Catherine
Stafford

Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

I knew I wanted to study an animal related course, when I saw that there was an Animal Unit on campus during an open day, I knew that NTU was the place for me.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

The practicals were always the most enjoyable part for me during the course (aside from student life!). I find it much easier learning by doing things hands on so being able to have practicals both with the animals and in the laboratory was great.

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

Each module was different allowing you to discover which areas you enjoyed most. I’m interested in animal behaviour, so the modules on behaviour and physiology of behaviour were the most enjoyable to me. Some modules included trips to various zoos across the country which were exciting.

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

The facilities available were great. The library is open 24/7 allowing you to use it whenever you please. I make use of the library the most, they offer various workshops and extra support for professional skills. Having extra support in statistics was helpful for some of my modules. There are also plenty of places to sit and have a drink or just some quiet time in the library and around campus.

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

Aside from coffee and lunch breaks with my friends in the Orangery, I sometimes take walks around campus. The cat room available down at the Animal Unit is great for having a quiet break for yourself between lectures. I attended some of the events that was hosted at Brack Bar such as Wellbeing Wednesdays, these were fun as you could socialise whilst doing crafts. Sometimes if we have a large break between lectures I have time to go into Southwell for a drink with friends.

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

I always keep a basket in the boot of my car with my overalls and steel toe capped boots in it, it’s handy when your things are muddy or wet after doing a practical and you can keep them all together. I joined some societies that took place on the city campus, I found this to be a great way to make friends outside my course and allowed me to explore the city.

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 completed a placement year as part of my course. I went to Blackpool Zoo to complete a year in industry as a student intern. This involved shadowing an experienced keeper in managing several species of animals housed at the zoo. I was able to put all my knowledge learnt during my course into practice as well as develop these skills further. My confidence and knowledge of animal management grew immensely during my year here.

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

I would definitely recommend completing a placement during the course. Whether it is a 12-month placement or 6 weeks, the practical skills you can gain are ones that you can’t learn in a university setting. It is also important to get a feel for the industry that you may be working in.

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

The Zoo Biology course at NTU is great if you’re interested in learning about exotic animals. The facilities here enable you to gain skills in animal management and handling before you enter the professional world.

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

When I finish this course I plan to continue my studies by doing a Masters in a similar subject area.