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In My Student Experience, our Success Connectors speak to subject heads within the School of the Media, Arts and Humanities (MAH) to find out more about their experiences as a student, their opinions on the School, and their advice for students studying in MAH.

This week, our connectors speak to Dolores Tierney, Head of Film Studies.

Dolores Tierney 

Dolores Tierney is a Professor of Film and the Head of Film Studies.

What was your experience as an undergraduate student?

I was very excited to go to university and excited to study. I was always in the library, and then later, when I got into cinema, I was always watching films. I would typically stay in the library until late and then meet my friends in the pub for last orders which was always a lot of fun. Also, I attended lectures on courses (English mainly), that I wasn’t even on but which were related to topics I was interested in (Modernism, Avant Garde cinema). I just loved to learn. I was also really involved in social activism and drama. I wore dungarees and Converse trainers. Despite being an outgoing person, I also remember feeling quite nervous in seminars. So I try to avoid calling on people who may be feeling similarly nervous in my own seminars.

What do you think makes a successful Media, Arts and Humanities (MAH) student?

I would say for students to be successful that they should find what they are interested in and seeks ways of engaging with it beyond their core studies. It is also important to be curious and take any opportunities that are on offer. I often tell students, “Find what you are passionate about” because a happy student will be a successful student. I would also encourage students to go to places and meet people, this could be attending a book signing or going to hear a director Q&A. Meeting and talking to your heroes is a great way of gaining confidence and experience. 

What is a fun fact about yourself?

When I was around 14, I was a part of a contemporary dance group Cipher. We used to rehearse here at Sussex. I am also a huge fan of musicals; my favourite is probably Singing in the Rain, but I also am a fan of In the Heights. I also have met quite a few filmmakers, one that comes to mind is Spike Lee. 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I would love the ability to not need sleep as it would make my life a lot easier and mean I have more time to do things.