University News Last updated 14 July 2017
Our Summer Show and our Creative Writing Summer show are the School of English’s contribution to the University's graduation show; 'Inspired Festival', held at the end of every academic year.
The first being a showcase of work produced throughout the year, encompassing first, second and third year creative writing, readings, presentations and adaption performances from our drama students. The second celebrates the exciting new work in poetry, fiction, screenplay and creative non-fiction produced by students and staff over the past year.
These events are one of the highlights of our calendar, and a testimony to the energy, diversity and imagination that characterises the school.
A number of students have been awarded prizes from the school, including BA (Hons) English and Media student Rebecca Read, who was a joint winner along with Daisy Rundell of the “Outstanding Achievement in English and Media Award.” During her time at BCU, Rebecca was a Student Academic Leader for the School of English and was also the Entertainment Editor of Scratch magazine, Birmingham City University Students’ Union magazine. This helped her to find some work experience for a small music PR firm.
“The owner and manager had read one of my online gig reviews of a Justin Bieber concert, found it highly hilarious and emailed my Editor to get in contact with me… I've always been passionate about social media and knew that the media side of my course always seemed to engage me more. I have recently secured my first graduate job at a PR agency in Kidderminster as an Account Executive and will be starting the day after my Graduation Ceremony.”
Rebecca has some helpful advice for future students to the School;
Joint winner of the “Outstanding Achievement in English and Media Award,” Daisy Rundell told us;
Daisy, who also studied BA (Hons) English and Media was also an active member of the Scratch team, working for Scratch TV as the studio producer for the past year, producing their monthly chat show.
"I would like to work in television production and eventually become the producer of a television programme. I am currently applying for starter jobs in this industry, such as runner jobs.I feel like being taught across two schools has given me two different sets of skills, as I adapted to both environments which were fairly different to each other."
Lucy Farrington-Smith, an MA Creative Writing student, won the MA Creative Non-Fiction, and MA Screenwriting 2017 Awards.
“I’m currently a Freelance Copywriter, and have been self-employed as such during my MA studies. Once I have completed my final project, I’ll be looking to convert into full-time copywriting, which is a really exciting prospect. The course has taught me how to tailor my writing to suit different audiences and outputs, which has been an integral part of my learning. The School is an extremely passionate and driven environment – everyone is so committed to their craft, and you can’t help but feel inspired in their presence.”
David Morley, special guest speaker at our Creative Writing event, and winner of the Ted Hughes Award for New Poetry in 2016 for The Invisible Gift: Selected Poems, presented MA Creative Writing student Leila Howl with her “Screenwriting” prize.
David said:
Professor David Morley, winner of The Ted Hughes Award for Poetry
In other news, BA (Hons) English student Abeera Ali was part of a cross-faculty team who won the 'Audience Award' at the European Master’s Cup for start-up ideas in Stuttgart in late May 2017!
Abeera and her colleagues won the award for their pitch for their start up business idea: an online platform, a one-stop shop, for older members of the community to find out about social events in their area. Featuring age related information and a secure online chat forum to meet new friends. The aim of their start-up was to address the challenges the current demographic changes poses for our societies.
So as you can see, as our School of English is home to endless possibilities. We’re English without borders, trading in the endless possibilities of talent and creativity.
We wish you all a happy summer, keep reading, writing and challenging and we hope to see you all soon.