Duncan David
Kayondo

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

“I like the delivery of the course modules by the lecturers and the practical sessions/workshops, the modern library system to facilitate personal studies and research, the professional advice given to us, the University’s emphasis on employability, and lastly the ease of communication provided by the NOW online learning room.”

What made you choose to study your postgraduate degree at NTU?

“It has notable alumni in the real estate sector. NTU was also ranked as the top University for international students in 2016. The portrayal of Nottingham as a student city also swayed my decision.”

What do you think about the course staff?

“Lecturers are always willing to help when it comes to both academic matters and professional advice and they go the extra mile to address student concerns when contacted. The course administrator is very welcoming and continues to be very helpful in many aspects. This has greatly benefitted the international students.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?

“The workshops are very useful and help us think beyond the obvious. I have learnt quite a lot and picked up different ideas from other students and module leaders during the workshops. The library in particular is very organised and has an exceptional information system, nothing close to what I have experienced before. The fact that it is open 24-7 is a plus. The projectors and screens in the lecture rooms make learning easier.”

As an international student, what do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

“I like the fact that Nottingham is generally a student city and relatively cheaper compared to most UK cities. The city also has a number of heritage sites. Living in the city centre gives me access to many facilities and leisure centres.

“My sister arrived a couple of days before me so by the time I got here, she pretty much gave me a good overview of the system as she had already settled in.”

How different is it studying in the UK compared to Uganda?

“The UK is a more developed country so the technology, information and transport systems are way more advanced, which makes life easier.”

What are the top three things you like about UK culture?

"The UK has numerous historical sites and is filled with beautiful ancient architecture. The system is quite liberal in many ways, one of them being the way that people express themselves through their dress code."

Can you tell us about your Masters project?

“My Masters project is on ‘Examining Performance of Uganda Land Fund in Addressing Dual Land Ownership’. I have been picking up tips from my research methods class and I have built up a skeleton that I am currently developing.”

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study MSc Real Estate?

“The module leaders have immense work experiences and share a lot of practical aspects with us. NTU lies within the top three universities with a good reputation in the real estate field. NTU was also named the UK University of the Year 2017.”

What advantages do you think having a postgraduate qualification will give you in regards to employment after graduation?

“The postgraduate qualification adds credibility to my stance as a Valuer. The RICS accreditation places me on a level playing ground with other surveyors globally. Practical experience from the field trip and the team working skills that I have developed while working on assignments is a quality that most property companies look out for.”

How did you find out about your scholarship, and how did you feel when you won it?

"I found out from an inquiry to the admissions office and I was honoured to get one. I received a £2,000 reduction in my tuition fees."