Hannah Jennison

Hannah, who is studying on the MA Literature, Romanticism and the English Lake District course at our Ambleside campus, talks to us about what inspired her research, the opportunities she's had whilst studying in Cumbria, and her work at the Armitt Museum and Wordsworth Grasmere.

Tell us a little about yourself, and your ackground before you started your MA course? 

Before starting the course, I studied English Literature at the University of Aberdeen. I come from Perthshire in Scotland, a landscape which in many ways reflects the dramatic fells and peaks of the Lake District.

Why did you choose to study the MA Literature, Romanticism and the English Lake District? 

I knew I wanted to live and study in an area which allowed me to be surrounded by nature, as it’s where I feel most inspired and at home. Visiting the campus, I was absolutely in awe that we could study here in a National Park.

Could you tell us a little bit about your research?

I am particularly interested in ecocriticism, and I am currently writing my dissertation on the literary significance of ancient trees and woodlands in the Lake District and the Tay Forest National Park in Perthshire.

What do you enjoy most about the course?

I loved living on campus and being excited about going to class every week. My favourite module was Poetry and Place, which really taught me about how to analyse the mechanics of poetry and introduced me to some wonderful poets who have written about Cumbria, like Kathleen Raine, Fleur Adcock and Michael Roberts.

Could you please tell us about any work experience you have completed whilst studying the MA?

I volunteered at the Armitt Museum while studying and helped on a project to develop a heritage trail of Ambleside, which led me into all the different nooks and crannies of the town and taught me loads about its history, while also giving me experience working in a museum setting. The Armitt is a great place to go and study, which you are given exclusive permission to do as a student of this course.

What has been your favourite experience studying the MA, so far?

It is hard to pick one favourite experience I’ve had while being here. Just having the privilege to attend university at such a beautiful campus and take part in the course feels truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime.

How would you describe the support you've had from lecturers during your course?

We’ve had excellent support throughout, with personal tutorials to support assessments and I always felt comfortable to ask for whatever help I needed.

What’s next for you?

I am working as a seasonal visitor assistant at Wordsworth Grasmere!

What would you say to anyone considering the MA in Literature, Romanticism and the English Lake District?

Throw yourself into it as much as you can – there’s so many opportunities on your doorstep, both on campus and in the local area, get involved with whatever interests you.