Matteo Ferrari

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am originally from Enfield in North London and came to Leeds in 2020 to study English Literature. Despite starting university during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was able to have an unforgettable three years completing my degree.  

In my spare time, like many other English students I love to read. I particularly enjoy reading modernist authors like Joyce and Woolf for their radical experimentation with the form of the novel. I also enjoy reading non-fiction texts particularly sociological and historical texts to better understand the world. 

I am also an avid theatre fan and over my time at the University of Leeds, I was able to be involved in 9 productions across the Musical Theatre Society and LAMMPS. This was central to my university experience and allowed me to meet many of my closest friends as well as giving me an avenue to pursue one of my greatest passions. My experience of these societies also gave me new opportunities such as producing Guys & Dolls and planning an Edinburgh Fringe show whilst being on committee for the Musical Theatre Society.  

I also enjoy playing football and rugby. However, due to doing many productions I didn’t get a lot of time to pursue these in my time at Leeds. However, in my final year, LUUMT formed a five a side football team and we participated in the University society five a side league at the Edge Sports Centre. This was a highlight in my final year and was a good way to relieve stress and spend time with my friends. 

What have you been doing since finishing your studies?

After finishing my undergraduate degree in English Literature, I began a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary School English. I embarked on the course the September after my graduation and completed it in June 2024. In January, whilst completing the course, I received a job as an English teacher at Wren Academy in my hometown of Enfield. 

As an English teacher my job is to try an instil a sense of passion for English Literature in Secondary school students. Being an English teacher also involves trying to teach young people valuable skills of both written and spoken communication as well as inference. In addition, working at Wren Academy which is a relatively new school will allow me the opportunity to contribute to curriculum decisions. 

What experiences at Leeds do you think have particularly helped with your career? 

Beginning my studies during the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult, however I believe that this experience has helped with my career as it taught me how to overcome adversity. Furthermore, the exceptional support I received both from the university and my personal tutor during this time not only helped me get through this difficult period but also taught me the important skill of asking for help when it is needed. 

I also believe that balancing being involved in a society like Musical Theatre Society whilst completing my undergraduate degree has taught me the skill of time management which is essential to teaching but also during a PGCE where you are expected to balance your studies and placement.  

The responsibility of producing a musical during my time at Leeds helped develop my communication and leadership skills. This opportunity put me in charge of a small producer team and we were responsible for everything from costumes and props to budgeting. This unique opportunity allowed me to experience what it is like managing a group and multiple responsibilities which is key to teaching. Moreover, should I go into a leadership role within a school I am sure what I learnt from producing a musical will be invaluable.  

How do you think the skills and knowledge you developed at Leeds helped with your career success? 

I believe that the research and essay writing skills I developed during my time at the University of Leeds have been essential to success in my career. During my PGCE, I had to complete two Masters level assignments in which I received a high merit and a high distinction. These marks would not have been possible without skills I was taught in modules such as ‘Foundations of English’ and feedback I was given across my three years at the University of Leeds. 

The range of texts I studied during my time at Leeds has been essential to my career success. This is because I have studied many of the texts the schools I have worked at study as well as similar texts. Moreover, the literary criticism and theorists I was introduced to have allowed me to bring challenging concepts into the classroom to stretch students knowledge. For example, whilst studying Of Mice and Men with a Year 9 group, I introduced them to W.E.B DuBois’s concept of the talented tenth which was something I came across during my time at Leeds. 

Finally, the skills I developed in language analysis have been essential in my career as I am able to effectively approach texts and analyse them without being daunted. 

Why did you choose to study your particular course? Why did you choose the University of Leeds? 

From the moment I stepped of the platform at Leeds train station for the University of Leeds open day I knew this was the university I wanted to study at. I attended the open day alone and  the welcoming atmosphere of the staff immediately put me at ease. Coming from London I also enjoyed how the city of Leeds felt similar in its bustling nature but did feel overwhelming. 

Despite knowing the University of Leeds is where I wanted to study, I was initially torn between applying to study History or English Literature. I eventually chose English Literature as I believed that it would be easier for me to incorporate and develop my love of History studying English Literature rather than the other way around. I also was intrigued my the versatility of the English Literature modules offered from ‘Modernist Sexualities’ to ‘Bowie, Reading, Writing’.  

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

During my first year of University I was struggling with both personal issues and adjusting to life away from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. I initially contacted my personal tutor about these issues and they set up an online meeting as soon as possible and directed me to university services that could help me. I was quickly put on the University’s free six week counselling system and later given support through a scheme involving The Edge, the gym on campus. Not only did all this support greatly help me during a difficult time but it also allowed me to trust that should there be any issues in the future the University would do all they could to support.  

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?  

The aspect of the course I enjoyed the most was the range of modules available to study. Over my time at Leeds I studied everything from Medieval literature to Textual Editing. Furthermore, modules such as the Textual Editing module allowed me to experience using a printing press and transcribing a handwritten Oscar Wilde manuscript in special collections. 

In offering such a wide range of modules I was able to find interests that I did not expect. For example, the module Lost in Fiction introduced me to the world of metafiction and I was introduced to what are now two of my favourite books (Don Quixote and Pale Fire).  

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

During my final year I worked closely with Dr Emily Bell in creating my Final Year Project. I chose to do a textual editing project rather than a dissertation for my final year project due to the interest I had gained in textual editing through a module taken in second year. This project saw me created an anthology of rap lyrics titled ‘Rapped Up: An Anthology of UK Rap Lyrics from Blair to Boris’. Despite her expertise being in editing, Dr Emily Bell was more than happy to aid in assisting my research. Furthermore, we had meetings in which I was given detailed feedback on my project which helped me feel supported and removed a lot of stress from completing this project. 

What activities outside of your studies were you involved in? 

Outside of my studies I was involved in both Musical Theatre Society and LAMMPS. Both these performance societies allowed me to have a great social life and maintain one of my favourite hobbies, theatre. I can truly say that the theatre societies at Leeds are exceptional and put on many high quality productions and there’s a theatre society for everyone. Furthermore, I gained experience producing a musical which was a fantastic new experience for me. However, more than anything these societies allowed me to meet amazing friends that truly made my university experience what it was.  

In my final year I also began to play five a side football in the university societies league which was a fun way to keep fit and relieve stress. 

What would you say to students thinking about studying your course? 

I would say that Leeds offers a great diverse range of modules that both challenge you and allow you to read literature that you may not come across. I would also say that the support you receive from your personal tutor as well as seminar leaders on modules is exceptional.  

Furthermore, I feel like opportunities such as Special Collections and using the printing presses in the English department are unique and really enhance the course. 

What does Leeds as a city have to offer students? 

Leeds truly has something for everyone! From the city centre which offers a great range of shops and places to eat to the stunning natural beauty of surrounding areas such as Ilkley and Roundhay Park. For music lovers there are great venues such as Leeds First Direct Arena, o2 Academy Leeds and Brudenell Social Club (my favourite place in Leeds). 

Disclaimer: The course and module information mentioned in this profile represent those studied during Matteo’s time at Leeds, but typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. You can find out more on Course Search.