We’re excited to publish this poem by Boudhayan Nag from the School of Law – Centre for Commercial Law Studies.
About Boudhayan: “If I had to, I’d describe myself as a pretentious wordsmith in search of the next surrealist checkpoint under the hand embroidered patterns in my head.”
Syllable Syllabi
Every fourteen years
the world changes
The beginning or end of the time period,
irrelevant
It is merely the length of an era
A span of childhood
Some people remain children forever
others grow up before the seventh summer of their lives
What is the distance between your past and present?
Asks the meta-matician tasked with teaching me the eons
The singular tune of a songbird is only half of all music
The other rests on the shoulders
Of a card-carrying Kapellmeister
I deal in nomenclature
When words lose their meaning
I stand over their graves watching,
waiting for a new beginning
The beauty of definition
is that it cannot lie
For in its depths,
it carries the heart of the word
The first feature film to be shot on mars
required actors to wear anti-gravity boots
so, they didn’t shoot off frame every day.
I only took care of makeup
Underneath their helmet
they were on a Parisian catwalk
No atmospheric pressure,
just the collected calm of forever around them
The last time I drifted out to sea
we spacewalked to the edge of the world
When we fell right off
the last thing I saw was the blush on her cheek
I want to live in a world
where metal has no meaning
Liquid gold is coffee
on the rocks
Below us a decompressed spinal cord
waves its tail at our surgical incompetence
No one wants to be a caffeinated beverage
And yet we are all a means to an end
The final rush of blood
to stick to a deadline
derived from the discovery
of a Moroccan Sufi mystic
How can you survive in a world,
where doing right is wrong
most days of the week
We cannot break
through the tradition of fear
without a little indifference
I was trained in a Platonic cave
The superhero of revenge
stuck in an allegorical epileptic fit
governed by a candlestick pattern.
Boudhayan
Please let us know if you have any suggestions for next week via sed-web@qmul.ac.uk
From QMUL
SED Careers Events There’s some unmissable events coming up for you to get valuable insight and develop your confidence in these uncertain times including:
Employable Me: Your degree doesn’t have to define your career in the workplace. Free workshop from QMSU on Thu 28 January 2021, 5:15pm – 6:30pm. This event will be focusing on how your degree doesn’t have to dictate your future career, that regardless of what you have studied at university, you can venture into different fields and industries. We will be exploring in detail how it is your interests that guide you towards what you want to do next, and that your degree is just one step out of many you will take in your life.
Outside QMUL
Artist Support Programme A GLIMMER from Drunken Chorus – Deadline 15 Feb: ‘A GLIMMER’ is the pilot of a new artist development programme that will support artists to look to the future by addressing the barriers faced during COVID-19. The programme is linked to an annual performance festival – A Bit Of A Do.
LAHP Feminist Reading Group Want to discuss well-known and lesser-known feminist texts in a supportive group? A chance to unpack feminist theories together? The LAHP Feminist Reading Group is delighted to announce our first session! You can sign up here and everyone is welcome.
Recruitment now open for cultural production curriculum The Pattern by Foundation for Future London. Created by Nate Agbetu and Ayo Fagbemi of award-winning London based initiative Play Nice, The Pattern is an incubator scheme and curriculum designed to give future community leaders, cultural producers and aspiring creatives from underrepresented groups the tools and infrastructure they need to develop community projects.
Punchdrunk Workshops Immersive theatre maestros Punchdrunk are offering new online masterclasses in online performance and design, giving you the chance to delve deeper into their practice, from the comfort of your own home. These give the chance to discover more about our creative process, learn techniques for developing new ideas, and how to explore your creative potential.
Further sources of interesting events, opportunities and jobs are…
There’s some unmissable events coming up for you to get valuable insight and develop your confidence in these uncertain times.
Media & Creative Industries Summit
Thursday 28 January, 5.30 – 7pm
An online panel session of speakers in publishing, media and journalism, with the aim of helping students broaden their connections and knowledge within this field. Speakers – all alumni of SED – work at organisations including the BBC, Orion, Al Jazeera, and Sky.
