Student profile: Sophie Ellen
English Language BA
Why did you choose to study English at the University of Liverpool?
Growing up, I loved writing and English has always my favourite subject. Taking English Language at A Level made me realise there’s more to the subject than correcting grammar – it’s a subject that’s a combination of everything (history, psychology, sociology, law etc). So, it seemed the obvious choice to study it at university, and the course at Liverpool was exactly what I was looking for in terms of module choices and being research focused. Also, I’d visited Liverpool a few times and loved it! It was the perfect choice in terms of city and course.
What do you enjoy most about the course, and why?
The scope of choice, in terms of the modules offered and within the modules themselves. It never gets boring because you often have the freedom to write about whatever you’re specifically interested in. The course is so unique as we are taught by lecturers who are actually the top experts in their fields, from forensic linguistics to pragmatics. It’s so cool to read an academic book and see your lecturer’s name referenced, or even on the cover!
Can you tell us about an exciting project or essay you have completed on your course?
In second year I wrote an essay based on children’s politeness, and it was really interesting to track and research what point children typically learn polite manners and find out what age they tend use them the most. I enjoy the breadth of the course - you can write about anything that interests you. In my third year Language and the Law module, we made a presentation on a criminal case, explaining how language had been influential in the ruling of the trial and affected the outcome. It was really eye-opening to see how language affects our lives so extensively, proving the importance of it.
What does Liverpool have to offer as a city?
It’s the perfect size in terms of a city. It’s not big enough to become overwhelming but there’s so much to do and explore. I love the fact you can walk everywhere; the layout of the city is really accessible. Coming from a bigger city like Birmingham, it’s so nice to have everything I need in walking distance. I’m still finding new places three years on, there’s loads to do and see, and so many independent bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops that you can’t get in any other city. Bold Street is the best place for coffee shops and good food. And, if you need a break from the city, Princes Park and Sefton Park are just a 25-minute walk away from campus (I recommend the Palm House in Sefton). Also, Liverpool really does have a community feel to it – everyone is so friendly!
Can you tell us about the teaching methods/how your learning has been facilitated?
I usually have around 6-8 hours a week of contact time, so the rest is made up through independent work like reading, tutorial work or essay prep. You have to be quite self-motivated to do the work and disciplined in time management, something I’ve learned over the years. But it’s great to have the freedom to work in your own time or at your own pace and having the ability to work wherever you want. The contact hours are split between lecturers and tutorials/workshops, the lectures are where you learn the concepts/theories and then in the workshops you apply the theory to real-life examples and you are encouraged to share your own thoughts and you can ask any questions. All lecturers have office hours in the week and you can go to them 1-1 if you’re struggling, have questions or ideas about essays which is really helpful.
What are your ambitions for the future and how will your experiences at the University of Liverpool help you in your future career?
I’m considering either taking a masters in English Language/linguistics, and in terms of a career path I would like to become a copywriter. Taking English at Liverpool has equipped me with so many skills, such as critical thinking and clear communication, which are transferable to every workplace. I definitely want to stay in Liverpool after graduation, there’s still so much to do.
If you could go back, what advice would you have given yourself before going to University?
Join a few societies from the start! It’s the best place to meet people. Also, don’t panic about finding ‘your people’ – you will eventually, it just may take a while. Get into a good routine from the beginning of your course in terms of wider reading etc – you’ll thank yourself for it later. Get involved with research opportunities – my Undergraduate Research Scheme was really rewarding, and it was really enjoyable to work alongside my lecturers and be involved with a ground-breaking research project, outside of my studies.