Amy
Senior

Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

I choose Animal Biology as I love animals and would like to go into a career with animals in some aspect of the biology behind them whether that being genetics or the health/disease sector.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

I loved going out on placement year and using my knowledge learnt up until then and putting it into practice. I really enjoyed making friends in my lectures as we are all like-minded.

How do you find your modules and what have you most enjoyed studying?

I really enjoy the variety of modules taught. They are well rounded subjects no matter what academic background you come from there will always be areas suited to your strengths.

What do you think about the facilities available on your course and what do you use the most?

I use the library and the Orangery the most to study in, booking the library study rooms to study with friends.

What do you think about Brackenhurst Campus? What do you get up to in your spare time?

In my spare time I work in the Orangery, I am a lead student mentor and a student ambassador. I am apart of the zoo society. I love going for walks both around campus on the Brackenhurst walks as well as around Southwell. I enjoy going to the gym and reading both fiction and non-fiction when I am not studying.

What is your top tip for someone considering studying/living at Brackenhurst Campus?

Take yourself out for a walk around campus and the surrounding fields (look on the website for the Brackenhurst walks section) to get you out of your room. Make use of the library and the staff and student mentors in there as they can guide you in your assignments or anything you are studying with academically. If you need to have a job alongside your studies, get a job through university as they will work around your lectures where other jobs may not. The Orangery is a great place to socialise in between lectures, delicious treats and drinks can be bought.

Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what company did you do it for, what was your role/responsibilities and what did you achieve?

I went on placement year to Alderney in the Channel Islands working with the Alderney Animal Welfare Society (AAWS) and the Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT). I accomplished a variety of things and learnt new things everyday by working there. I worked on the reception at the AAWS and also helped handle and restrain the animals when needed treatment.

If you completed a placement, what was your highlight or biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement whilst on placement was completing a very large Handling Booklet of the local wildlife in case of injury and needing to transport to the veterinary clinic. This booklet was for future interns who hadn’t necessarily had the handling experience.

If you completed a placement, would you recommend completing one and why?

I would absolutely 100% recommend completing a placement. It is a worthwhile year gaining actual industry experience and expands on the transferrable skills you learn whilst studying and allows you to put them into practice.

Why would you recommend your course to someone considering studying it?

The lecturers are exceptional, friendly and approachable and will help where they can/allowed to. The facilities at Brackenhurst are second to none – the library is great with a fantastic team of both student academic mentors and library academic staff. The course is extremely interesting and will cover a wide range of topics and animals. Brackenhurst as a campus is beautiful with some stunning sunsets over the fields. There are lovely walks all around campus as well as the animals to look at and the famous ‘cat’ room at the animal unit.

What are your plans for after the course and how do you feel your course has/ will help you to achieve that goal?

I strive to complete further study both masters and PHD, staying here at Brackenhurst.

Any additional comments?

Despite being apart of the larger NTU establishment, Brackenhurst has it own community feel, where you don’t necessarily know everyone but there is always a familiar face to be seen around and everyone is so friendly.