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Course review
Review by: Tilly L
University: Brunel University
Course: English and Drama
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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The course in general
How many contact hours do you have in the average week?
10
Ideally, what 3/4 subjects would you recommend doing in order to be in the best position for your course?
Theatre Studies, English Literature, Religious Studies and History.
Why did you decide to study your degree programme?
I really enjoyed both English and Drama, but couldn't decide which to do, so chose both. I find them both really interesting and intellectually stimulating.
Describing your average day
Explain how your day is made up. For example, do you have labs/seminars/tutorials/lectures?
My day is made up of lectures and seminars for both English and Drama, and then blocks of three hour practical workshops for Drama, and usually two different, three hour sessions.
How much extra work/reading are you required to do out of lectures?
Yes, a lot of reading is needed in preparation for the lectures and also further reading is needed for greater understanding of what is being taught.
Is there anything else you think is relevant or that you would like to add in respect of your course?
This course is beneficial to those who enjoy both English and Drama and those considering further careers in either, but who can't decide between the two!
The best and worst parts of the course
What do you like best about your degree programme?
The way I get to study both subjects in the amounts that I choose.
What do you like least about your degree programme?
Sometimes the theory lectures for Drama are slightly tedious, but I understand that they need to be taught in order to gather a greater understanding of practical work.
Academics and course content
What do you think of your university's academics and facilities?
They are excellent, and we are always taught by very knowledgeable lecturers and the space is always appropriate for what is being done.
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.
English consists of different modules that require you to read extensively and then contribute in the seminars. The seminars are taken usually straight after, or a couple of hours after the lecture has occurred, so everything is still fresh in your mind to discuss with the rest of the class. Everyone is encouraged to participate and there is a really friendly atmosphere. The lecturers guide the discussion giving helpful suggestions rather than just intruding.
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University review
Review by: Tilly L
University: Brunel University
Course: English and Drama
Year of study: 2nd
Level of Study: Undergraduate
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Describing your university
Sum up your university in one paragraph:
Brunel was so different from what I expected, but I enjoyed every minute of it last year, and I know I will this year. It is diverse, full of friendly staff and students, and gives a really good education for those who are willing to try their best.
What is the academic life like at your university?
The university teaches to a really high standard, and personal study is greatly encouraged. The library is really well equipped and has a really useful system that is easy to get to grips with.
Describe your Freshers' Week - was it as you expected, better or worse? Why?
Freshers' Week was really good - it was all that I was expecting, and more. It gave me a really good chance to get to know the university, and the second and third years really welcomed us.
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?
Be yourself, meet as many people as you can, and work as hard as you can!
What is the best and worst thing about your university?
The best thing about the university is that it is a campus based university, so everything is with two or three minutes reach of your halls while you are living on campus in first year. The university is really well equipped with shops, cafes and clubs. The worst thing about the university is that sometimes it doesn't feel big enough for the amount of people there are, so for example you have to buy tickets for everything well in advance to ensure you get a place/get into a club.
Sport and extra curricular
What are the sport and other activities on offer like at your university?
Brunel focuses a lot on sport and there are many societies that you can join and get involved with. There is also a really well equipped gym.
The social scene
What is the social scene (and/or nightlife) like at your university? Is it particularly alcohol orientated?
There is a main night club and a couple of bars. There is also a local nightclub, and then all the nightlife of London. Everyone has a really good time and there is a lot of alcohol involved, but it doesn't revolve around this. There are plenty of events to go to that don't include alcohol and there seems to be a good mix of things to do.
What do you think of the city your university is based in or near (as a city)?
Brunel is located a 35-40 minute tube ride from London so it is amazing! It is really beneficial having all the perks of London, but living just outside the main city so you don't get all the downsides.
Accommodation
Do you live in a halls of residence or a student house (or college)? What would you suggest is best in your opinion?
I lived in halls of residence for the first year and I would really encourage this, it lets you integrate with all sorts of people and you meet some really good friends. If you want to get involved, it is best to live in halls. Our halls were all on campus so this was really good for meeting up with friends and socialising.
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?
My hall of residence was self catered, as are all of them on campus I believe. Meal tickets are on offer to purchase for a yearly fee, or they can be bought separately. I really enjoyed self catering as it can be quite economical if cooking with lots of people, and it also helps with socialising.
Approximately, what is the average cost of accommodation per week in your first year for catered and non-catered halls/colleges?
About £85 for self catered with a shared bathroom, up to £100 for ensuite bathrooms. A cleaner emptied bins once a week and cleaned the bathrooms and kitchens. There are no catered halls at this uni.
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