I’ve had work published, and performed at the Cheltenham Literature Festival

After graduating with a joint honours degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, Tom Bennett is now undertaking an MA degree in Creative and Critical Writing.

“The University provided a chance to publish my work before I even joined, when a short story I wrote during lockdown was selected for inclusion on the Creative Writing blog. I felt so proud to be published for the first time, and I could see an immediate improvement in my prose as I collaborated with one of my future lecturers to edit the piece.

“When I began studying for a joint honours in English and Creative Writing shortly afterwards, I could not fault the dedication of staff in ensuring the pandemic did not prevent access to all the resources and support we would have had at any other time.

“Lecturers always offered extensive feedback, one-to-one tutorials, and reading material to ensure we were prepared for assignments. The small class sizes allowed us to get to know one another quickly, even with Covid restrictions still in place, and critique each other’s work in a supportive, tight-knit environment.

“The University produces an annual anthology of students’ work, and having short stories and poems included in three editions – as well as being lucky enough to perform some of these at the Cheltenham Literature Festival – has given me the confidence to prepare submissions for external publications. Alongside talks from guest speakers about how to get published and the array of jobs available within the creative industries, I have become more assured about knowing the direction I could take within the writing business, and the development of a personal portfolio.

“Now I am studying for an MA in Creative and Critical Writing, I am developing the invaluable skills and knowledge the BA equipped me with further, undertaking the role of Chief Editor of this year’s anthology. I am grateful for all the opportunities and support my lecturers provide, and I feel excited about pursuing a career in the creative industries in the near future.”

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Photo credit: Nigel Hughes, Cheltenham Literature Festival