Why did you choose to study at the University of Liverpool?
When I was in high school, I came across a brochure from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, and I was deeply attracted by its unique campus atmosphere. Although I missed the chance to study there during my undergraduate years, I chose the University of Liverpool without hesitation when applying for my postgraduate studies.
Another key factor that attracted me is how this programme combines TESOL and linguistics. Most universities treat them as separate fields, but the University of Liverpool integrates theory with practice. This flexibility and variety give me a sense of security about my future—it allows me to teach if I choose to or pursue a PhD if I wish. For me, this decision was both confident and full of hope.
What’s the best thing about studying your programme?
As I mentioned earlier, this programme is truly amazing! It has a great balance of practice and theory. For example, there are practical modules like Teaching English to Young Learners and courses on Evaluating or Designing Teaching Materials or Assessments. On the other hand, there are more theoretical modules such as Corpus Linguistics or Discourse Analysis.
What excites me the most is the flexibility in course selection. The programme includes essential theoretical courses, like SLA (Second Language Acquisition), as electives, while more than half of the modules are optional. This level of freedom feels like being in a LEGO playground, where I can build my own “language or teaching castle” however I like. In the end, everyone completes a unique and personalised outcome that reflects their own learning journey!
How do the facilities and/or staff help you with your studies?
The facilities are incredibly modern and convenient! The university provides various apps to help you manage your timetable, book meetings, and find academic resources. There are also two 24-hour libraries with amazing environments. Whether you want a quiet place to study or an area to discuss with classmates, you’ll find the perfect spot. And the best part? The libraries have snack vending machines and coffee! You can’t imagine how comforting they are when you’re working at midnight on an assessment week/month.
The staff are absolutely fantastic! They support you in varieties of ways. If you have questions, just organise them and send an email (or use Teams, which some professors prefer), and they’ll respond with precise, helpful answers. If the issue is too complex to explain in writing, don’t worry—every professor has office hours. You can book a slot, bring your iPad, and have a 30-minute chat with them. It’s like a magical cure for any academic confusion!
Did you access any of the support services available to you? If so, how did you find the service?
Of course! The university has a huge sports centre right in the middle of campus. For a small fee, you can use the gym or the heated swimming pool. My dorm was right next to the sports centre, so whenever I got stuck writing my paper, I would go for a swim to clear my mind.
What has been your highlight of your time at Liverpool so far?
This year has been incredibly fulfilling—so much so that time flew by, and every second of it feels unforgettable when I look back.
Late-night chats with professors at the pub, sharing drinks while discussing life and academia; strolling along Liverpool’s seaside with a group of friends, laughing and taking photos; the chaos and excitement of booking train tickets for my first trip to the Lake District; and our “Hot-pot Saturday,” starting at 3 p.m. with friends shopping for beef at Lidl and eating together until sunrise the next day. And of course, that moment when the grades were released—the complex emotions I felt. Looking up at the sky, the vibrant sunset, so brilliant it felt like it was celebrating everything I had experienced.
How do you believe undertaking postgraduate study will help your career prospects?
Whether I choose to teach at an institution or school, or pursue a research path, the courses here provide a strong foundation. The training is so solid that I feel confident and well-prepared for any future career decisions.
What advice would you give to anybody considering postgraduate study at Liverpool?
I have countless pieces of advice, but here are the most important ones:
a) Prioritise preparation. Use Canvas wisely! All the course materials and recommended readings are usually uploaded a week in advance. Make sure your preparation time is at least three times longer than your class time. Spend at least four hours a day in the library—grab a sandwich, put on your headphones, go through the readings, and try to answer all the questions in the course materials. This will make your class time much more effective.
b) Don’t get stuck on understanding every single word in the readings. Whether it’s the semantics of English or academic concepts and debates, you don’t need to grasp everything perfectly—after all, you’re just a student! Don’t give up on a reading just because the first three lines seem confusing. Focus on understanding the key concepts and ensure you can follow the course materials. Trust me, you’ll eventually find your own rhythm.
Oh, and one more thing! When it’s time to write your papers, plan carefully. Cancel all your travel or social plans and finish early. You’ll thank yourself later. Can you imagine the feeling of submitting your paper five days ahead of the deadline while all your friends are still desperately cramming? That moment when the whole of Liverpool feels peaceful and like it’s just yours—it’s pure freedom!
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