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Course review
Review by: Mary L
University: University of Exeter
Course: English
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
7
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
English Literature is the only really necessary prerequisite but other essay subjects such as History and Philosophy are helpful. I also found my experience of Latin to be helpful.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
Ive always been interested in literature and I'd like to pursue a career in writing. Also couldn't imagine doing anything else!
Explain the things you wish you'd known about your degree before you applied:
It was made pretty clear what the course would involve at the time of application. Perhaps I was led to believe there would be more choice than there was.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
Two 1 hour lectures a week. Two 2 hour seminars. 2 hours of film screening and 2 hours of seminar group discussion without a tutor and in our own time.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Quite a lot, but manageable. 1 novel a week and then a series of academic papers/articles.
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The excuse to do a lot of reading. And in all honesty, the rather marginal contact hours are quite enjoyable.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
The lack of choice in the first year. We had to read several dense and rather inaccessible texts which I found hard to engage with.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
Great team of lecturers/professors who really seem to care about their subject. Research reputation is good as far as I know. Big emphasis on pastoral support when necessary.
Explain how you expected your course to be and how it compares to how it actually is. Give an outline of the content of the course.
Lecturers often make use of audio-visual material which is great. Quite a big emphasis on online submissions - an intranet forum onto which you are expected to post small essays which can be viewed by other English students. About 4 or 5 substantial essays a term, some formative, some summative, but all obligatory.
Assessment also included a couple of group presentations and one's attendance and performance in seminars also comprised 10% of the grade you received.
Content in first year: The Literary Canon (!) and a thorough intro to critical theories, eg, Marxism, Feminism, Structuralism etc.
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Other reviews for English
Peter J, 2nd Year doing English at University of Dundee
Kimberley B, 1st Year doing English at Oxford University Jamie G, 1st Year doing English at Oxford University Tom R, 2nd Year doing English at Durham University
Martin W, 1st Year doing English and American Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London Claire P, 1st Year doing English at Goldsmiths, University of London Stephanie S, 2nd Year doing English at University of Manchester Tilly L, 2nd Year doing English and Drama at Brunel University Jim G, 2nd Year doing English and Education Studies at University of Wales Institute, Cardiff Susanna W, 2nd Year doing English and Creative Writing at University of Winchester Emma G, 2nd Year doing English at Durham University
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University review
Review by: Mary L
University: University of Exeter
Course: English
Year of study: 1st
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Attractive, open, friendly, social, inclusive, party orientated, laid back and accommodating.
What is the academic life like at your university?
In the first year, this doesn't comprise a major part of one's experience. I suspect this changes when we start to specialise more and when the marks are more relevant.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Very fun. I thought I would find it overwhelming and tiring but I really enjoyed it. In short, it involved little more than a 10 day bender and a chance to get to know people in halls.
Are there any other notes you would like to add about life in general at university or anything else which would be relevant to a prospective student?
Choose your halls wisely. Each one has a slightly different atmosphere and attracts different types of people. Best to talk to people who've been there and done it to get a reliable understanding of what its like.
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
Very friendly and open, beautiful campus and city.
Some people find the city too small and tame in terms of night life.
There is a certain amount of public school cliquey-ness which is specific to some halls and is not particularly attractive. However, it is easily avoided!
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Many opportunities. Exeter is renowned for its sports. I detest exercise so have not included myself in this! I've heard the gym is fantastic.
However, most halls have their own tennis courts which is great.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
Very socially orientated. Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sat are all big student nights. As mentioned, there are only a few clubs (around 7) but i personally haven't found this a problem. In my experience, Catered halls have a much tighter social scene.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Exeter is clean, pretty and friendly. The night scene is minute compared to other unis but there are still plenty of great places to go. Shopping wise, it has everything you could want.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
Halls are great for getting to know people. I would say its a must. Catered halls in particular make this easier. They are like small communities within the uni at large and really help to give you a base and sense of belonging.
If you are in a hall or college, is it catered or self catered? Which is better for the first year in your opinion and why?
Catered. Food may not be fantastic but the dining room is a great communal forum.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £155/week for catered, single room, en suite (most expensive)Around £80 for the bottom range self-catered, sharing a bathroom with up to 15 others and potentially sharing a bedroom.And various grades in between.
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