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Kingston University or University of Kent?

I need help deciding between the following offers:
MA Creative Writing- University of Kent
MA Creative Writing and Publishing- Kingston University
I am planning on completing my first novel by the end of the degree, and I have ambitions as a writer. I need help deciding which university is right for me. I would also appreciate any general information about them, as I am an overseas student and would like to be happy and feel supported in the place that I choose to go (both academically and personally). Can you help?

Reply 1

Original post
by Anonymous_37
I need help deciding between the following offers:
MA Creative Writing- University of Kent
MA Creative Writing and Publishing- Kingston University
I am planning on completing my first novel by the end of the degree, and I have ambitions as a writer. I need help deciding which university is right for me. I would also appreciate any general information about them, as I am an overseas student and would like to be happy and feel supported in the place that I choose to go (both academically and personally). Can you help?

Hello,

I haven’t studied in either Kingston or the university of Kent, so I can’t offer any specific opinion on either I’m sorry, but I can give a few suggestions to maybe help you choose which one might suit you best.

I would recommend having a good look at the course contents for both courses. What modules do they offer? Are there similarities and what are the differences? It’s the differences I would be most interested in - which one has the modules that you find the most relevant and interesting to you? Then consider the delivery of the courses. Again think about which one best appeals to your learning style? You could also look at what each department offers students in gems of extra curricular opportunities of writing is there a student magazine to be involved in, for example

You should consider the wider university too. As an international student, does one offer more support than the other for you? What about the student services facilities and learning support? I find personally these to be invaluable when I’m researching. Is one university more appealing to you than the other in terms of clubs and societies it has that you might want to join in with?

It sounds a bit trivial but think about the wider town the university is based in, does one have better amenities than the other? If you need to rely on public transport, what are the networks like for each one?

I appreciate you might be it be able to as your an international student, but if possible try and visit each one as often on an open day you gain a real feel for the university and this often helps make your decision as you find out where you could be most comfortable and would enjoy your university experience.

I really hope this helps you a bit, good luck with making your decision and your course,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester

Reply 2

Original post
by Anonymous_37
I need help deciding between the following offers:
MA Creative Writing- University of Kent
MA Creative Writing and Publishing- Kingston University
I am planning on completing my first novel by the end of the degree, and I have ambitions as a writer. I need help deciding which university is right for me. I would also appreciate any general information about them, as I am an overseas student and would like to be happy and feel supported in the place that I choose to go (both academically and personally). Can you help?

Hi @Anonymous_37

While not studying this course, I am a student here at Kingston University so can offer some advice!

Within my year (third year) at Kingston, an equal amount of international students to non-international students fill up our classes. Those that are international have spoken about feeling supported and having a sense of community encouraged through Kingston. Hopefully Kingston international students can offer you their experience through this thread!

While being aware that you live overseas, Kingston offers virtual open days for those that can't visit and want to know more about the uni campuses and courses.

I have attached some links below for you to look into for our virtual experiences and open days!
https://experience.kingston.ac.uk/
https://www.kingston.ac.uk/open-days/postgraduate-open-events/
https://www.kingston.ac.uk/open-days/webinars/

I personally found that Kingston was the perfect location for me. Easy access to Central London, with a less busy atmosphere to enjoy with lots of shopping options! The university campus is also situated next to the Thames river, offering lots of restaurant options facing the water and lovely parks to visit.

I hope this helped- and please let me know if you have any questions!

-Yasmin (Kingston Rep)

Reply 3

Original post
by Anonymous_37
I need help deciding between the following offers:
MA Creative Writing- University of Kent
MA Creative Writing and Publishing- Kingston University
I am planning on completing my first novel by the end of the degree, and I have ambitions as a writer. I need help deciding which university is right for me. I would also appreciate any general information about them, as I am an overseas student and would like to be happy and feel supported in the place that I choose to go (both academically and personally). Can you help?

Hi,
I hope you are well!😊

Creative Writing sounds super interesting! Completing your novel will be such an achievement! I'd love to know what its about! 😊
What are you currently studying at undergraduate? 🎓️

Its also great to see you are looking to study here at Kent! 😊

I'm currently in my third year studying Social Science and have loved my time here. Let me know if you have any specific questions about studying at Kent!

Here is a little bit about some of the extracurriculars and opportunities I've had:

Kent offers students the opportunity to work part-time as a Student Ambassador. I've worked lots of different opportunities in local schools, and on campus which has helped develop my confidence and communication skills!

Kent Union Jobshop also allows students the opportunity to work part time in the library cafe and student club, among a few opportunities they offer.

I've also been part of the Medway Netball team during my studies where I've met lots of friends for life! Kent has lots of different societies, some academic, and some for interest! So there is something for everyone! 😊 You can find all of the societies here!

Postgrad events- The university offers some great events for Postgrads to attend. If you follow the link, scroll right to the bottom where you'll find a list of the events currently being run for postgrads. Some of the activities relate to academic and career support, and some are for unwinding and relaxing/ meeting new people😊

I am also part of two panels. A Widening Participation Panel, and a Wellbeing panel which has increased my confidence and has given me the opportunity to have my voice as well as my peers heard. The university also has an International Student Advisory Board and an International Wellbeing group which represents the voices of overseas students!😊

Canterbury Campus

Canterbury campus is situated a short drive/little walk from the Canterbury towns which has some lovely coffee shops, places to eat and go shopping.

Kent offers Postgraduate accommodation, with a range of rooms providing postgrads with spaces for them and quiet study. You can browse Postgrad accommodation using the link above😊

Support at Kent

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW)- SSW provides mental health, wellbeing, disability, and neurodiversity support for students. I have used SSW when I've felt overwhelmed during my exam periods, and for my condition too when I've needed some extra support. I've found the service really supporting, and would recommend it to anyone who needs some extra support during their studies because the team is so approachable and friendly!

During my time at Kent, I've had an Inclusive Learning Plan (ILP) which I've found really helpful during my exams and my assignments. The university was great in reaching out to me to set it up, and finding the right adjustments for me.

Skills for Academic Success (SAS)- SAS provides academic support for students, from study to revision to assignment skills.

Kent also has a Careers and employability service, who are great to talk to about future careers ambitions etc.

Kent Union also provides different support for students, from the campus pantry to part-time work opportunities.

The university is also launching a new approach to timetabling and assessment in September 2025 where exams/assessments will follow at the end each module to assist revision, and timetables will be blocked to support commuting students.

Support for International students:

Kent has a range of specific support for International students including support with Visas, the costs of living, study support, as well as Kent Unions advice service.

Kent also provides opportunities for International students to improve their English and academic skills if they wish through workshops, and cultural workshops too.

You can find links to the support mentioned above here 😊

MA Creative Writing at Kent:
I'm sure you have read up about the course already, so I won't bore you with all of the details! But here's a few things about the course:

The course is delivered by academics with a range of expertise.

The course encourages students to be creative, critical, and engage in workshops, to prepare them for a career in the creative writing industry.

There are opportunities to get involved in Kent's poetry scene, open mic nights, and the opportunity to publish work in the biannual Kent Review!

Previous students have gone to work in publishing, writing, journalism and academia.

I've just picked out a few things here, but if you have any questions about the course do let me know!😊

I hope this helps! Please do reach out if you have any questions or if I have missed anything!😊

Best wishes with your current studies! 🎓️
We hope to welcome you to the Kent community in the near future!😊

Best wishes,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
(edited 9 months ago)

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