Frequently Asked Questions
Most modules are taught in seminar meetings each week. In addition all teaching staff have office hours when students can talk privately with them about their work.
In seminars you will be taught with a group of fellow students, with discussion focusing on a text or topic (which has previously been set) in an atmosphere which is friendly and informal.
Students often establish friendships through seminar groups, as well as learning more about other people's ideas.
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Assessment for your degree is based on a combination of coursework, oral presentation and formal examinations and varies according to module.
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Pre-arrival reading lists will be sent out with registration information before you join your course. There is some information about reading lists also available on each Masters course outline on the School website.
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There are approximately 45 Masters students studying for postgraduate degrees in the School each year.
We have students from all over the world (including, for example, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the USA, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Brazil and the Middle East).
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Will I have a Personal Tutor?
All Masters students have a Personal Tutor for pastoral support. All Masters students also have an Course Convenor to monitor academic progress, provide feedback to students during the academic year and help with module choices.
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After a Masters degree, some students stay at Nottingham for a research degree. Our Research Students are working on topics that range widely, from the study of Old English vocabulary to women writers and the Second World War, or the sensation novels of the 1860s, or language and gender in higher education. There are at present approximately 70 Research Students in the School.
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What are the university term dates?
The University's term and semester dates are available on-line.
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The Student Services Centre at the University can provide you with information and support throughout your studies. The Centre is located on the University Park Campus and includes:
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How do I find out about the tuition fees for my course?
You will find information about tuition fees on the University fees website. If you are studying part-time please note that the tuition fee rate will normally be half the published amount. For distance learning tuition fees please refer to the Distance Learning section of this website.
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Is there any computer provision and support on campus?
The University has a large number of computer rooms across all campuses to provide on-site, 24 hour, computer access for all students. There is wireless access, network points in study bedrooms in halls of residence and a laptop loan facility with University computer service points across campus. Further information is available from the Information Services (IS) website.
If you need help with information systems or computers then the University has help and support from Information Services (IS). A member of their support team is available in the Student Services Centre, Portland Building, University Park to help with any queries you may have or you can find someone to help you at the Hallward Library reception desk. You can also telephone or email the Student IT Helpline.
t: 0115 951 3333
e: student-it-helpline@nottingham.ac.uk
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What are the library facilities like?
The University has extensive library holdings for students in English Studies in the University libraries. The main holdings are in the Hallward library as well as collections for research on DH Lawrence, medieval manuscripts, and the important Portland Literary Collection of late seventeenth and early eighteenth century manuscripts. These are housed in the Manuscripts and Special Collections.
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Are there any student activities and societies?
Many of the School's students work on the University's award-winning student newspaper and campus radio station.
There is also the English Society, run by and for students in the School of English Society. The Society is very active in the School and organises balls, sporting events and theatre trips as well as broadening their charity links, in particular working with a local secondary school to help students develop their communication skills. Great opportunities to develop your CV and get involved. The English Society in also on Facebook.
The University also has a Poetry and Spoken Word society, who have regular open-mic nights.
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I am a student from outside the United Kingdom, is there specific information for me?
We have a section on the School website for International Students that will help you with queries about your fees, language tuition, living in Nottingham and support for international students and their families travelling to, and during your studies at, Nottingham. Information about admissions, entry requirements, courses etc. is available under the relevant section for Prospective Students (Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research.)
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Is there any childcare provision?
The University provides excellent childcare facilities for children from the age of six weeks to 12 years.
There are nursery facilities, a holiday playscheme and toy library. For further information, please contact Childcare services.
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What is the campus like?
The beautiful University Park Campus is located three miles outside Nottingham city centre and is easy to reach by bus, bicycle, car or even by foot! The campus was donated to the University by Sir Jesse Boot (founder of Boots the Chemist) in 1922 and the School of English is on the ground floor of the Trent Building. All teaching in the School of English is located on the University Park campus and students are able to walk to classes as well as enjoy lakeside walks and even boating on the lake during the summer months! Visitors on Open Days are able to appreciate the size and beauty of the campus. There are also videos of the campus locations and gardens on-line.
The Friends of University Park was formed in 2004 to encourage the local community to visit University Park and to enjoy its vast gardens and grounds. Each year the group organises a series of events, garden walks, special open days and talks to help visitors enjoy the park.
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What is it like living in Nottingham?
The city of Nottingham is an exciting, vibrant, cosmopolitan city in the East Midlands with endless sources of entertainment including festivals, theatre, live music venues, pubs and clubs, cinemas and restaurants and cafes to cater for every taste. The University website about Nottingham life has lots of information, videos and links to Facebook to give more information about:
• our location
• transport and travel
• events and nights out
• our history and culture
• shopping and dining
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Is there an equal opportunities policy?
The University aims to create the conditions whereby students and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstance, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.
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University Policy Statement on Dress Code
The University of Nottingham welcomes the diversity of appearance that people from different religious and belief backgrounds can bring.
However, there may be health and safety or professional considerations that would restrict certain modes of dress in particular contexts for example when working on placement.
In such cases, it will be necessary for the University to consult with staff/students and placement providers who may be affected by a restriction.
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