Molly
Bonser

Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

I visited Brackenhurst campus on an open day and loved how calm and peaceful the surroundings were, and I felt it was the perfect environment to learn in. It was also not too far away from home, and travel routes are easily accessible from campus and the city centre.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

I like how there is a mixture of lectures and practical sessions, either at the animal unit or in the laboratory. All of the lecture material is really easy to access online too, so you don’t have to worry about your notes missing parts!

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

I enjoyed all of the modules I’ve completed so far, but my favourite was probably Animal Husbandry in first year, where we had to design an enclosure for an animal of our choice. It was a really fun module to complete and learn about/do research for.

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

To say Brackenhurst is quite out of the way of the city centre, you won’t miss out on anything at all. The Orangery is always lively and we have a market that comes once a month with all sorts of things, so I’ve found there’s always everything I need on campus. I probably use The Orangery and the library the most for studying, and when its nice out there are plenty of spots with picnic tables around campus to study outside with friends.

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

The societies on Brack always create fun activities based around/very near to campus, and its nice to get out and meet new people outside of lectures. Southwell is a lovely village too with lots of little shops and nice cafes to meet up with friends, and the garden centre has a swan sanctuary that is lovely to walk around on a free afternoon.

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

Definitely bring wellies and as many waterproof clothes as you can get your hands on – walks around campus are brilliant all year round, just sometimes it will be a bit wetter! Doing a joint shop with your friends or flatmates also makes life a lot easier – it reduces the cost of delivery and is better for your carbon footprint too.

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?

I am currently completing my placement year (2024/2025) and so far it has been filled with so many great opportunities, I would definitely recommend looking into it if you are on the fence. It gives you much needed experience which will help you in the job market after university.

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

I chose to study Zoo Biology because of the wide range of subjects it covers, as well as the opportunities given throughout your years of study. If you’re interested in animals and enjoy trying new things, I couldn’t recommend this course more. The course leaders are so helpful and kind and will do (almost) anything in their power for you, and the sense of community on Brackenhurst is amazing.

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

I would love to work in a setting with reptiles and amphibians, but really any job with animals would keep me happy! Either that or studying amphibians somewhere abroad.

Any additional comments?

If you love animals and nature you will love living and studying at Brackenhurst. It is in the perfect setting and there will always be something fun to do. I honestly couldn’t recommend it more.