Making the most of Semester B and finding opportunity in a challenging job market
Friday 29January, 12-1pm
This is a talk exclusively for Humanities and Social Science students, particularly those not sure how to start or progress their career thinking and planning during Covid. This session will focus on the opportunities and events available right now to explore career options, make plans, and gain experience.
Tailored specifically to the SED cohort, this short series of three workshops aims to help students understand the skills they are gaining from their English and Drama degrees; make decisions about avenues they would like to explore and pursue; get an introduction to working for themselves (which may be of particular interest to those interested in a writing or arts career); and engage with ways of presenting themselves to prospective employers, connections, and clients.
Starting off with online speed networking with QM Humanities alumni, this series of events aims to demonstrate to Humanities students the broad range of options available to them, and arm them with the knowledge and skills to allow them to follow their chosen path.
Further details are in PDF which you can download via the button below…
Students can book appointments with Careers by calling 02078828533, and find resources, events and information on our website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/careers.
In an effort to help students focus by not sending too many emails we’ve stored up all the great opportunities into one short digest. Don’t worry if you want to get them first it’s still best to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for next week via sed-web@qmul.ac.uk
CONTRIBUTE: We’re launching 2 new series on our blog and other channels:
What We’re Reading: Succinct book recommendations from our students, staff and friends. See our contribute guide for help
The POWER of POETRY: Inspired by Amanda Gorman’s poem, we are launching a series celebrating poets of SED and beyond.
If you’d like to get involved please see our contribute page for guidance and contact details.
Master’s Open Events: We have 2 events coming up for current students if you think you might want to continue your study:
MA English Literature Open Evening3 February 2021 – 5-6pm UK time Join Director of admissions for the MA English Literature, Dr Charlotta Salmi to discuss the course. Sign up
Queen Mary Student Newsletter: Important opportunities like the three below come through to you via email with lots more opportunities at QMUL. We hope you get these but please email qmul-student@qmul.ac.uk if you can’t find them in your QMUL email account.
Solitudes Seminar – Anne Vila on ‘Solitudes/Multitudes in Eighteenth-Century France: The Curious Case of the Jansenist Convulsionnaires’ on 26 Jan
Outside QMUL
Important note: We are the messenger for these opportunities please contact the organisers themselves if you have questions.
Free workshop on 26 Jan with award-winning radio journalist and podcast coach Clare Freeman on how to get started with your podcast.
The Coast is Queer: FreeLGBTQ+ Literature Festival returning 5 – 7 Feb includes Booker Prize winners Douglas Stuart (Shuggie Bain) and Alan Hollinghurst (The Swimming-Pool Library, The Line Of Beauty, The Stranger’s Child) PLUS SO MANY MORE! Book tickets for individual events here
Freelancing workshop on 25 Jan with drama alumna Elliott Daley talking on how to navigate freelancing, starting out, and resilience in the face of adversity. Sign up here.
Penguin Lit in Colour: Get involved with this new initiative by Penguin to support inclusive reading in schools if you’re a teacher or tutor to young people or simply make your old English teachers aware of this scheme. Sign up here
In an effort to help students focus by not sending too many emails we’ve stored up all the great opportunities into one short digest. Don’t worry if you want to get them first it’s still best to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT – Sign up: http://bit.ly/poetryopenmic1002. Message from Jasmine Rothon: “On February 10th at 7pm I’m hosting a poetry open mic night on zoom, which is partly through my role as one of the editors of CUB. It’s open to all abilities, and might be something that any English, Creative Writing, or Drama students in particular would be interested in – whether they’re taking part or watching!”
Student Support at QMUL: We published this new guide for you to discover the best contacts for getting the support you may need. Read it here
Thinking about your future: SED career workshops starting 3 Feb: Whether you know what you would like to do after university; you aren’t sure and don’t know where to start; or the thought of career planning in the midst of coronavirus is making you anxious, the careers service is here to help. From February 3rd, a short series of careers workshops are running to help you consider your options, and what steps you might need to take to get where you want.
