Meet Fanni Sütő, Roehampton alumna and creativity ambassador whose journey has taken her from Budapest to Battersea and beyond. 

After completing her MA in Children’s Literature in 2015, Fanni has gone on to teach, translate, publish award-winning stories, and build a vibrant, international career, all while staying connected to the literary magic that first brought her to Roehampton.

 Recently, she was named a finalist in the British Council’s UK Alumni Awards for Creativity and Culture; a recognition that celebrates her impact across writing, education, and community engagement. 

Why I chose to study Children’s Literature at Roehampton 

Back in Hungary, Fanni had already developed a deep love for literature, but noticed that children’s books were often overlooked in academic circles. 

“When I saw Roehampton on the Erasmus list, I knew immediately; that’s where I want to be. It felt like a sign. I was already writing my dissertation on children’s literature, and this was the only place that offered a focused programme in English.” 

She secured one of just two Erasmus spots available, and during her exchange semester, fell in love with the campus, the community, and the curriculum. Despite financial setbacks, she was determined to return, and did, enrolling in the full MA programme to follow the thread of her passion. 

What made my time at Roehampton so special 

Roehampton became a second home. Fanni recalls long days in the library, surrounded by the peaceful green campus, discovering stories that would shape her both as a writer and a teacher. 

“Looking back, I didn’t realise it was the last time I had so much mental space to just read and reflect. Once adult life kicks in, it’s different, but that year was such a gift.” 

She also appreciated how welcoming and creative the academic environment was, particularly as someone whose interests spanned both academic and artistic pursuits. 

Highlights of my degree 

Having already completed a degree in British Literature, Fanni found Roehampton’s Children’s Literature MA added a new dimension to her studies. 

“One of the best parts was being able to do a creative dissertation. I had originally wanted to study Creative Writing, but the cost was too high. The creative dissertation was a brilliant compromise. It allowed me to be both a scholar and a storyteller.” 

She wrote three short stories for her dissertation, one of which was later published and adapted into a podcast episode. 

Real-world experiences that shaped my journey

Fanni embraced every opportunity during her time at Roehampton, enriching her academic studies with real-world learning: 

• Student representative for her course cohort 
• Young Leaders Programme nominee (including visits to Canary Wharf) 
• Volunteer at Wimbledon BookFest, attending talks by major authors 
• Intern at Battersea Arts Centre 
• Part-time job at Wimbledon Theatre, which gave her free access to shows 
• Research trip to Glasgow for her novel-in-progress, Glasgow, My Love 

“I believe you get out what you put in. If there was a chance to try something, I went for it. And working while studying gave me access to London’s cultural life in ways I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” 

Where I am now (and how Roehampton helped me get here) 

Today, Fanni balances several creative and educational roles. She teaches English in further education and adult learning settings, works as a translator, and runs storytelling sessions for Hungarian bilingual children. She’s also involved in community cultural projects, particularly those exploring identity and heritage through food. 

“Hungarian education often focuses on memorisation, but in the UK, I learned how to apply knowledge and reflect on it. That shift changed how I teach. I also gained independence; living abroad for the first time gave me life skills I use every day.” 

Her writing continues to evolve, with many of her stories set in the UK, especially in London and Glasgow, cities that left a lasting mark during her student years. 

Top tips for Roehampton students today 

Fanni’s advice? 

“Time flies. Don’t take your student life for granted. Read as much as you can. Get involved. Do the things you’re curious about, even if they’re a little outside your course. It’s such a special time, you won’t get this exact space again.” 

What I’d do differently looking back 

Surprisingly, Fanni has few regrets. 

“Maybe just read more books. But honestly, I made the most of my time, and I’m proud of that.”

Career highlights so far 

Fanni finds her greatest rewards in the classroom; building connections with students and seeing their confidence grow. But her professional achievements are also impressive: 

• Represented Hungary at the European Chinese Literary Festival (held virtually during COVID) 
• Won a chapbook competition led by a fellow Roehampton graduate 
• Poetry featured in a Hungarian national exam 
• Full manuscript requested by a literary agent 
• Finalist in the British Council UK Alumni Awards for Creativity and Culture 

“Writing and teaching can feel solitary, so these moments of recognition mean a lot. But the most rewarding thing is when my students stop me in the hallway to say hi or ask how I am. That tells me I’m doing something right.” 

Final thoughts 

From Budapest to Roehampton and on to a multifaceted career in literature, teaching, and storytelling, Fanni Sütő’s journey proves that following your creative passions can open doors across borders, genres, and generations. 

Whether she’s helping a student gain confidence or crafting fictional worlds, Fanni brings the same spirit of curiosity, care, and courage that first brought her to Roehampton.

Inspired by Fanni’s story? 

Learn more about our MA in Children’s Literature and where it could take you.