Aman
Bandrapalli

Aman Bandrapalli is a recent BA (Hons) English and Film & TV joint honours graduate. Aman shares what drew him to NTU, the standout experiences from his course, and how studying in Nottingham helped shape both his academic journey and personal growth.

What were the key features that attracted you to your course and NTU?

As someone who had multiple interests after A-levels with Film and English, the joint honours option allowed me to approach both at a high level and gave me a productive environment to develop myself and skills whilst narrowing in on what really suited me.

Is there anything about your course that stood out to you, perhaps that wasn’t offered anywhere else you applied?

The connections and interactions we were able to have with various groups and institutions beyond the university. For example, in film, we had event workshops with film groups from the Midlands, exclusive screenings at Broadway Cinema, while meeting some of its members and contacting various indie directors. In English, Nottingham's exclusive relationship with literature was made apparent, including visits to the DH Lawrence archive and other places of literary significance around the city.

What would you describe as the real strengths of your course?

Stemming from their own passion, I think the lecturers provided much more information beyond what was simply required to complete exams, building on my own passion for film whilst helping realise I was only scratching its surface. We were supported as individuals, which meant that turning up to seminars felt less like a chore and more like another chapter in the discussion of film.

What topics / projects have you really felt engaged with?

The film programming project was incredibly unique, having to organise a film night was a new experience for all of us, but with plenty of guidance and advice, we accomplished all the things real film event organisers do, like getting film permissions and venue arrangements. I think having this opportunity really strengthened my practical experience and employability. I unexpectedly thoroughly enjoyed the marketing side of it; being an essential aspect of film, it allowed for great creativity and action.

And the dissertation, of which I found the entire process very satisfying; primarily the high level of personalisation that was possible, allowing me to be extremely well read and even opinionated on my chosen niche, and of course getting a final product that I'd poured months of work into, whilst working closely with my lecturer who was also passionate about my subject choice, to fine tune it.

What has been your greatest achievement as a Nottingham Trent University student?

I think developing not only as a student but as a person from where I was in first year. Being more proud of my enthusiasm, more organised, and understanding what hard work is and how to carry it out better. More specifically, I became a strong researcher, with help from my lecturers' knowledge of the academic field and NTU's online collections.

With this, my grades improved each year, I started university really struggling to hand in assignments, to then graduating with a first overall, which I really never thought was a possibility at any point.

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course / NTU to prospective students?

It gave me a productive and also friendly space to decide my future. I think the course facilitates the amount of effort and engagement that you put into it and gives you many reasons to achieve your academic potential.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Active, Diverse and Young

How have you found Nottingham as a student city?

Nottingham is the most apparent student city I've visited; you never feel far from a 'student space', and I'd recommend living in the city if it's an option. It was particularly fitting for my course, as I've enjoyed cinemas like Broadway that really understand the essence of film, and Nottingham's notable literary history made English feel more meaningful.

I would definitely like to return and stay if given the chance.

Did you find it easy to make friends at NTU?

I've enjoyed the small daily interactions with people on my courses of a variety of different personalities, and I've found a small group of friends that I hope to stay in contact with for as long as possible.

What do you think of the support available at NTU?

There's noticeable emphasis on support with employability, mental health, and academic support from the library, all simple to book and talk about.

What’s next for you after NTU?

I really enjoyed my dissertation and I want to continue in academics with a film Master's.

Has the Employability team helped you with your career plans?

I've had some helpful discussions about my options with the employability team, but I plan to continue to use them as they remain available even after graduation.