Camilla Greene

Why did you choose Brunel University?

I decided to study English at Brunel because I like the combination of studying classic English literature and more modern texts and felt that the balance between the two was better than what was offered at other universities. The English department had a very good reputation which I found encouraging and the faculty appeared to be very knowledgeable and friendly.

How would you describe the learning experience?

The classroom experience is one of my favourite things about the course as it opens my mind to reading texts in different ways. I find seminars particularly useful because I get to hear other students’ interpretations of the text and compare them with my own. The modules I have enjoyed the most are Postcolonial Writing, Modernism and The Women’s Movement because they focused on topics that I found engaging and relatable. I found the primary texts pleasurable to read as they were carefully chosen and fit in well with the module. I also found the Levels One and Two Shakespeare modules very engaging because they enabled me to study his plays in a way I had never done previously and gave me a greater understanding of the texts.

What skills are you developing? What are some of the benefits for you?

I believe my communication skills have improved since joining Brunel due to my participation in seminars and having the chance to vocalize my opinions. My essay writing skills and writing in general have improved and I now feel more confident when writing my essays. My reading skills have improved and I am now able to read quickly and pick up on key parts of the text and make inferences. I have also improved the planning and researching of my essays.

Beyond the classroom, what do you like about the Brunel student experience?

I am a committee member of Brunel LINKS, a society that teaches basic first aid to students. I joined the society in my second year and am now a Fundraising Officer and part of my role is organising events to raise money for the charity St John Ambulance, a first aid charity that is affiliated with LINKS. Through the Brunel Volunteers office I have been able to volunteer for many organisations such as the charity, Beanstalk, where I trained to read to primary school children in order to improve their literacy levels. I also spent six weeks with the local radio station, Hayes FM, and had practical experience on forming parts of a radio show. I have been to many conferences held by Brunel staff that gave extremely useful information about how to gain work experience and how to establish yourself in the arts world.

How is Brunel helping you to achieve your long-term goals?

Once I graduate in July I hope to begin a PGCE teaching course and begin training to become a secondary school English teacher. I feel that my time at Brunel has enabled me to do this because I have thoroughly enjoyed my course and feel I have the skills necessary to go into a teaching profession. In my second year I was fortunate enough to trek the Great Wall of China for a charity called Childreach International, which is supported by Brunel. I found the experience incredible and hope to be able to continue travelling once I graduate.  

In your view, why should prospective students choose Brunel?

I think English at Brunel is fantastic because the staff members are very hard working, intelligent and friendly. I have been very impressed by the effort and detail they put into their lectures and feel I have gained various skills and learnt a lot during the past three years. The campus is in a great location as it’s within easy travel to Central London but has the advantage of being a self-contained campus so the lecture centre, library and accommodation are all in one place. The course is very flexible enabling you to focus on aspects of modules that you find the most interesting and the skills and knowledge you gain are useful beyond your university experience.