Anne
Nyiransabimana

Tell us a bit about yourself...

I am Anne Nyiransabimana from Rwanda. I am the only one among my family members who is studying in the UK. I was, and I am still very excited about the MSc Biodiversity Conservation course here at NTU because it really fits my career aspirations. I was motivated by professional biodiversity experts found here, accompanied by high-quality teaching, a great opportunity harder to find elsewhere. I wanted to gain skills that will make me an outstanding candidate for all posts related to biodiversity, environment, ecology and data analysis, and compared to different universities I researched, Nottingham Trent University fulfilled what I expected to learn from my postgraduate studies.

Tell us about your course...

In MSc Biodiversity Conservation, we are provided with theoretical, and practical (field and laboratory) skills which are a potential asset to equip students with competing skills in all fields related to biodiversity conservation, environment and ecology. Facilities that help students to learn and to do what they are expected to are available. Our course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management. This accreditation indicates the quality of the course we are taking because we are equipped with skills that are highly needed by employers internationally.

I would recommend everyone who want to become a conservationist, environmental manager or ecologist to come and study at NTU due to the high quality of teaching through a mixture of in-person teaching, field and laboratory works, discussion forums, presentations, as well as online learning.

NTU has good staff, who are happy to help with any questions students may have and are happy to help students overcome any challenges they may face. Graduates of MSc Biodiversity Conservation have all the required skills to apply different techniques used to survey and record distribution and the abundance of species, and all the techniques provided are applicable all over the world.

In MSc Biodiversity Conservation, we are equipped with theoretical and applied skills for recovering species which are under extinction. We gain and develop our knowledge in detail about the major threats to species globally and the contribution of ecologists or consultant ecologists to conserve those species. At NTU we gain advanced skills which equip students with tips for collecting data ethically, data analysis with R (a statistical language programme), results interpretation, and tips to communicate findings of scientific research in appropriate ways.

How do you relax and have some ‘down time’ from your course?

I joined some groups and meet with other people from different parts of the world with different cultures. We are enjoying life at NTU, it’s really an amazing memory.

As a student at an environmentally friendly and wildlife haven university in the UK, in my free time I like to explore aesthetic values of wildlife inside our campus like watching different species of birds and hearing their amazing ringing (songs). I also spend my time at different ponds, streams, and farms (seeing horses and sheep) located inside our Brackenhurst campus. Our Orangery is another great place where we spend our free time socialising with fellow students and friends to recharge with a coffee or to chill.

What’s Nottingham like for students?

Nottingham is a good city for a student to live in. There is a high population of national and international students in the city. Nottingham city is not an expensive city and it’s possible to find everything we need at an affordable price.

I adore the wonderful landscapes and woodlands as well as fantastic views when I go for walks around my campus. I like to go to Southwell Baptist church to pray and socialise with church members after the service. I meet up with friends in the Orangery café, restaurants, for coffee, food or snacks. We meet up in Nottingham city centre for shopping or for having fun. We even meet up in other cities like London, Sheffield, or Leeds, and sometimes at other universities just for having fun and refreshments.

How would you describe the support you get at NTU...? 

I have used different support teams (International Student Support Services, personal tutor, Student Services, librarians, accommodation, finance, etc.) and I have got support more than I expected - everyone I spoke with was very happy to help.

What are the living costs as a student here? 

I live in Brackenhurst campus accommodation (Standard ensuite room). We share a kitchen area, dining table, and sofas. All bedrooms have their own bathroom, so we do not share a bathroom. I do not share cooking costs. The table below indicates the amount I spend per month:

What were your parents/ family concerned about before you came to NTU?

My family helped me to choose the university because they knew my career aspirations. We researched the university together and we have chosen NTU together.

From your experience, how would you advise future international students? Any top tips?

There are a few tips I would give future students:

• Join groups for international students and ask any queries
• Plan your budget/ funding before arriving in the UK
• Get information on local prices
• Sort out your accommodation before landing in the UK
• Find information on public transport
• Join your course group
• Make friends while in the UK and keep in touch with family and friends to avoid loneliness and feeling homesick
• Know the support services available for students and ask for support anytime you are in need
• Know how many hours you are allowed to work if you need to.

Describe NTU in 3 words...

High-quality course, quality teaching, and student satisfaction university.