Novel way to match students with their books
University students signing up to a new writing course are getting a perfect match when it comes to their reading material.
T h e Un ive r s i ty o f Su nderland is teaming up with award-winning independent book shop, Forum Books, and Waterstones to handpick books to students applying to the new Creative and Professional Writing course.
The English course launches in 2021 and has been designed to prepare students to work professionally as a writer in a range of communications industries or as a freelance writer.
Dr Sarah Dobbs and Dr Alex Lockwood, part of the team working on the course which is the first of its kind in the region, believe the bookpairing partnership offers an innovative approach to the degree while supporting local businesses.
Dr Dobbs, senior lecturer in creative writing, said: “At Sunderland we have always had the drive and most importantly the capacity to unlock each individual voice, to find the right text or perspective that works for that student.
"As our Creative and Professional Writing course begins to receive admissions, we are doing this before they join the University.
“Working in partnership with Forum Books and Waterstones, we are sending Recommending Reads to all our students who apply to the new program, matching their interests to books we think they will love.”
Senior lecturer Dr Lockwood, a novelist and creative writer, said: “The course has been designed to support individual journeys into writing professionally, and I hope these first books are a good indication of our commitment to local voices and local businesses.”