Biyang
Sun

Since 2016, NTU has continued to develop their relationship with the Communication University of China (CUC) by delivering joint postgraduate courses in Beijing. Biyang studied at CUC in her first year, taught by NTU academics, and then came to NTU to complete her second year.

What made you choose to study at NTU, and in the UK?

"As an international student studying media and globalisation, it is really wonderful to have opportunities to experience different historical, cultural and political elements outside China. I chose NTU and the UK to enrich my experiences."

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

“I enjoy thinking critically, which is emphasised many times by different tutors during their classes. I think cultivating minds to look at different things with diversified perspectives is crucial. Therefore, I try to apply this thinking style when I confront political news, culture differences, and so on.”

Why did you choose to do a dual degree?

“Doing a dual degree not only helps me acquire more knowledge in the media field, it also helps me become more competitive in terms of employability.”

What do you think about the course staff?

“They’re all pretty great. They usually upload lecture slides in advance and give feedback on our course essays or reports instantly. In addition, if we have any problems or confusion about our group/individual projects, we can email them or have a face-to-face tutorial to get useful advice and guidance.”

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

“I like Nottingham very much, because I think it is a culturally diverse place and most people here are so helpful and kind.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study MA Media and Globalisation?

“NTU has developed well in recent years and some of their degrees like media and journalism have a good ranking in the UK.”

How do you think the course, and having a postgraduate qualification, will help you to progress your career?

“My postgraduate qualification and overseas studying experience will enhance my employability if I choose to work in a transnational company in China, because I now have a deeper understanding of global history and culture.”

What has been your greatest achievement at NTU so far?

“I’ve become more confident in expressing my viewpoints in English on different occasions - such as during classes or just chatting with local students. Being confident is a very significant factor for growth.”

Biyang’s experience on the Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course

How was your experience of PEAP, and how do you think it helped to prepare you for your course at NTU?

“I did the 16-week PEAP course and I found it very useful, because I learnt how to write academic essays and reports, and deliver good group or individual presentations, which helped me in my first year of postgraduate study. I was able to study relatively easily in my second year in the UK because of the preparation I got through the PEAP course.

“The PEAP course staff were pretty great, and they were usually enthusiastic about teaching, giving us useful feedback on our diverse projects, and most importantly encouraging us to be more confident.”