Nicola Westwood – PhD English Literature

PhD English Literature student Nicola Westwood really valued having access to the Cadbury Research Library to support her research into British Abolitionist Literature. We found out more about her experience as a researcher at the University of Birmingham.

Nicola_WestwoodWhy did you choose to study for a PhD in English Literature?

“My undergraduate degree was Joint Honours English and History, and I have always loved how learning about a text’s historical context can offer a fresh perspective that offers a new interpretation. The intersection of these two disciplines led me to pursue a PhD in English literature that situates texts within their historical, biographical and publication contexts to further develop close reading analysis."

Why did you choose to undertake research at the University of Birmingham?

“Having completed my undergraduate and Masters degrees at the university, I already knew many of the incredible staff that go above and beyond to make sure that every student excels. I chose my lead supervisor based on the fact that I had already built up a working relationship with him, having taken one of his modules on a subject closely related to my PhD topic, and so I knew that he was always supportive, and gave clear and informative feedback. I had also previously shadowed him as part of the university’s Academic Shadowing scheme, where I was able to follow the planning and delivery of lectures and seminars to gain an insight into the career of an academic, which is just one of the many excellent schemes that the university runs in order to support the progress of its students. Furthermore, the first female anti-slavery society was founded in Birmingham in 1825, and so having access to archives at the Cadbury Research Library and the Library of Birmingham was another strong influence on my decision to continue at the University of Birmingham."

What are the best things about your course?

“My supervisors are always very supportive with everything I do, and I could not ask for anything more from them. The University of Birmingham also offers additional support in many other areas. PhD researchers can choose to have a peer mentor to guide them through their first year of research, and to help integrate them within the postgraduate community. As a mentee I found this scheme so valuable that I volunteered to become a mentor myself during my second and third years. Overall, there is an abundance of support offered in a multitude of areas, including skill development, career prospects, and developing a sense of community, all of which make me certain that I chose the right university.” 

What is life like as a researcher at the University of Birmingham?

“There is a lot of independent research involved, which requires self-discipline and self-motivation. I meet with my supervisors once a month to discuss my progress in an hour-long meeting. Although this does not seem like much, it is more than sufficient, and I can always email them between meetings with any further queries I may have. There are also several opportunities for paid and voluntary work offered by the university, which allow researchers to gain experience that is essential towards achieving their career goals."

Outside of your research, what experience have you gained and how will it help you in the future?

“The University provides free training modules for teaching in Higher Education, as well as the Beacon scheme to award fellowship titles in recognition of teaching experience, both of which I have benefitted greatly from. During my time at Birmingham I have developed a great appreciation for the Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS), which is available to both undergraduates and postgraduates, particularly as I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work for AWAS as a PGTA. The university has also granted me funding to present my research at conferences, and work on outreach projects. All of this experience has been essential to my career development, as it has allowed me to obtain Associate Fellowship.” 

Is there anything about studying for a PhD that you know now, but wish you had known before you started?

“A PhD is predominantly independent research, which many people find can be quite isolating at times, so it is extremely important to integrate yourself within the postgraduate community so that you can benefit from the support of your peers.”

Find out more about our PhD English Literature programme over on our course pages.