The School of English, Drama and Creative Studies is a great place to study with excellent research expertise and a thriving postgraduate community. Specifically, for my area of research it is the number one choice as my supervisor is an expert in my field on my topic. So it was a very simple choice that made Birmingham stand out. However, I also know that is the case in other areas of EDACS from other postgrads who are working with experts in their field. It feels amazing to be part of this research community.

As a part-time Postgraduate Researcher I mainly work from home and come onto campus – maybe twice a month. I really enjoy my visits to campus, because I know there are dedicated workspaces where I am able to work effectively. I have found the academic support staff and Library staff very helpful and ready to support you; whether this be enabling you to access a research collection or just helping you connect into Wifi.

There always seems to be an event taking place (virtual or in-person) that you can engage with even outside your discipline, which is really great, because you build experience and learn about different approaches from other researchers. So, you don’t have to feel isolated because of the many groups, societies and events to be a part of that enriches your experience as a PGR.

It’s very clear from the newsletters and updates that the PGR community receive that there are many support services available from the department and the wider university. My supervisor, being my first point of contact has been very supportive. At the start of my course I was introduced to other PGR’s so that I could make an immediate connection and start to generate friendships. I think particularly as a part-time student, it’s so important not to feel isolated.

As I have been in education for a number of years I came to the PhD with a lot of professional and academic knowledge. What has been evident is how that experience has enabled me to make the most of the opportunities that the university afford to PGR’s and given me the confidence to consider how I might use the resources and experience at the university to better network in the future.