Clodagh Flood

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m from London but my family are originally from Ireland. I love meeting new people, which is why I wanted to study in a sociable and diverse city like Leeds.

I really enjoy spending time with my friends, going out shopping, eating and drinking. Travelling has always been an interest of mine, and I was lucky enough to study abroad in the US last year, which was an incredible experience.

I am hoping to travel some more after I graduate and the confidence I gained on my year abroad has prepared me to go out and explore new places and meet new people.

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

Originally I wanted to apply for straight English Literature but when I came to Leeds for an open day I discovered the English and Comparative Literature course.

I had never heard of the course before but I really liked the sound of studying texts from around the world in translation.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

I have always loved reading so I knew that I wanted to study literature of some sort at university. I think comparative literature was so appealing because it gives you the opportunity to study texts from around the world without needing to know another language. 

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most? 

I like that you get more freedom in terms of module choices as you progress through the University.

For example, in second year I was able to take an optional comparative module called ‘Black Europe’ which turned out to be one of my favourite modules. I also really enjoyed creating an anthology with my peers in a compulsory module in second year.

What would you say about the learning facilities in your School and at the University in general?

The learning facilities at Leeds are excellent. There are four libraries available for students to study in which are fully equipped with a range of resources. There are also plenty of other study spaces located around the University, as well as on campus cafés such as common ground, balcony and the edit room, which are perfect for informal group study sessions.  

Have you worked closely with a particular tutor or member or the University’s academic staff? Tell us about that experience.

My personal tutor was Dr Nina Wardleworth who has been so supportive throughout my time at Leeds. Whenever I have needed guidance I have organised a meeting with Nina and she has reassured me with her expertise.

My dissertation supervisor was Dr Richard Hibbitt; his help and support was invaluable during the dissertation process. I am really grateful for the kindness that both Richard and Nina have offered over the last four years.

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

At Leeds, there is such a wide range of extracurricular activities on offer. I joined the Union’s English Society, which organises social events throughout the year. I have also been a member of the Irish Dancing Society since I joined the University through which I have met some of my closest friends.

I also took an optional year abroad where I studied at the University of Vermont in the US. I could not recommend studying abroad enough; it was an incredible experience!

What do you plan to do when you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed so far at Leeds will help with these plans?

I think I would eventually like to pursue a career in the publishing industry.

The organisational and communication skills that I have developed so far at Leeds will definitely help with these plans. I have also learnt how to work to deadlines individually and as part of a group, a skill that I will no doubt use in the workplace.

The English and Comparative Literature course has taught me how to be analytical and critical, as well as how to research effectively.

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

I would say definitely apply for English and Comparative Literature, especially if you are considering studying straight English Literature but want to read a more diverse range of books. Also, don’t worry if you don’t know another language, all the texts studied on the course are translated from their original language.