Niamh
Hooton

Why did you choose to study your course at Brackenhurst?

I chose to study at Brackenhurst because of the outstanding facilities and staff, who are dedicated to the success of students. Also hearing from past students and their positive remarks towards the campus and my course specifically.

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

This course has generally practical based lecture that we can often relate to real situations that are either covered in theory lectures or our practical sessions. I enjoy my practical work including obviously riding!! I also enjoy my Fitness module exploring how to make a fitness plan and optimising performance from our horses. The lectures are full of useful information that is easily applicable to the industry and help in preparation for university.

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

The facilities are great! They offer the ideal experience on campus in general often throwing events for students to partake in, I would often use the library, which is full of useful resources. Facilities for my course specifically are outstanding! As a mostly practical yard, we often use the Mary King Arena which is a 60 x 40 arena.

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

The Brackenhurst campus has excellent extracurricular activities, societies, and socials! Including the Orangery, Young Farmers and Sports Clubs. The campus is also surrounded by stunning scenery that all students have access to and even closer to the end of the year where we had days dedicated to having a break from studying and have often had a chance to go on a guided walk around the beautiful sites around the campus’s countryside.

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

Student Support has ensured I have settled in well as Brackenhurst and continue to check in with students either 1-2-1 in person sessions or over email, which I have found very quick and easy for when we have a busy timetable.

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

My top tip for joining Brackenhurst is to get involved! Everyone is there for the same reason and before you know it, you’ll be leaving so make the most of it and have fun! There is plenty to get involved in around all the different courses even some joining together, it’s a good opportunity to learn about other courses and add to your life skills.

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 have had to complete 315 hours of external work placement as a part of my course at a local yard who are registered as an elite work placement provider, where I have shown skills and knowledge that I have learnt whilst at Brackenhurst and been able to apply them in a workplace setting with real employers.

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

I would recommend this course to anyone considering studying here because of the teachers and facilities, when you are at Brackenhurst your time is never wasted. There is always something to do, whether it is studying in the library using the enormous collection of books that range from A-Z online and in person, or helping down at the Animal unit or Equine yard or perhaps there are some clubs that run after college or during that are worth attending to bump up the CV. The support from the Equine staff I can from my personal experience is impeccable and they ensure never feel lost or like you can’t do any of the work.

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 am planning on attending Brackenhurst for their Equine Sports Science Undergraduate course to possibly pursue a career in the future doing nutrition for horses.

Anything you want to add?

I think the Brackenhurst Campus has a great reputation and name around the industry, and they have set us all up well to have the best possible chance in the future.