Courses studied: Literature, Politics and Sociology, including Literature and Film Projects
“Fircroft helped me realise my potential.”
When Paul Long came to Fircroft, he was at a crossroads.
Having been made redundant from his job in the music business, Paul was unsure about what the future might hold. A friend who had previously studied at Fircroft recommended the college, and Paul decided to take the opportunity to explore what further education could offer him.
He later discovered that two of his uncles had also studied at Fircroft around a decade earlier. The subjects he chose – Literature, Politics and Sociology – were areas he was genuinely interested in, and he was encouraged by the tutors who proposed them.
Rediscovering Education
Paul had left school at 16 with good results but had subsequently turned away from education. His experience at grammar school had left him with a negative view of education.
Fircroft changed that.
The residential environment gave Paul the opportunity to concentrate on learning and helped him understand what further study could mean for his future.
“It helped me get focussed on what study could mean for me and the broader expectations at higher levels.”
The support he received at Fircroft gave him the confidence to consider university and opened up possibilities he hadn’t previously imagined.
From Access study to an Academic Career
Fircroft became the foundation for an extraordinary academic journey.
Paul went on to achieve:
- BA (Hons) Film and Literature – University of Warwick, 1995
- MSocSci Cultural Studies – University of Birmingham, 1998
- PhD Social History – University of Warwick, 2001
- PGCert (Education) – Birmingham City University, 2004
He subsequently worked at Birmingham School of Media, Birmingham City University, from 1998 to 2019.
Since 2019, Paul has been a Professor in Creative and Cultural Industries at Monash University, where he is also Director of the Master of Cultural and Creative Industries within the School of Media, Film and Journalism.
His journey from being made redundant from the music business to becoming a professor demonstrates just how far an opportunity at Fircroft can lead.
A Lasting Influence
For Paul, Fircroft’s impact has extended far beyond his academic qualifications.
The experience shaped his approach to learning, knowledge and teaching throughout his career.
Later in life, when studying for his Master’s and PhD, Paul made connections with students and scholars at Ruskin College. He remained proud that he had been supported by a Ruskin Bursary while at Fircroft.
He also valued the sense of community created by the residential experience.
“I loved the opportunity for residency and concentration on learning in a positive environment.”
Living and studying alongside other students meant everyone was experiencing the same challenges together, creating a supportive and shared learning environment.
Paul also appreciated the contribution of all Fircroft’s staff, not just those who taught him directly.
“I admired the equitable regime and all of the staff who, even if they did not teach me in their classes, certainly had something to teach me!”
Paul’s Advice to Future Students
Paul encourages anyone considering Fircroft to embrace the opportunity if they are ready to commit to their studies and make changes in their life.
“I’d say go for it if you feel committed to study and transforming your life.”
He also recognises that Fircroft may not be right for everyone – but believes the experience can help people understand what they want from their future.
Looking Back
Paul believes that without Fircroft, he might have remained uncertain about his direction and potential.
“Probably a little unfocussed and directionless in understanding and realising my potential.”
Instead, Fircroft helped him rediscover education, progress to university and build a career in teaching and research.
What began with redundancy and uncertainty ultimately led to a PhD, a career in higher education and a professorship.
For Paul, Fircroft wasn’t simply a place to study. It was the point at which he began to understand what he could achieve.