03/02/21, 2-3.30pm: Making choices This session will help you think about your interests and options, including information on further study, job hunting during a pandemic, and how to build an action plan. Book yourself a place here! https://qmul.targetconnect.net/leap/event.html?id=7837&service=Careers+Service
Outside QMUL
Important note: We are the messenger please contact the organisers themselves if you have questions.
BBC Asian Network have announced a brand new talent search for presenters, who will host their own shows on the station from March 2021. More info and application: bbc.in/3qc5cRV
The BFI Future Film Festival 2021 – 18-21 FEB: The BFI Future Film Festival is back and, for the first time ever, this year’s Festival will be all digital and completely free. The largest festival for young aspiring filmmakers, the programme will feature online talks and masterclasses, alongside a film programme of 45 shorts made by young filmmakers from all over the world, hosted on BFI Player and available to view free for the 4 days of the festival. The full programme and free booking opens on Fri 29 Jan.
ALUMNI ONLY:Create Jobs Future Now as you can’t be in full time education to qualify. Across creative content, software development, and the world of startups, these courses will give you an understanding of the careers available, the mindsets and skills to start that career, and the connections to employers to make it happen. You’ll also take part in workshops and inspirational talks from industry leaders and get wrap-around career support. Be quick applications close on 10am on 18 Jan 2021. Apply here
Creative Industries Federation recruiting young members too: The Creative Industries Federation, the membership body which champions and supports the UK’s creative industries, is looking for a 18-25 year-olds with knowledge and expertise within the creative sector to join their board. Deadline to apply 18 January 2021.
It’s a Sin Q&A on Youtube: Join BFI for this panel discussion on the much anticipated new drama from Russell T Davies. On the panel will be Writer Russell T Davies, Exec Producer Nicola Shindler, Director Peter Hoar, Channel 4 Head of Drama Caroline Hollick, and cast Olly Alexander, Keeley Hawes, Omari Douglas, Callum Scott Howells, Lydia West, Nathaniel Curtis.
London Library Emerging Writers Programme Applications Now Open: Now in its third year, The London Library Emerging Writers Programme offers unpublished writers, in all genres, one year’s membership of The London Library, alongside writing development masterclasses, literary networking opportunities, peer support and guidance in use of the Library’s resources. Apply here
Netflix Documentary Talent Fund: Netflix gives creative freedom to writers and directors to tell the stories they want to tell, unrestricted by time and form. We believe that great stories can come from anyone, anywhere – and that viewers want to see their lives reflected on screen. That’s why Netflix is excited to announce this Documentary Talent Fund to find the next generation of filmmakers. Applications close 31 Jan. Apply here
WANTED: young cultural leaders and curators for London’s communities Fusion Prize winner Play Nice is recruiting its first cohort of Londoners aged 18-25 for the Pattern, a curriculum in cultural production for future community leaders and curators. 20 young people will be granted a curatorial fee of £20,000 to create work for their communities and pitch them to Foundation for Future London and Culture Mile’s partners including Barbican, London Symphony Orchestra and Guildhall.
YouTube One-Day Course on 27 Feb Learn the skills you need to manage your YouTube channel in this affordable one-day class. You’ll learn how to optimise your videos, grow your audience, boost exposure and create strategies to develop your channel.
Further sources of interesting events, opportunities and jobs are…
In September 2019, I found myself doing something highly unusual. Instead of enrolling in a degree or frantically looking at graduate schemes and the like, I was boarding a plane that would whisk me away from the dreary throes of English weather, to those of sun-kissed Valencia.
Although I would miss the familiarity of rain and grey skies, of family and friends – I was unbearably excited.
The reason for my departure, though seemingly impulsive, was planned. I would be starting my placement as a Language Assistant with the British Council in a Valencian primary school. Like many other English students, I was exceedingly worried about those dreaded ‘next steps’ after graduation. Would I be lost in the sea of thousands of graduates, hoping to stay afloat in a competitive and constrictive climate?
I never imagined I would be one of those people that took a gap year or went abroad. I had loved studying Spanish at secondary school and decided to be spontaneous and throw myself into an environment that was unknown and exciting. It would turn out to be one of the best decisions I had ever made.
