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Rethinking Oxford Brookes

I just posted on University Life but I’m not sure that was the right place so I’m posting here too 😂

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I’ve never posted on here before but I’m always reading different posts trying to find answers. I figured my case is quite specific so I’ll write my own.

I would like to go down the book publishing career pathway, probably in the editorial sector. For example, in Penguin Random House or similar. I’m a total bookworm and avid writer but I know how difficult it is to be successful as an author so editing is the next dream.

I’m 19 approaching 20, I initially applied to universities at 17 but I got really ill with seven chronic illnesses and couldn’t go for my own safety. I’m currently doing an online course with Falmouth University because I didn’t want to stop studying, but my health is a lot better now and I’d like to go to uni next September. I’m literally going insane craving independence 🤣

I visited some unis and decided on my options based on course alone, especially because (at the time) I was really shy and didn’t drink or anything. I’ve changed a lot since then and want to go somewhere with a decent student union, good/active nightlife and friendly atmosphere, etc. The social side is now as important as the academic side to me.

I decided on Media, Journalism & Publishing at Oxford Brookes as my first choice (because it’s so hard to find courses with Publishing as a main part, I loved their connections to the big Publishing houses, the year abroad or placement was a nice option to have, and they also have a Publishing masters.) My other choices were Creative Writing at Arts University Bournemouth, Creative Writing at Portsmouth, Creative Writing and Publishing at Bath Spa, and Creative and Professional Writing at Winchester.

This time around, I’ve been smarter and have decided to look into the unis in more depth. I’ve just heard about Oxford Brookes’ bad reputation, how low down some of the unis are on rankings, the stereotypes of many unis, how the nightlife is bad in some places, etc, and I feel like I’m back to square one. I’ll be 20 when I go, I really don’t want to go somewhere I’ll hate and transfer.

I’m in Reading and don’t want to go much past 1.5/2hrs from home due to having unpredictable health and also other personal reasons, so my options are limited if I want to look at anywhere else. I also much prefer coursework over exams and definitely am not skilled in essay writing so it’s hard to find a course that ticks all the boxes! Oxford Brookes sounded perfect… until it didn’t.

I only have until the end of January to apply and I’m panicking. If anyone can answer any of my multiple questions, you’d be a lifesaver 😂

Reply 1

the bear

have you considered an apprenticeship route to enter publishing ?

https://www.publishers.org.uk/about-publishing/publishing-professional-apprenticeship/

Reply 2

afrasaun5

Original post by the bear

have you considered an apprenticeship route to enter publishing ?
https://www.publishers.org.uk/about-publishing/publishing-professional-apprenticeship/

Yes I was but it would mean I’d miss out on the university experience. I have a complicated home life and uni is the only way I can have a bit of distance and be out more socialising 😬 also I would’ve thought they’d look for formal qualifications as it’s such a competitive industry to get into!

Reply 3

McGinger

Oxford Brookes is great Uni with a good reputation for vocational / employment orientated courses. It pioneered work-placements as part of degrees. Its more credible than any of the other Unis you have mentioned. It also has a good reputation for its pastoral care and student support.

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