What to expect

Developing skills: perception, analysis, argument
Expanding consciousness: literature and diversity
Engaging with the world: literature and the environment
Deep dive: Shakespeare
Quiz

Meet the academic

Professor John Holmes joined the English department at the University of Birmingham in 2015 as Professor of Victorian Literature and Culture. His research focuses on the relationship between scientific ideas and cultural forms in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including poetry, architecture and the visual arts. More widely, John works on and teaches a wide range of nineteenth-century literature, with interests in poetry and poetic form, especially the sonnet and the epic; religious belief and doubt; and the history of sexuality. John has been actively involved in the British Society for Literature and Science (BSLS) since its inaugural conference in 2006, Treasurer from 2006 to 2009, Book Reviews Editor from 2008 to 2012, and Chair from 2012 to 2015. While he was Chair he helped to establish links between the BSLS and other related academic societies, including the international Commission of Science and Literature (CoSciLit), the European branch of the Society for Literature, Science and the Arts (SLSAeu) and the British Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment (ASLE-UK).

English Literature and Creative Writing
SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT
with
Professor John Holmes
&
&
from
the
the University of Surrey
the
University of Birmingham
Want to know when this Subject Spotlight is released?
Get started
Notify me
Try this university course before you apply - 100% free!

Watch a sample episode now

Join Professor John Holmes as he looks at developing skills within English Literature, thinks about how you read, and explores the notion of expanding consciousness, with a focus on literature and diversity. He also considers literature and the environment, discussing how studying literature can help us to think through major global issues, before offering a deep dive into Shakespeare. Here, John explores the different ways in which an English degree might help you understand and enjoy a specific author.

Professor John Holmes
&
University of Birmingham
English Literature and Creative Writing
ABOUT THE PARTNER UNIVERSITY

University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham was established in 1825 and was the first Russell Group university to receive a royal charter. As a member of the coveted Russell Group, the University of Birmingham is a prestigious university and considered a top representative of British education. As would be expected from such a high ranking institution, the university has produced many notable alumni including two UK prime ministers - Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin.

Meet the academic

Professor John Holmes

Professor John Holmes joined the English department at the University of Birmingham in 2015 as Professor of Victorian Literature and Culture. His research focuses on the relationship between scientific ideas and cultural forms in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including poetry, architecture and the visual arts. More widely, John works on and teaches a wide range of nineteenth-century literature, with interests in poetry and poetic form, especially the sonnet and the epic; religious belief and doubt; and the history of sexuality. John has been actively involved in the British Society for Literature and Science (BSLS) since its inaugural conference in 2006, Treasurer from 2006 to 2009, Book Reviews Editor from 2008 to 2012, and Chair from 2012 to 2015. While he was Chair he helped to establish links between the BSLS and other related academic societies, including the international Commission of Science and Literature (CoSciLit), the European branch of the Society for Literature, Science and the Arts (SLSAeu) and the British Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment (ASLE-UK).

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On demand interactive video content

Sign up, log in and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.

Remarkable and relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK’s finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Upon completion, you will receive a certificate to share on LinkedIn and have as evidence for your CV/Personal Statement.

Content to enhance UCAS personal statements

Hear direct from the academics what’s expected of you in your personal statements, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Frequently asked questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?
Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?
Who is this Spotlight for?
How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my personal statement?
OTHER SUBJECT SPOTLIGHTS FROM
University of Birmingham
Create your free account to watch this Subject Spotlight
Get started