Rachel
Longman

Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

I chose to study Wildlife Conservation at NTU quite simply because I love (and have always loved) wildlife! When I first read through the course specifications online, I was so excited that I’d found something that fitted exactly with what I knew I wanted to be doing.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

So many things! I love the course content, which constantly broadens my understanding of conservation, the lecturers, who are so encouraging and always on hand to help and advise, and particularly for me also I love the opportunity that NTU offers to study abroad on exchange!

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

The modules are well arranged, and each lecturer knows their course content like the back of their hand. I like that assignment styles vary with each module, so that I am being challenged in a new way of thinking with each of them!

I particularly enjoyed studying Behaviour in year one - I found it fascinating to learn more about the how and why of animal behaviours (and the field trips for this module really brought this teaching to life!). I am also really enjoying the practical nature of the Applied Habitat Management module so far in my second year - I love that there’s lots of real-world application (and preparation for a future career!).

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

I love that there is help available for every stage of my study - I know that I can go to library staff or student mentors for one-to-one appointments or check-in with lecturers as needed throughout the year. I often make use of library appointments if I feel as though I need help structuring my study time (or with a particular assignment).

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

Brackenhurst Campus is beautiful, spacious, and equipped with everything you could possibly need to study Wildlife Conservation. The library (with the help of its wonderful staff!) makes a perfect study space, and its bookable conference rooms are particularly useful for quiet work.

The Orangery and Refectory (as well as Brack Shop) mean that there are plenty of options for snacks/hot drinks for when you need that extra pick-me-up between lectures.

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

Remember that your time at university will be very short in relative terms! Take hold of all the opportunities that the course and Brackenhurst has to offer, and really enjoy what you’re doing!

There will be a lot to choose from (especially in first year) so it might take some time for you to work out a study/extracurricular balance. If I am trying to work out whether I should add something to my time, then I always ask myself; ‘will I regret this if I don’t do it?’. That really helps me to work out what really matters to me and I can then filter out less important things accordingly!

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?

Yes! I have volunteered with a variety of different conservation organisations over summer this year while I’ve had a break from work and university studies. I worked with some smaller, more local conservation organisations, like Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, and with some larger organisations like the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority.

A lot of this work involved helping with practical habitat management (eg. scrub clearance, pulling up invasive plant species) but on occasion I was also able to help with ecological surveys! I took part in a silver-studded blue butterfly count with Butterfly Conservation volunteers in Cornwall, an orchid survey with SGCT in one of their wildflower meadows and completed a number of bumblebee surveys with different branches of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in South Wales.

I learned more than I could have imagined just by passively absorbing information from the people around me while volunteering. It was such a blessing to be surrounded by people with specialist knowledge and a passion for wildlife!

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

I would recommend studying Wildlife Conservation at NTU because I think NTU offers an all-round excellent experience for students. The course is fun, detailed and engaging, and the support offered by NTU staff and services is exceptional.

NTU’s partnership with international universities for study exchange and short courses also offers a fantastic opportunity to study abroad (often part-funded by the University!). I am due to complete a study exchange with Massey University in New Zealand in February 2025 and couldn’t be more excited.

I can truly say that I love every moment of my study at Brackenhurst and am grateful beyond measure that I have found my place here at NTU!

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

I’m not sure yet! I’m finding that my interests are evolving as I progress through the course, so with yet another two and a half years to go before I graduate there is a lot of potential for change!

l feel confident that my upcoming year of real-world placement, along with other practical experience both as part of my course and by independent means, will be a huge step in helping me to secure full-time work later on.

Any additional comments:

Just a massive thank you to everyone who makes NTU such a lovely place to study!