Zoe
Spicer

Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

The course offered the prospect of an exchange programme for half of the academic year in the second year, along with a field trip to South Africa in the final year of studies. The campus is also a working farm; I enjoyed the idea of being in the countryside rather than in the city.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

The campus, lecturers and subject topics.

Feeling like you will make a difference by choosing to learn and work in conservation.

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

I enjoyed my module choices on my exchange programme to Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia. My favourite module was Marine Ecology, which offered a weeklong residential field trip on the coast of WA.

My favourite module at NTU would be behaviour in the first year with Anna – it was a great introduction to the course and was thoroughly interesting.

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

Being on Brack is fantastic as nature is on your doorstep, there are plenty of opportunities to get stuck in and just get outside.

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

The orangery is great for food and a nice bright place to work, the library facilities are also varied.

In my spare time on campus, I like to get some fresh air by walking some of the many paths, I also enjoy spending time in the animal unit, specifically in the cattery to get some de-stress time with the Brack cats.

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

Volunteer with as many places as possible – Nottinghamshire Bat Group, Nottinghamshire amphibian and reptile group.

Make the most of being on campus by going on walks, exploring Southwell and appreciating being somewhere quieter.

The leisure centre is great for the gym and other activities like spin classes or a game of badminton.

If the countryside isn’t for you then transport links are straightforward into the city – a balance can be struck between city life and being on Brack.

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?

Worked seasonally with Tetra Tech as a seasonal ecologist over summer for my first and second year, this gave me practical experience in bat and great crested newt surveys.

Completed an exchange programme in my second year where I spent 6 months in Western Australia, studying at Murdoch university – certainly the highlight of my degree!

Volunteered with Nottingham Bat Group, Nottinghamshire Amphibian and Reptile Group, Friends of Newstead and Annesley Country Park, Notts Biodiversity Action Group (Crayfish Surveys).

Public speaking scholarship and university mammal challenge in my first year.

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

The lecturers at Brack will consistently go above and beyond to support your career and educational path. Everyone here wants to help, whether that is the library staff, technicians or lecturers, everyone is passionate and wants to pass their subject knowledge on.

The field trips are fantastic and the networking opportunities available through the course will support further career opportunities.

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

Plan to work in ecological consultancy before moving abroad (Australia or New Zealand!). I’d also like to participate in a master’s or PhD at some point later down the line. My main long term goal is to work outdoors, and participate in research.