Lucy
Harrold

Why did you choose to study your course at Brackenhurst?

I have always wanted to help animals since I was little and become a veterinarian but I didn’t know how to. I didn’t know about Brackenhurst until my friend had told me she was applying. When I found out about Brackenhurst, I immediately booked an open day and by the next day I had applied for the course.

Tell us more about your course. What do you enjoy studying the most?

In animal management, there’s a variety of modules that vary from exotic animal husbandry to animal welfare and ethics. Once a week, I have a practical lesson where every week I learn to handle, and health check a different animal. Whilst studying here, I have developed an interest in conservation after learning about the different legislations.

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

There’s so many facilities available, including a library, where you can find all the books you could possibly need for your work. I personally use the animal unit the most, there you will find a large variety of animals from lizards to the house cats that free roam.

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

There’s so much to do at Brackenhurst. In the main area, you will find the NTSU shop that supplies many things you could need like food and stationery. You can also find the Orangery where you can spend your breaks with your friends and a nice cup of coffee. Brackenhurst has a large variety of extracurricular activities, including football and a volunteer program at the animal unit.

Have you had any support from other departments? How was your experience accessing these/was the service helpful?

At the start of the year, I was having trouble with picking a work experience. I was easily able to book an appointment with the employability team who supported me with my decision. There’s multiple different departments to help you, like student finance and support. There’s also a disability and wellbeing team that will always try and look out for you.

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

Make sure that you book an open day to get a grasp of what the course is like and if it’s the right fit for you and be prepared to get muddy and wet. Don’t be scared to ask for help, there’s so many people who are happy to help or support you including your teachers and peers. I find that the campus is very easily accessible via the bus. Having an open mind with the animals here is great, many of the animals look a lot scarier than they actually are and may help overcome your fears.

Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what did you do and what did you achieve? 

During my course, it’s required that you do work experience. My placement was at a local dog boarding kennels and training centre. Here I would maintain the cleanliness of the dogs living areas, as well as washing and drying the pets. This placement really helped to strengthen my teamwork skills as well as my communication. Overall, I feel a lot more confident working in the animal industry.

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

By doing this course, you mostly have written assignments throughout the course year, this is great for people who struggle with exams and studying for them. This course is great for understanding the theory and practical aspect of caring for animals. Everyone here is incredibly friendly and your study life is never boring.

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

After this course, I plan on coming back to Brackenhurst to do Veterinary Nursing. I wouldn’t be able to achieve this without this course as I need experience in the animal industry and theory knowledge.