CLASS OF 2017: DMU experience proves out of this world for Joseph


Graduating as a self-published children’s writer is a dream come true for Joseph Glover, who studied English Language and Creative Writing at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU).

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Publishing a book is not something Joseph thought he could achieve at such a young age, but thanks to the Professional Writing Skills module on his course he is the proud author of Take Us To Space, a combination of memorable rhyming patterns and colourful illustrations.

The 21-year-old from Leicester said: “That module was one of the biggest attractions for me in terms of choosing DMU’s joint honours degree.

“We had insightful weekly lectures led by prominent people from the industry, like writers, editors and publishers. We then honed our skills through a series of workshops, which not only strengthened our writing, but also gave students the tools to build websites and branch into design.

“Publishing a children’s book is something I’ve always wanted to do, but I never thought it would be possible before graduating.”

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Looking dapper (far right) at a DSU awards ceremony where Demon Theatre Society was nominated for Most Improved Society and Society of the Year

Joseph was inspired by the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing and its impending 50th anniversary.

“I wanted children to experience what it is like to go to space and live the dream that thousands around the world share,” he said.

“My book also contains an interactive game, challenging children to find eight little friends and images, which hopefully makes them eager to read the book again and again.”

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Achieving a 2:1 in his degree means Joseph has qualified for the Vice-Chancellor’s 2020 Scholarship, a postgraduate tuition fee discount of up to 50 per cent, which he is taking full advantage of by staying on to study an English Language Teaching MA.

He said: “Teaching English is something I became passionate about in the second year of my degree and the scholarship has made studying for it a no-brainer. It feels like I’m being rewarded for my hard work.

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In Berlin with #DMUglobal

“I fell in love with DMU during a school visit when I was just 14 years old and I’ve never looked back. I’ve really enjoyed my undergraduate degree and the lecturers have been supportive throughout, so I’m excited to take my studies further and explore a whole range of English teaching methods.

“My dream is to go on and teach English abroad. I’d love to experience a completely different culture, so I’m drawn to countries in South East Asia and the Middle East.”

Having not travelled much before university, Joseph caught the travelling bug during his time at DMU, taking up opportunities to see the world through #DMUglobal.

In January he was one of more than 1,000 students who travelled to New York for #DMUglobal’s largest trip to date, and in June he joined over 800 other students and staff in Berlin. This September he is looking forward to a DMU Square Mile India trip to Ahmedabad, teaching sanitation to people in rural communities.

DMU has also enabled Joseph to develop his passion for acting. He said: “I’ve been acting since I was 11, but I thought that would all end when I came to university.

“Luckily, halfway through my first year I joined DMU’s Demon Theatre Society and I haven’t looked back since. I’ve made so many good friends through it and I’ve also had the chance to play some great roles in brilliant plays at Leicester’s Sue Townsend Theatre.”

Posted on Friday 21 July 2017

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