My previous studies have been in performance art and theatre, graduating in 2011 from De Montfort University, Leicester. During my BA, I found myself intrigued by some of the cultural and critical theories that accompanied some of my research, including structural linguistics, gender theory and ideology. This initial introduction inspired me to consider studying critical theory further, and began my part time Critical Theory & Cultural Studies MA in 2013.  

At first I was intimidated by the institute and some of the thinkers briefed on the course outline, as their names and theoretical concepts were completely alien to anything I was familiar with. The texts are difficult and thought provoking, but I have also enjoyed them. A few particular favourites have been Walter Benjamin on technology, Raymond Williams’ ‘ordinary’ culture, and Camp aesthetics. 

Despite some struggles, I have received some fantastic academic and pastoral support, particularly from Dr Colin Wright whose generosity is hugely appreciated! 

I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in critical or cultural theory, and is willing to be challenged by traditional and contemporary thought. Overall I have mostly enjoyed the modules ‘Theory at Work’ and ‘Aesthetics and Politics’. My dissertation will discuss the effects of virtual and real space in art as interactive experience, drawing on the experimental internet art of The Workers’ ‘AfterDark’at the Tate Gallery, London, 2014. 

It was in the last two years of my undergraduate degree that I developed a keen interest in Marxism. That was a crucial moment not only in my education but also (as tawdry as it may sound) in my life, for it completely changed my weltanschauung. It provided me with a more critical outlook, which in turn enabled me to question things on a far deeper level than before. I then gradually moved on to the works of the Frankfurt School, or what Max Horkheimer – one of its key members – would term critical theory. 

Critical theory is a school of thought that is located on the fringes of academia, or so I discovered whilst looking for potential graduate programmes. I then decided to take a year off in order to find something that would suit my ‘offbeat’ interests. During that year I contacted the Centre for Critical Theory in Nottingham and expressed my desire to work with them. The response was welcoming and heartening which resulted in a five-month internship in the Centre. It was during this time that I became convinced that this was the place where I wanted to continue my education, for what ‘I got myself into’ was a very active, interdisciplinary and inspiring atmosphere that further deepened my interests in the eclectic thought of critical theory. 

After applying for the MA in Critical Theory and Politics, I got offered a place in the programme as well as a full school studentship, and it proved to be all I was expecting it to be. I find the staff very forthcoming and encouraging whilst providing enough freedom to pursue one’s own interests. I myself am currently working on Michel Foucault, and the biopolitics of smoking.

After eight years away from academia I decided to return to the University of Nottingham to pursue an MA in Critical Theory and Politics. As a writer and Publishing Executive at the Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation and its publishing imprint Spokesman Books, I have been involved in reporting and researching political issues and wanted to expand on my existing knowledge. Over the last few years I have written several reviews and articles for The Spokesman, Review 31 and WorkingJournalUSA on issues as diverse as the Occupy Movement, the 2010 general election, the 2011 riots in London (in relation to Bauman’s notion of Collateral Damage) and the anti-ballistic missile defence system from a Russian perspective.  

I chose to study at the University of Nottingham because I know from previous experience what a stimulating and supportive environment is offered by the Centre for Critical Theory and that it would be an ideal place to realise my ambitions.  By studying Critical Theory and Politics, I will benefit from the focused academic training offered by the University of Nottingham in applying theoretically-informed critique to the contemporary problems we currently face. 

In my dissertation I want to address how social movements, such as Occupy, have disseminated the message that today’s political and economic systems are in need of revision. I want to explore what the movements are saying and the mediums that are being utilised in order to convey their ideas. A major current research theme within the Centre for Critical Theory is technology and resistance, which will provide the ideal environment to develop my dissertation. The grounding in political theory and political philosophy that this MA has provided so far is enabling me to develop the tools that will be essential for me to undertake a future doctoral position.