Patrick Peel-Barnard

Why did you choose Brunel University?

I chose English at Brunel because of the varied programme and many options. With over a thousand years of literature on offer, I decided that there would not only be plenty for me to get my teeth into, but also the possibility that I would find epochs I could focus on, particularly at the stage of my dissertation. Furthermore, knowing that I would be taught by research-active scholars, who would be working on their own projects, made me feel that I would feel strongly involved in a research environment.

How would you describe the learning experience?

In the first year, my favourite module was Shakespeare and His Contemporaries, which enabled me to learn more about the works of Shakespeare, including plays and poetry. In the second year, I particularly enjoyed the Modernism module as it offered a different perspective on traditional literature, helping me to bridge the gap between late Victorian texts and more contemporary compositions. Furthermore, leading a seminar class on modernist concepts in James Joyce's Ulysses was a tough but very rewarding challenge.

In my third year, I chose a module on “Moving Modernisms,” tracking more of the development of the literary era. Moreover, a module looking at 20^th Century Socio-Political Drama was stimulating. Along with this, a module on Post-Millennial Fiction took me into a new era of writing.

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

In terms of employability, preparing for and delivering group presentations will be a huge asset. Along with this, self-motivation and time-management skills are important aspects of life at Brunel University: organising work and social time is an important step in preparing for the world outside university. The method of learning at university is a lot more intense that at school, but it feels like a big step forward between A-levels and working in the professional world.

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

Making new friends was an integral part of my early weeks at university, and I continue to make them, even as my third year draws to an end. The University is always holding events that can help students, with notable people coming to the University to speak. A famous music producer came to talk about the development of his career. Furthermore, the School of Arts organised trips to a few Shakespeare productions in the second year to offer us a more hands-on approach to our Shakespeare performance module.

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

I do not know specifically what I would like to do for a career. However, I feel that I have gained a lot of knowledge in my favourite areas of English literature and acquired skills that will be transferable when I do start to work towards achieving my professional goals.

In your view, why should prospective students choose Brunel?

Brunel's English department has many different areas of literature to choose from and try, so it is a good way to broaden your horizons when it comes to the literary canon. There is the possibility to specialise as well as leave one's ‘comfort zone’ in terms of favourite authors or literary eras.

The English department is full of published authors, with lecturers and seminar leaders active in their own research or creative work. They are all easily contactable should a student have an issue they need to talk about, either promptly by email or office appointment.