What our postgraduate students say

Rob Jones

MA in Literary Studies (Postmodern Writing)

I'm currently studying an M.A. in Literary Studies, choosing to stay in Aberystwyth after my B.A. in English Literature with Creative Writing. I've always enjoyed having a lot of open space to think. I found the idea of city life to be too oppressive, but at the same time, I wanted something a lot more cosmopolitan than the small town in North Wales where I grew up. I chose Aberystwyth because it had that same homelike, almost pastoral quality, offering the opportunity to escape for an hour or so, while at the same time having the vibrance and sociability I wanted from urban life. I have to say that so far, I haven't been disappointed. The town is small, but I would consider it compact. I've never found myself stuck for something to do, and that something is often very close by. For example, I love playing and listening to music. I was surprised by how many gigs, sessions and open mic nights the town had to offer, catering for many different tastes. I could go and play at a traditional Irish-type session one night, and the next be listening to live jazz or blues.

The English Department has always carried that same balance. On one hand, it feels fairly relaxed; on the other, engaging. If I ever have a question, I've always found the members of staff to be not only approachable and helpful, but also able to both answer my query and take it much further. Work aside, I've found everyone I've approached with weird and wonderful ideas for side projects or alternative approaches to be not only knowledgeable, but able to shed light on areas I had never before considered exploring.  All in all, I think I've managed to make the best of my abilities simply because I've been happy where I've studied.

Hannah Shirtliffe

MA in Creative Writing

I graduated in 2011 as an undergraduate from the English Literature and Creative Writing course in Aberystwyth. I initially chose to study at Aberystwyth University purely because it provided a creative writing course and I had heard that it had a good reputation and I quickly fell in love with the beauty of the area and the warmth of the welcome that I received.

I also enjoyed the freedom I was given during my undergraduate course to write what I wanted and push myself to improve my writing through the interactive nature of the seminars. These seminars really helped to improve my confidence in myself as a writer and improved my skills of communicating with others and I hope that by the end of my Masters I will have improved my writing to a level where I am happy to publish some of my own material.

It is impossible to forget Aberystwyth after you have lived here, both the beauty of the place and the warmth of its people and your experiences here will undoubtedly stay with you for the rest of your life and draw you back time and time again. 

Stephanie Churms

PhD in English Studies

I first came to Aberystwyth in 2006 for undergraduate studies. When asked for a reason why I chose to continue my studies at Aberystwyth University I never know which to choose. The beautiful location and breathtaking views, the lively and diverse relationship between the university and the town and just how easily I managed to build a comfortable and happy life here are only some of the reasons why I will have been studying in this colourful seaside town for 7 years by the time I have finished my PhD. I really can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Reading my PhD in the English and Creative Writing Department has opened up a wide range of opportunities, both academic and personal. It is so important to cultivate research within a passionate environment, and I am privileged to be a part of an inspiring departmental community of students and staff which I feel I am able to contribute to, and be an active part of - rather than simply being considered ‘a face in the crowd’.

Keegan Lannon

PhD in English Studies

Keegan is in his second year of his full-time PhD in English Studies. He grew up in Illinois, USA and received his BA and MA in that state. When asked why he decided to leave America for Wales, he commented: “I came to Aberystwyth because I wanted to do something exciting, both academically and with my personal life. I had an idea for a dissertation on comic books that a few places shied away from. Also, having spent the majority of my life in the flat midsection of America, I wanted to live somewhere with hills and an ocean view. Aberystwyth was a perfect fit. The staff of the English and Creative Writing Department has been really supportive of my work, and for the first time in my life, I can see the ocean from my window.  Really, what else could I ask for?”