Caroline
Chell

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

It was commutable from my home in Birmingham, and it had a Heritage and Conservation module, alongside the more standard Building Surveying modules which other universities in the area had and I could study on a part-time basis.

What were your motivations to choose Postgraduate study?

As I was retraining to become a Building Surveyor it was important for me to choose a course that was accredited in order for me to become chartered in the future. The MSc Building Surveying course was CABE, RICS, and CIOB accredited and allowed me the flexibility to experience each module before committing to which route to chartership would be most appropriate for me.

What have been the highlights of your course?

I enjoyed coming up with ideas with members of my cohort on a live project on a community hall that was in disrepair. I enjoyed the heritage walks around Nottingham City Centre, practically learning as well as the more traditional learning opportunities. Obtaining a Distinction overall and unexpectedly winning an academic prize from CABE was an overall highlight, particularly as I was a non-cognate student.

How has your journey and what you have learnt contributed to your career so far

I have used something from every module in my short career so far. I sometimes pinch myself with how much I learned in such a short space of time, but at the time it never really felt like it. I guess there is a life lesson in there too.

What advice would you give to someone applying or looking at studying a course at ADBE and NTU?

Don’t be put off if you do not have an undergrad degree in a related subject. I was concerned my Italian undergraduate degree would not help in any way.  I may have underestimated my transferable skills.  The study process built my confidence, so I was able to secure a job in the industry just before I finished my course.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your experience?

It sounds like a cliché but trust in the process and take lots of notes. There are hints in the lectures that only make sense towards the end of the module.  Ask questions. The multiple WhatsApp messages I received from my fellow cohort thanking me for asking, (what I thought was) a silly question was invaluable.