Alice Trott

What do you do now and what do you enjoy about it?

I have been a freelance photo editor and multidisciplinary artist during the last 7 years. I have only recently graduated so I am still working as an editor, but I have plans to become a published fiction writer so I’m currently working on making this dream come into fruition.

What path have you taken and were there any particular areas of interest that lead to you specialising?

It’s a really rewarding feeling to see how my background in film, my current work in the photography industry and my creative passions in art and literature are aligning after many years of feeling unsure about which direction I was going in.

Film (specifically scriptwriting, sound design and directing) was always a fascinating medium to work with that really sparked the beginnings of my journey as a storyteller and creative.

Making ad hoc hybrid fiction films, short docs and poetic montages have combined well with theoretical and conceptual thinking in those and writing projects. Spatiotemporalities, contemporary visual culture and psychosociology are the primary themes inspiring my work.

Why did you choose to study at City and how has it helped you?

Doing the MA allowed me to step back into the academic world, laying the foundations for becoming a better researcher and writer, and offering a plethora of ideas inspired by the many literary theories and schools of thought I was not privy to beforehand.

Doing the MA reminded me of the many passions and values I hold, narrative concepts I wish to develop, and social causes worth aligning with. It has given me the confidence to push forward and believe that the dream of being a full-time writer and artist can be a reality.

The MA has given more substance and groundwork to my ideas and projects which is thrilling to someone seeking constantly to expand their knowledge and creativity.

What did you enjoy the most about your course?

I enjoyed many things about the course, it’s hard to pick just one. Firstly, being supported by and part of an institution is such a privilege – when you’re trying to nurture your ideas and future path, it’s so important to feel like you can do this freely and make that a priority, have your voice heard and your ideas celebrated.

Secondly, being back in lectures with classmates representing such diversity, who equally enjoy in-depth analysis of literature and theory, is incredibly motivating and inspiring.

Thirdly, the lecturers made every module extremely interesting, engaging, accessible and with a good balance of being mentally challenging.

What was the hardest thing about your course?

The hardest thing about the course was the quantity of reading to keep up with throughout. However, this was a crucial component in training myself to get through dense and complex material quickly and efficiently, and therefore becoming a better researcher.

I am glad I did the course part-time for this reason, as I was still able to enjoy most of the set reading rather than feeling too stretched or having to skip things like I might have had to do if I studied full-time.

What was your favourite thing about studying at City?

Firstly, City is in such a great location – I loved my commute along the canal to the campus, sometimes finishing the day with a drink in one of the nice pubs in the area or visiting the Victoria Miro gallery after and generally enjoying being on campus as a proud student amongst others.

Secondly, the lecturers at City were fantastic and I felt very heard / seen throughout, which has been incredibly important. City also ensures regular opportunities for students to give their feedback on the course, modules and facilities at City.

What are your plans for the future?

I wish to continue further studies and pursue a PhD in English literature at City and later, become published as a writer.

What advice would you give to current and future City students?

If you can, and are considering doing the MA in English, go for part-time so that you can really absorb it all more than you might on the full-time.

But whatever you might endeavour to do at City, please make use of the amazing support provided by your tutors and the university. Their eagerness to support you and make your studies as smooth and enjoyable as possible is invaluable.