English Literature and Community Education degree: a fresh start for mature students

Bristol University is offering those of all ages and educational backgrounds the chance to gain a BA degree part-time in English Literature and Community Engagement (ELCE).

The degree programme is designed specifically for mature students who need or want to study part-time alongside work, family, or other commitments. No prior qualifications are required to apply.

Seminars take place over three hours one evening per week during term-time; teaching is also delivered on three Saturdays per year.

One past student, Jen, describes her experiences of studying part-time on the ELCE degree:

“I always wanted to go to university but the right time and the right opportunity did not present themselves when I was younger. That all changed when I came across an ELCE flyer at my local Sainsburys. The programme ticked all the boxes: no previous qualifications, part-time and evening study and, most importantly, the prospect of studying the books taught on the course.

“ELCE radically transformed my life. I discovered I had an undiagnosed learning difficulty: dyspraxia. Disability Services were a tremendous support. ELCE helped me realise that was capable of academic work and that I could learn in a way that suits me. The course amplified my love of literature and reading, gave me confidence and developed so many of the skills I use in my working life. I’d recommend ELCE to anyone!”

The exciting ELCE degree programme introduces students to literature in English from across the globe and throughout history. Students also have the chance to design and set-up a community engaged project and use this to consider the role of literature in society.

Past student Rob describes his experience of running a reading group with a charity called Ideal Community Action, which worked with people who’d experienced poverty, addiction, or been in prison. He describes the benefits of this unique, community-centred aspect of the ELCE course:

“It was such an exciting project. Whilst I was there, we started seeing people who’d joined the reading group move from initial uncertainty and vulnerability to sharing their opinions, and in some cases going on to do the Foundation Year at the university. Seeing them on campus was really amazing.”

The ELCE course is designed to develop students’ confidence, critical thinking and communication skills, and create new opportunities for career progression. Rob, describes how the ELCE degree improved his job prospects:

“I was working in public libraries on a series of temporary contracts, often juggling different part-time roles at once. I started working at the university library a couple of years into the degree. One of the desirable criteria for the job was a degree; that would have put me off before ELCE. It gave me justification to apply. Within nine months I took on responsibility for a small branch library. I’m now in a middle-management role.”

Places are available for students to join the ELCE degree in September 2022. For further details and to apply, please visit www.bristol.ac.uk/elce.