MA - Education: Culture, Language and Identity

This course was genuinely life changing. It opened up so many new pathways for me to explore both creatively and academically as well as challenging every aspect of my practice to make me a far better writer, teacher and all round human. The unique balance between writing and education, the opportunities to grow and develop and the diversity and quality of the tutors all contribute to a top notch masters programme. I am richer for the experience (emotionally speaking, I am still a writer after all).

I thoroughly enjoyed the MA in Creative Writing and Education. I have always been fascinated by the creative writing process and was eager to learn how I could encourage students to feel the same. Each module taught me a different aspect regarding writing creatively and teaching it.

Learning from modules such as Children's literature, Culture and Diversity, and Creative Writing Pedagogies, I am now confident in planning lessons, projects, and group activities that will excite students and produce great writing.

I always loved the idea of working in publishing, but only saw it as a pipe dream. However, I am now employed as an Editorial Assistant at Bonnier Books UK, and I am certain my MA credentials supported my break through into the publishing industry.

The MA in Multilingualism, Linguistics & Education provided me with an exciting opportunity to gain a solid foundation in the field of applied linguistics with a particular focus on its use in the educational context. The course has encouraged my critical thinking and given me the right tools to embrace the diversity of the globalized world that we live in. Engaging in lively discussions with other students from various backgrounds and our tutors made me look at different polemics from a variety of new and eye-opening angles.

The variety of modules allowed me to choose the ones that fit my needs and interests best. Throughout the year, there were a number of opportunities to hear guest speakers leading their respective field. It was a truly inspiring to be in an environment that allowed me to ask questions, with great tutors helping me acquire the necessary tools to answer them.

For your end of year thesis, which may seem like a daunting endeavour at first, you really get all the freedom you want to explore research questions that you are passionate about and you get all the guidance you need to find answers to them. Your lecturers guide and support you throughout the entire process and they are always available to answer any questions you may have. I couldn’t be more thankful for them. The course gave me the academic confidence and curiosity to pursue a PhD in the field of applied linguistics, which I don’t think would have been possible without the support from my supervisors during this degree.

The special focus on multilingualism couldn’t be more fitting for a university located in the heart of South East London where cultural and linguistic diversity can be found all around. Even after graduating, the area still feels like home and I always look forward to any opportunity to go back.