10 out of 10 for English courses

English Literature and Creative Writing courses score top marks in recent league table

Date: 9 June 2014

The English Literature and Creative Writing courses at London Metropolitan University have scored full marks for ‘added-value’ in a new university league table.

The two subject areas received a mark of 10 out of 10 for value-added to the course, which compares students' degree results with their entry qualifications to establish the quality of teaching. London Met is one of only two universities in the 2015 Guardian University Guide to score full marks for added-value in these areas.

Overall the courses ranked 33rd in the country, one place behind the University of Liverpool and several places above universities such as Sheffield, Manchester and King’s College London.

94% of students said they were satisfied with teaching on the courses, and 81% of students were happy with the feedback they received from their lecturers, up from 65% in previous years.

The impressive scores reflect London Met’s continuing improvement and excellence in humanities education.

Trevor Norris, Course Leader for English Literature at London Met, said: “I’m delighted that the value of the English Literature and Creative Writing degrees at London Met has been recognised in this way. This is a great reward for the joint efforts of students and teaching staff in the University.”

For Sunny Singh, Course Leader in Creative Writing, the impressive score is an endorsement of the teaching at London Met.

“Our ranking is a testament to the quality of teaching on the programme. As one of only two universities to be given 10/10 for value added, we are very proud of our teaching team's commitment to helping our students reach their full potential.”

Both courses are run in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at London Met, which also runs the other highest scoring courses in this year’s guide; Theatre and Performance Practice and Journalism.

The Architecture course in The Cass was another high ranking subject.

Creative Writing and Journalism student Ellie de Rose said: “'The two things I loved most about my degree were the range of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds of the people taking the course, and the industry expertise of the teaching staff.

“I've made friends for life with people that helped to create a supportive learning environment; people with the same kinds of ambitions and love of writing. The degree itself was flexible, and there were always activities happening that kept things varied, like guest speakers and writing competitions.”

Misbah Ayub is graduating from the English Literature degree this summer. She said: “It is absolutely fantastic to see the results on the Guardian League Table, which reflect the brilliant and satisfying experience of studying English Literature at London Met.

“The course explores many literary and artistic movements and theories, and allows personal and independent development. It treats literature as a current part of modern life, which changed my attitude and interest in the subject and is the course's greatest strength. This is backed up by great and enthusiastic teaching, which has inspired me and many other students to go onto further study. I will definitely be sad to leave.”

Find out more about the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at London Metropolitan University