Mineet
Thakkar

What made you choose to study at NTU?
“NTU is known as one of the best universities for international students in the UK, and is also reputed for their art and design courses. NTU had the perfect course for me because of all the interesting modules and facilities that it provides. I was sure that this course would help me progress and get closer to achieving my goal.”

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?
“Everyone knows that photography is an expensive subject to learn, especially when you are a student. I completely utilised and enjoyed the art store facilities provided by the university where I could borrow the equipment and get technical support whenever needed. Apart from that, I have enjoyed all the events organised by the University and the Students’ Union. At NTU, it’s not all about your studies as the University ensures a good work-life balance.”

Have you completed any work placements?
“Yes, NTU’s employability team has been great towards helping students find an internship, and I did manage to secure one during my course. I got an eight-week internship with a company called The Amazing Chocolate Workshop. This company has a very unique style of chocolate making with different shapes, styles and also with different themes.

“They are based in Nottingham, but have offices all over the UK and also in some European cities. My job was to shoot individual, lifestyle and group pictures of their products, which could be used for marketing and promotional materials. It was a unique experience for me as I was dealing directly with the Marketing Director and the owners of the company. Developing ideas, being creative for each shot, brainstorming with the marketing team, time management were just some of the skills I learned during my time there. This experience has built my confidence and will certainly make my future projects easier to manage.”

How do you find the course staff?
“As I am an international student, I had many questions in my mind and I was also a bit scared at the beginning of the course wondering if I’d be able to cope, or whether the way of teaching and learning would be very different from my country. However, the tutors and other staff members were so knowledgeable with a friendly and helping nature. They are always proactive to help you with any kind of difficulties and support that you need. They really would like to see you progress from whatever stage you’re currently in.”

As an international student, what do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?
“It’s a different and great experience living in Nottingham and studying at NTU. Nottingham is a student city with a multicultural environment where we have so much to explore and learn. Every day is a different experience with different people and cultures. The friendly staff, facilities, and the support that this university provides is really what I was looking for.”

Why would you recommend your course to someone thinking of studying it?
“For anyone who is looking to become a photographer or is interested in photography; this is the right place for them to come, learn and explore real aspects of the subject. At NTU, all the tutors, staff and guest lecturers come from a professional world with tons of experience. They help you figure out what you can achieve, be the best that you can be, and grow in professionalism and confidence to enable you to reach your desired goals.”

How did you find out about NTU?
“I got to know about NTU through the Consultancy firm, ‘The Chopras’ in Pune, India. They had given me a list of the universities that were suitable for my course of interest. Later on, when I did some research about NTU, I realised that this was the right university for me, and it fulfilled all my needs and requirements. Also, NTU has a good reputation for art and design.”