Noah Hughes

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am in the third year of my degree in English Language and Literature, I’m originally from Bristol and came to Leeds because of the great reputation of its English Department as well as the surrounding countryside. 

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

I chose my degree as I enjoyed both the Literature and Language aspects of my English studies beforehand, and wanted to incorporate them both into my degree. My interests have evolved through the three years of my degree and I now favour the language side of my course where I once preferred Literature.

As a city, Leeds interested me greatly. I had never lived in the North of England before and thought it would be a good chance to live somewhere quite different from where I had grown up. The surrounding area of Leeds is a rich outdoor environment and I love the opportunities the university provides to explore them. 

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

My course presents opportunities to study areas of everyday life that are fascinating below the surface.

In English Language we probe real-life everyday examples of usage of English; in the media, politics, and even teaching, and examine the techniques used to influence people and sway their opinion. I enjoy the study of political and media-based language and how speakers and writers use language to their own ends. I am passionate about English Language because it is the study of the every day usage of language in the English speaking world and the effect it is used to. 

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most?   

My favourite aspect of my course is Language in the Media as well as ‘Sociolinguistics’; the intersection of language, linguistics, sociology and psychology. 

Have you worked closely with a particular tutor or member of the University’s academic staff? 

My personal tutor is a valuable source of wisdom on all things academic and personal - my module leaders/seminar tutors have also always been interested and willing to help in any situation they can. 

Are you involved in any activities outside of your studies?

I am a member of a few societies at the University; I go on trips with the Hiking Society and climb with the climbing society. I am also a member of the Leeds Real Ale society which organises tasting sessions and brewery tours. 

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? 

At the moment I am keen to apply for a Masters degree following my undergrad. In my third year I am being provided with an abundance of advice and guidance on the application processes well as one-to-one career counselling. 

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

Enjoy the freedom to customise and personalise your course to your own interest, I think its an underrated aspect of many of the degrees at Leeds and one that students really come to value later on in their degree as their interests and focuses evolve.