I chose the University of Warwick because I checked the course structure and I admired the academic rigor and choice of genres/texts that I will get to explore. Also, Warwick is top 3 and top 10 in the UK for Creative Writing and English Literature respectively. The University of Warwick is also the top 25 English department in the world. Furthermore, I checked the professors in my department and they are highly reputed academics. Several are Fellows of the Royal Society of Literature or National Teaching Fellows.
Course Curriculum :
I truly enjoy and love my course. My course gets updated every single year, with new modules, texts, and genres to explore. There is no area in this field that you will not get to dive deep into if you get accepted into this course. From Non-fiction to Screenwriting to Beyond Books to Poetry to Compositions to Poetry, you will have the opportunity to explore it all during this course. For English Literature, from the early 14th-15th century up until modern-day literature, and even country-specific literature are available for students to take as a part of this degree course. The University gives opportunities to participate at the International Conference of Undergraduate Research as well as the British Conference of Undergraduate Research. There is also the opportunity for a Study-Abroad/Placement year during the third year of your study in this course. Due to the esteemed faculty in the department, every professor is more than willing to supervise a research project of a student.
Exams :
I had to first submit an SOP, a LOR, and a CV. In my CV, I highlighted my international and national achievements in the field of English Literature and/or Creative Writing because that is what I wished to pursue at University. I also highlighted my extra-curricular responsibilities in school (for example MUN) and my work with a non-governmental organization in Kolkata. In my SOP, I focused on highlighting how my love and passion for English Literature and Creative Writing came into being, and why pursuing this course at University would align with my future goals. My English Literature teacher at school wrote my LOR highlighting both my love and passion for the subject coupled with my hard work and determination which enabled me to have international and national achievements in my field. After I sent my SOP, LOR, and CV, I had to take part in an interview where I had to answer specific questions regarding my degree. If there is one piece of advice I would like to share, it is that - there is no right answer! The admissions officers simply want to get to know you and evaluate whether you would be a right fit for the curriculum so take that time to show them who you really are, instead of elaborating on your achievements (because that they already know from your CV and SOP). After getting through the interview round, I had to submit a portfolio of my original work for review and consideration by academic teaching my degree. After completing these three rounds of application, I secured a conditional offer where I had to receive 85% overall (Best of 5) and 85 in English in the 12th standard exams (ISC). After I sent my SOP, LOR, and CV, I had to take part in an interview where I had to answer specific questions regarding my degree. If there is one piece of advice I would like to share, it is that - there is no right answer! The admissions officers simply want to get to know you and evaluate whether you would be a right fit for the curriculum so take that time to show them who you really are, instead of elaborating on your achievements (because that they already know from your CV and SOP). After getting through the interview round, I had to submit a portfolio of my original work for review and consideration by academic teaching my degree. It is simply to check my creative abilities, critical thinking, and research skills. If anyone has to submit a piece of their original work as a part of an application - my most important advice will be to let go of being a perfectionist. That will only hold you back from reaching your truest potential. Also, be authentic and bold. Don't hold back. This is potentially your last step in the application!
Placement :
There are more than 3000 companies who visit campus per year. University of Warwick graduates are the 3rd most targeted University graduates in the UK by UK's top 100 employers. There are careers support and Open fairs organized throughout the year by the department. You can get in touch with alumni through your LinkedIn profile. Several courses also offer study-abroad or placement year opportunities during the 3rd year of your degree, thus, you will have started working before you even graduate from University.
Internship :
No, I have not. I am going to apply for Masters's after University.
Events :
There are more than 250+ societies and 65+ sports clubs at the University of Warwick. There are usually more than 30-35 events/extracurricular activities happening on campus per day (which can be previewed on the MyWarwick app). There are plenty of research facilities and opportunities on-campus including the International Conference of Undergraduate Research, British Conference of Undergraduate Research, Undergraduate Research Student-Staff Scheme, etc. A student can also take up a research or creative project independently and approach a professor to be his/her supervisor. There is free Wi-fi throughout campus, inside as well as outside the building (the University is basically a wi-fi zone). The library is 24/7 and spends 6 million on e-books and texts every year (also takes suggestions from students to know how to spend their 6 million).
Fees :
1st year: 18330 pounds. 2nd year: 19,240 pounds. 3rd year: 20,210 pounds.
Scholarship :
No
Faculty :
The Faculty to student ratio is almost 2:1. The faculty and staff are extremely highly reputed (as mentioned above). Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful; as well as ready to supervise a creative or research project undertaken by a student.
Hostel :
I currently live off-campus. I pay a little over 8000 pounds annually. The facilities are excellent and I live in an en-suite room with an attached bathroom, and shared kitchen facilities. There are 24/7 security and open reception.
