Cult Film and TV-Studies in London

Where do the creators of Vampire fiction movies hang out?

According to Brunel University in west London, "Over the last 20 years there has been an explosion of interest around the patterns and traditions of cult film and television. Whether defined by horror, kung-fu or science fiction film, or fantasy television formats such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Angel, critical interest in cult media has become a prominent source of interest for the academic and the cult film/TV fan alike. This new, cutting-edge MA is the first academic programme of its kind dedicated to the study of global traditions of cult media. Check out details here.

Course List

Popabroad has created a partial list of courses for the Universities/Schools that it represents. In this list are both postgraduate and undergraduate programs. If you would like any further information or application guidance contact Popabroad. Please keep in mind that the cut off dates for September 2009 will be coming up soon for international students. Course List

A 20 hour work week for International Students

There are part-time jobs for international students in London. I was taking photographs on Great Portland Street for the Linkthings360 site and found the International Students House just across the street which posts vacancies on their website.

If you have an unconditional offer at any programs in the UK and would like to work part-time I suggest contacting the student development office. Universities like Brunel have a placement and careers center that can help international students with establishing an employer as well as counseling on current regulations. Roehampton has a program called ROAD that works with current students to make them more employable. 

Umbrellas and Entrepreneurship

Is it interesting when current event articles raise awareness of the need for entrepreneurship?

There was an article written in the "Evening Standard" which I purchased for 50 pence because they were giving away rather nice umbrellas. Considering that I live in London and if you take a long walk you are sure to see some damaged; left for dead, umbrellas lying on a side walk. It looked like a good deal. The article, "Get real, Harriet, you've set out on the wrong road to social mobility," written by Anne McElvoy describes how people without connections may find it even harder to find a job after their higher education studies than those with social connections. This article appears to highlight a real element of pressure for schools and educators to integrate some practical work experience into the education system.

In my opinion, opportunity is not like a coloring book that educators have full control over the colors but rather can assist in its application, design and mandate programs that integrate theory with practicality. This middle ground between theory and application has been for a long period of time the work of entrepreneurs that invent, design and implement solutions. For example, universities like Brunel have developed a business center that works with local, regional and international organizations on research or practical design projects used in the market place. Entrepreneurship at this level is supported by providing students with an opportunity to present their career aims and a reward scheme for developing innovative solutions or potential new organizations. Students have to be very proactive and seek out the opportunity. In other words mobility has two sides: the student's ability that is highly dependent on motivation, and outlets for a practical working experience. These programs of opportunity can be placements, internships or implemented directly into the course curriculum. So who needs an umbrella when the chance for opportunity is about social mobility? I went to school to learn something which is different than going to school for a job.

Reference printed version, Wednesday 14, January 2009

www.standard.co.uk