My primary school was located in a sleepy suburban town, by the name of La Cañada. Surrounded by luscious orange trees (a much-loved Valencian fruit), it was a train ride away from the city centre, where I was staying. My daily tasks consisted of organising and managing students from all year groups, and I would plan (what I hoped were) interesting speaking activities for pupils to get stuck into. The school were particularly invested in contemporary UK culture, and this led to eventful lessons on Christmas and Halloween, with games like ‘search for Santa’ and ‘pin the nose, eyes and mouth on the pumpkin’.
Some more memorable moments included seeing the pupils in heaps of laughter whilst playing charades or ‘mímica’. Day-to-day teaching was consistently different, which was challenging but also enjoyable, and I always returned home having learnt something new. The staff were unwaveringly kind – helping me secure accommodation and answering my unending questions. They never failed to put me at ease. I also became accustomed to eating lunch several hours later than I would normally and was introduced to scrumptious Valencian dishes, like paella and calabaza.
In my spare time, which fortunately I had a great deal of, I explored my surroundings and tried to cram in as many galleries, gardens, and other sights as I possibly could. Valencia truly had the best of everything – the city, the beach, and the countryside. My favourite discovery was the University of Valencia’s Botanical Garden, a lush and inviting place with plants both beautiful and brain-like. To my inner bookworm’s delight, I would catch glimpses of literary things everywhere. I saw Petrarch and Dante in museums I visited; the most exciting experience was happening upon Gulliver Park – a huge playground structure entirely modelled on Gulliver’s Travels! It might have been for children – but I had an amazing time!
I also learnt about the annual Falles festival that spectacularly ‘combines tradition, satire and art,’ and which Valencia is famous for. Though the cruel arrival of Coronavirus halted any formal festivities, including the celebratory bonfire, I was thankful for what I had learned from the teachers and from museum visits. I was lucky enough to be shown around the city by a very kind teacher, which led to enjoyable ventures such as visiting the Tasquita de la Estrecha (the narrowest building in Europe), scenic hikes in mountainous villages and the sampling of delicious turrón (nougat). My language skills also improved during these outings. The locals were friendly and accommodating, which allowed me to practise my Spanish freely. I found that my speaking skills developed significantly after several months.
I wholeheartedly recommend the assistantship – it has changed my life in so many unforgettable ways. I am reminded of acclaimed South Asian novelist Anita Desai’s thoughts on travelling: ‘wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow’. The remarkable experience I had as a Language Assistant will always be a part of me. I had an outstanding time teaching, and I will treasure my memories with the staff and students.
The experience has provided me with a fascinating window into Valencia’s enriched culture through visits to renowned sites and the knowledge of important festivals. It has also helped me hone an abundance of skills – resilience, communication, and adaptability. My journey has made me the person I am today and is something I will cherish forever.
Your Advisor: first point of contact for help with your university life. Book an appointment by email or via the scheduler on QMPlus (during the semester). If you don’t know who your advisor is find out here.
QMSU is independent and works for students, it has lots of resources and advocacy and events to help you.
Togetherall is the student mental health platform QMUL subscribes to. Use it to do a course or connect anonymously.
b) In-Crisis & Emergency Support
Emergency numbers: 999 for life or death emergencies and 111 on your phone for urgent health advice. 020 7882 3333 if you need campus emergency team.
Helplines:Samaritans (crisis phone/chat support), Student Minds (tailored mental health support for students) and search for your local council’s mental health support provision. Tower Hamlets for example has a 24 hours crisis line.
Connection: Be the one who reaches out and use real talk to discuss real things going on not just. You’d be surprised how many people respond well to this. There’s still time to join societies, contact old friends and meet new ones.
Exercise: Use the Couch to 5k or other similar apps to get into a routine of exercise that can improve your mood. Move around when studying to different places at home and at university if you need study space.
