Students relaxing in Humanities Building - communal area

A day in the life of a Foundation Arts student

Sian shares her typical day...

10am: 'Narrative and Creativity' lecture

Today, we have a guest lecturer, Dr Harriet Earle, who talks about the cultural mythology of the serial killer. This module covers the way in which stories are constructed and told and their role and impact in society. For me, this module is one of most interesting as it allows us to discuss our personal engagement with narratives in various forms, allowing for the critical exploration of narratives we love.

11am: 'Media, Communications and Society' lecture

This lecture is given by Dr Doug Ingram and the first half of this lecture is about advertising and its role in society. The assessment for this module is a group assessment which requires us to film and edit a video that explores the relationship between media and society. During the session, we discuss possible approaches with the support of Doug.

Highfields lake with snow

1pm: Relaxing during a break

Me and a couple of friends get coffee before taking a walk across campus to the Humanities Building where we eat and catch up until it’s time for our seminar. This is one of my favourite walks around campus as showcases the lovely green surroundings and we see all sorts of wildlife – the geese are my personal favourite!

During this break we also take the opportunity to share our ideas on the set reading for the upcoming 'Important Thinkers Throughout History' seminar.

A waterfall surrounded by trees

3pm: 'Important Thinkers Throughout History' seminar

This is a seminar with lecturer Adina Covaci in which we discuss a different ‘Important Thinker’ each week – this week was Rachel Carson, a marine biologist. In preparation for this, I have read the first three chapters of her book, Silent Spring.

This seminar is particularly interesting to me as I feel that the state of the environment is an important problem in modern society. Also, the debate surrounding whether to consider someone an important thinker is always complex and interesting.

4pm: Individual study time

After getting home from uni I dedicate at least an hour to completing some work – today, this was continuing my research and taking notes for my dissertation. The dissertation for Foundation Arts is around 3500 words, so although it may sound intimidating it actually feels very manageable. 

7pm: Book Society meeting

I head out for my book club meeting, the book is Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid – one of my personal favourites which I re-read for the occasion – the discussion was interesting as I get to hear new interpretations of an old favourite.

After heading home once again, I spend my evening catching up with friends.