Jamie Thorogood, studying part-time for a PhD in English

I decided to come to Oxford Brookes because I knew the department had a great reputation – my tutor, for example, is a very well-respected figure in modernism.

The course gives me the skills I'll need in my academic career

The course gives me the skills I’ll need in my academic career, like public speaking, making a good argument, getting funding and submitting papers to journals. I get a lot of support from my tutors - it’s not just about writing a thesis, it’s also about immersing yourself in the academic community.

It’s been helpful for my studies to attend events where lots of disciplines interact. I gave a paper at one postgraduate event and talked to people studying German cinema, French 20th-century art and Russian classical music - and I picked up a lot of ideas from them.

The facilities in Oxford are excellent. There’s so much going on with the Playhouse and the art galleries and so on - it really encourages you into a more academic way of thinking.

English and Modern Languages

Oxford Brookes’ Department of English and Modern Languages has an inspirational group of research-active staff and fellows in English, Languages, Creative Writing and Drama.

Why study at Oxford Brookes?

Studying English

We provide you the opportunity to work with writers, industry professionals and literary studies specialists. Annual public lectures are organised by the MA in Creative Writing team with guest speakers including leading authors such as Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson, and Pulitzer Prize winner Marilynne Robinson.

Our master’s level programmes provide an excellent preparation for students intending to proceed to PhD work
and for graduates in literary studies who seek further personal or professional development. English postgraduate students are invited to participate in ‘job clubs’, a programme of workshops on developing your career and prospects.

You will have opportunities to participate in a number of lively student- led societies, such as the English Society, Creative Writing Society and Poetry Society.

Studying Modern Langauges

We have long-standing partnerships with businesses and universities in Europe, South America and Japan. These give you a wealth of networking and work experience opportunities. Our research encompasses a wide range of areas, from literature (including theatre studies) and visual cultures to philosophy and politics.

Brookes houses the CESAR project (Calendrier Electronique des Spectacles sous l’Ancien Régime) which provides an online searchable repository of images relating to the French theatre of the 17th and 18th centuries including stage sets, scenes from plays and portraits and supported by a full range of descriptive and contextual information.

Student societies such as the French and Latino Societies offer the chance to participate in a variety of themed cultural and social events.

What are the benefits?

Benefits of studying English at Oxford Brookes

Access to unparalleled research resources at the Bodleian Library and dedicated subject-based assistance at Brookes’ own library.
An introduction to Oxford’s world-class literary culture and communities, with their rich programme of talks, debates and societies.
PhD students gain training and experience in teaching undergraduate students, and advice and coaching on publishing and academic development and employability.

Benefits of studying Modern Languages at Oxford Brookes

Access to Maison Française in Oxford and use of its facilities; a particular asset is the library’s collection of 43,000 books and around 50 periodicals.
Opportunities to organise and present papers in seminars at the Maison Française.
State of the art e-learning tools, including Voicetool and TELL ME MORE to assist with oral, listening and writing language skills.

Research

To find out more please visit our research degree pages.

Taught Courses

MA in Creative Writing

Your postgraduate study will centre on your own creative writing, combined with critical analysis, reflective commentary and scholarly research. The degree is led by our core staff of practising and publishing creative writers and academics, and supported by our unique group of distinguished Creative Writing Fellows and guest speakers.

MA in English

The course enables you to develop in- depth subject expertise and the ability to undertake independent research projects in your chosen areas of specialist interest. You will participate in taught seminar courses and research training. Specialist options are currently available in fiction, poetry, drama and language studies, and they range in period coverage from the Renaissance to contemporary periods of literature.

MA in European Business, Cultures and Languages

The course is aimed at graduates with high level language skills seeking to enhance their career prospects in European businesses and institutions. It will provide you with a clear professional orientation through an intensive study of business concepts.

To increase your employability in business, you will have the opportunity to undertake either a dissertation or a work placement in a company in Europe or the UK.

Course leaders are strong advocates for student career progression to EU institutions. Brookes students have beaten stiff competition to gain intern places in the EU, for example with the European Parliament and the Directorate-Generals for Education and Culture, and for Trade, as well as the United Nations.

Which courses can I study to start in 2012?

Creative Writing - MA / PGDip / PGCert
English - MA / PGDip / PGCert
European Business, Culture and Languages - MA / PGDip / PGCert