This is a message for all School of English and Drama UG and PGT students with coursework deadlines falling in January 2021. Yesterday senior staff in the School met with a large group of students who made representations about the distressing and difficult circumstances in which you are all studying, exacerbated by the recently announced national lockdown. I fully appreciate that we cannot expect students to ‘carry on as usual’ in such circumstances and the measures set out below, which we have worked as quickly as possible to put in place, are one recognition of the impact of Covid-19 and this latest lockdown. The student group raised other matters and we are working to see how we can best respond to those.
In making these arrangements, please note that I have also needed to take into account the consequences for the School’s academic and administrative staff, many of whom are also dealing with the changed circumstances that the lockdown brings. Since yesterday I have been working with Christina Perry, the Faculty Dean for Education, Trudy Mason in the Registry, our own Admin team, our Chairs of Examinations and Heads of Department, and others, to see if these measures could be implemented. I am very grateful to all of them for working with me, quickly, at such a difficult time, to make this possible.
With immediate effect, students who submit assignments due in January within 7 days (including Saturday and Sunday) of the original deadline will not be subject to any penalties and will not need to submit an Extenuating Circumstances application.
Students who have already submitted an assignment with a January 2021 deadline but are within the 7-day grace period may resubmit their assignment provided they do so before the grace period ends.
A list of assignments due in January that now have a 7-day grace period can be found here indicating the end of the grace period in each case.
Students who submit assignments due in Januarymore than 7 days late will still need to submit an EC Late Submission claim in order for any late penalties to be removed.
Students who are not able to submit assignments by the final deadline will need to submit an EC Non Submission claim by 24 January 2021.
During the Semester A Examination Period, which starts today, SED will accept any self-certified Extenuating Circumstances application that cites the various social and personal pressures generated by the national lockdown and the context of the pandemic more broadly. Each individual claim can relate to multiple assessments/modules. Further details will follow regarding self-certification.
The deadline to submit any Semester A Extenuating Circumstances claims via MySIS remains 11.30pm on Sunday 24 January 2021.
In honour of Trans Day of Remembrance on 20 November James Queay exposes the history of the term ‘trans’ and the importance of protecting trans rights.
In the mass consciousness one may be forgiven for seeing the battle for trans rights being a modern one, or even one that only goes back as Stonewall in 1969. However, the term ‘trans’ was first coined in Berlin in 1910 (though the fight of course can be traced back even further if one looks).
Magnus Hirschfeld was a Physician and Academic who championed queer rights seeking to assert the views of it being a natural occurrence through case studies from every culture he could reach. It should be noted that the ethics of this were in no way up to modern standard, but for the period in time we will let that rest. While his vocabulary was limited compared to today’s vast lexicon of queer terms, his work to identify that trans people were separate from gay people was key in further works.
Hirschfeld led the Scientific-humanitarian committee to gather 5000 prominent signatures to overturn paragraph 175 of the section of the German penal code that, since 1871, had criminalized homosexuality. Despite his works being rejected a number of times he championed this cause making headway until the takeover of the Nazi party. Hirschfeld in his efforts to bring about change and promote queer rights additionally opened the Institute for sexual research under the Weimar Republic (A governing force far more tolerant and liberal than previously experienced). This institution not only educated in queer and heterosexual matters but also offered medical consultations to the People of Germany. Hirschfeld himself lived with his partner Karl Giese in the institute, offering himself up as an openly gay man in a world he wished to better, even when that world was not necessarily ready to hear what he had to say.
When Von Papen launched a Coup in 1932 which instated him as the Reich Commissioner the institute stayed open. Papen actively enforced paragraph 175; and in the face of this nigh on further criminalisation of Homosexuality Hirschfeld kept his doors open. However, in 1933 Hindenburg instated Adolf Hitler as the Chancellor. On the 6th May the same year a group of university students belonging to the national socialist student league stormed the institute. They began to smash what they could before the SA (Nazi Storm Troopers) arrived to systematically burn the books. Book burnings had got into full swing months earlier with April featuring the Wartburg festival one of the most prolific book burnings that would occur. Thus, the importance of Nazi suppression of Queer media cannot be overstated. Some reports suggest that the first book burned specifically was Magnus Hirschfeld’s research on Transgender Individuals, and this signifies their importance in the fight against Fascism.
