature in Kent. Previously I found learning English in school to have been too exam based, with an over-emphasis on fact learning, quote memorising etc. Thankfully the Kent School of English approaches literature in a different way. You are encouraged to interpret texts yourself, not to recycle another view, and to discuss the text in lively seminars. There are also plenty of oppurtunities to be creative and in my second year I am taking a whole module in a stylistic approach to creative writing. Aside from your studies, Cantebury is a great place to live. It is a perfect mixture of castles and pubs!

 

 

Amy George

First Year, English and American Literature with Creative Writing

When I chose to do English and American Literature with Creative Writing at Kent I was a bit concerned that the lengthy title would mean a workload I couldn’t handle, and also as to what Creative Writing actually entailed- I needn’t have worried. The workload is challenging without being overwhelming, and often the tasks in our seminars for Creative Writing were fun and quirky whilst allowing us to express ourselves. The course is brilliant, the people I’ve met through it are amazing and Kent itself is beautiful and great for socialising. This year has been perfect.

 

Laura Broomfield

First Year, Comparative Literature and English and American Literature

Before I came to the University of Kent, I was slightly apprehensive as to whether I would be able to cope working so independently when writing essays and engaging with the material. However when I began, I found the transition from A Levels to the beginning of my degree very smooth. The seminar leaders and lecturers are extremely enthusiastic about the texts and break them down into manageable sections, which are both intriguing and exciting to engage with. They promote independence of thought and encourage you to form an individual opinion, which was refreshing in comparison to the ‘spoon fed’ material I had encountered in my A Level years. The seminar leaders also encourage you to email them if you are having any problems with the texts, which put my mind at rest. This course together with the lively social life and beautiful surroundings has made my first year at Kent both fun and enjoyable and has fuelled my passion for literature even further.