Transgender rights in many ways typify everything that is wrong with Fascism. They promote self-expression, of individuality and the freedom to change and evolve into the best version of one’s self. For fascist ideologies these ideas are dangerous because they draw on how weak Fascism is, it is rigid and restraining, it cares not for its people and incites hatred.
Thus, championing trans rights and queer rights as an extension of that is inexplicably linked with fighting against right extremism. There was no strategic benefit to the Nazi’s for burning Hirschfeld’s work, and he himself was abroad public speaking at the time so he was not silenced. Rather it is that the Nazis and by extension fascists fear acceptance and tolerance as it is only through suppression and manipulation that they are able to maintain control. This evidenced by the extreme lengths in all cases fascists go to, to manipulate their members; whether that is through misinformation, propaganda, or violence.
The furtherment of trans rights is key to queer people without question, but through this link I believe that simply to be on any ethical standing everyone must also believe in its messages.
Therefore, when we remember the long standing fight for queer rights so too must we remember the responsibility we have to those who have upheld that fight before us; the opposition they faced; and most importantly that we carry those opponents with us.
A memorial bench for Catherine Silverstone was installed this morning in the First Floor garden/atrium in ArtsOne. It was organised and paid for by undergraduate students in Drama through a Crowdfunder.
Billy Bray (Drama), Leda Maiello (English) and Gwyn Lawrence (Drama graduate) organised the crowdfunder and carried out the practical work.
The following helped Billy, Leda and Gwyn spread the word and advertise for fundraising:
Rebecca Barton
Niall Loftus
Naz Simsek
Elliot Douglas
Sofia Renzi
Anca-Teodora Stoian
I’m so moved by – and proud of – the students who organised it, and those who crowdfunded it.
Dominic Johnson, Head of Drama
The quote on the plaque is from Catherine’s beautiful article on Derek Jarman. Leda (one of the students) chose it.
Do please visit the bench and think of Catherine when you’re next on campus.
We understand that this year is very strange and confusing time for you – but we want to outline why applying to QMUL is a positive way to end 2021 with a plan.
Here are 21 reasons why you should apply to our English and Drama courses for 2022 entry before the UCAS deadline in January.
1. You can relax and have stress-free holidays without worrying about your university choices. More Netflix time!
Pose (Dominique Jackson and cast) on Netflix
2. You’ll get invited to interview for all of our courses, to help you understand whether the course is right for you and to ask questions.
3. You’ll sometimes get a quicker offer: Your application will be processed ahead of people who apply later.
b) Why English at Queen Mary?
4. Our values of inclusion are at the heart of what we teach.
5. Professional Support & Work Experience: Employability is at the heart of our English courses and you will gain access to more areas of employment by choosing us.
6. Student Support: We’re here to support your learning the whole way through your degree, with a dedicated advisor, peer-assisted study support, writing workshops and professional practice classes.
7. Freedom to be you: Unlike Drama schools we support your to tell your own story.
8. Teaching that pushes the boundaries.
9. Space to create: We have 3 rehearsal rooms, 2 studio theatres, and a dedicated technical team to make your ideas a reality.
d) Why Queen Mary over other Russell Group universities?
10. Our history of fighting for social change and inclusion: Listen to this podcast – featuring our very own Nadia Valman – to get insight into this unique history.
We are dedicated to supporting students with services like counselling, writing support, Mental Health First Aid and more.
12. Our diversity – and how you can make friends with people from around the world and from different socio-economic backgrounds.
e) Why choose to study in 2022?
13. Learn in lockdown and its aftermath.
Make the most of being out of lockdown and learn something interesting with us. You can always choose to add a year abroad in your third year when hopefully travel will be less restricted.
14. Time to reflect.
University gives you time to reflect on the wider world, develop your values and try to change the world.
15. The experience of blended learning is benefiting students.
We work with students to improve our online and in-person teaching as much as we can. Lots of students have told us that some experiences work better online. Activities like meeting an advisor or participating in a text-based English class work really well online, so we will act on this feedback for 2021.
You will have time outside of paid-work and time for internships and other opportunities that may be difficult to fit in around full time work or apprenticeships.
18. Meet curious people and make friends for life.
Lots of our students make friends for life on our courses. We are a friendly department and encourage students to talk and socialise outside of the workshop room.
g) Why do a humanities degree at all?
19. Humanities make us human – we need stories, critique and communication to challenge and celebrate the world we live in.
20. Humanities are relevant to so many careers and make you adaptable for jobs that don’t even exist yet.
21. You’ll find it easier to commit to, read and study about something you are passionate about.
Find the Live Chat (tawk.to) box on our homepage (you may see it elsewhere too, e.g. on QMplus): https://www.qmul.ac.uk/sed/
Live chat is often available via our website, look for the yellow box in the bottom right hand corner of your browser.
3) You can visit us at the SED Reception Desk on the Third Floor of Arts One
You can visit us in person at our reception desk on the Third Floor of Arts One. Please ring the bell when you arrive and a member of the team will come to see you as soon as they are able to. Please wear a face covering when you come to see us in person! Our reception desk is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m.
4) Book a drop in session with our Student Support Officer
You can book a drop in session via QMplus with our Student Support Officer Suzi Lewis. These sessions will be held via MS Teams.
We will have a small team available at the School Reception on the third floor of the Arts One building (room 3.40: follow the signs at the top of the stairs) to take brief queries from students who are unable to find the answer to their query elsewhere or via the online options available.
QUEEN MARY VACATIONS AND THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
The School Office is open and staffed throughout the year, including student vacations but not including Bank Holidays and QM Closure Days. Opening hours may vary during the vacation period.
If you need to see someone in the School urgently and your Advisor is unavailable, you should ask one of the administrative staff to see whether it is possible for you to see the School Director of Student Support, Professor Alfred Hiatt.
All Clearing applicants are guaranteed a room in Queen Mary halls, or with one or our partner providers.
Applications should ideally be submitted online by Wednesday 19 August (midnight BST), because room allocations for Clearing applicants will begin on Thursday 20 August.
Room allocations are made in date order of application submission.
In order to submit your housing application you must be placed at Queen Mary, i.e. you must be holding an unconditional firm (UF) offer.
The Admissions Office will send the login details for the housing application system to applicants, once their status is confirmed as UF on UCAS.
There may be a few hours delay in you being able to apply for housing after you receive your login details from Admissions.
We can’t wait to welcome new undergraduate students from 14 September 2020 for welcome week!
Please see below for key info for undergraduate students and do get in touch if you have any questions.
Key Information
Enrolment
For September 2020, all student enrolments will be completed online in absentia and you will not have to attend campus in order to become fully enrolled. Once you have enrolled be sure to join Senate House Library too!
Your IT account will usually be set up within 14 days so please do keep an eye out for activation emails on and after results day.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week from Monday 14 September 2020 is a time to get to know your course, personal advisor and discover all the things you can be part of at Queen Mary.
We will be publishing details of welcome week here soon.
First Week of Teaching / Your Timetable
Your timetable will begin on week commencing Monday 21 September 2020 and you should get this shortly before then along with your IT login. Be sure to check your junk mail for the email you registered with UCAS so you don’t miss anything important.
All online classes on your timetable are compulsory unless they say optional just as they would be in person.
I’m a storyteller and my time is dedicated to do justice to the stories I tell.
Tell us about your time at QMUL. What have been your highlights?
My time at QM has been truly special. I‘ve had the chance to learn so much about literature but also the craft of writing.
How has your course at Queen Mary helped you to progress into the world outside? What’s next?
My course has given me the tools to pursue my passions and develop further even after I have left university.
Aside from course content what have been your favourite elements of the experience of studying here as a whole?
I have found theatre to be really complimenting to my studies and many of my fondest memories of the last few years have been in rehearsal rooms.
Tell us about your life outside Queen Mary including any projects, ambitions or jobs you’ve had.
I love painting, dancing and singing so I try to find time to do that.
What could be improved to enhance future students’ experience at Queen Mary?
I think being open to change is key for a more positive future. This does not mean just adapting but critically thinking about what change is positive and useful and which one might be damaging.
