Harriet
Bird

What made you choose to study at NTU?  

“The atmosphere of the campus and the staff were really welcoming on the Open Days. The lecturers were thorough in their explanation of the course and in answering any questions I had about the course and assessments.”

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

“The key features for me were how approachable the lecturers are and the wide variety of modules and topics available. Before coming to university, I knew I had an interest in medieval history but covering all three periods, medieval, early modern and modern, introduced me to other interest areas I previously knew nothing about. Another key feature for me was the integration of work placement and project modules into the course as this helped me to gain valuable work experience.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?

“I really enjoy the vast variety of topics covered in each of the modules. Focussing on a new theme or event each week has kept the course interesting. Also, the different seminar preparation activities were engaging as they could vary from analysing textual primary sources, visual sources or historiographical debates, to preparing for debates and presentations.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?

“The facilities are fantastic. NOW is a brilliant hub for access to everything you need to support your studies. The library is really well stocked with all the books you will need for the course and through Library OneSearch you can access further resources such as articles and databases to help with independent research. The library also has a range of other services to support your studies including study support sessions and library mentors. The employability service is also a key service available to students offering help and advice on CV’s and interview skills, but also helping to find part-time jobs, volunteering and placement opportunities.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

“I would recommend NTU and BA History to any prospective student as the lecturers and staff are supportive and want you to do well. You can tailor the course to your interests as the first year introduces you to a wide variety of topics from medieval, early modern and modern history enabling you to specialise with your option choice modules in the second and third years. Also, the work placement modules and the extra-curricular activities available to NTU students also help to improve employability prospects after graduation.

Have you completed any work placements?

“For the second-year placement module, I completed a 30-hour placement at Creswell Crags as a Basics of Museum Conservation Intern. This involved me condition checking and repackaging objects from a section of the collection store.

For the third-year ‘Real Life Work Project’ module, I was successful in my application for working on the project researching the history of the People’s Hall in Hockley for the Nottingham Townscape Heritage Scheme. This involved completing archival research at the Nottinghamshire Archives and visiting local studies libraries to find primary information and unique stories related to the hall’s history.”

How will your course and/or placement enhance your employability for your chosen career? What skills have you gained?

In completing a degree in history, I have gained and developed a range of transferable skills, such as communication, time management and research skills, and I have gained leadership skills in my role as a CERT student mentor. I would particularly like to go into the heritage industry. I have tried to take opportunities that have helped me to gain experience in this sector during my degree. I gained work experience at Creswell Crags through my second year module, and the Real Life Work Project module. I also have a volunteer position at Newstead Abbey. I used the FutureHub employability service at NTU to get this placement. These opportunities along with completing an MA and further work experience in the sector will hopefully give me the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the heritage industry.  

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to complete the MA in Museum and Heritage Development at NTU and to continue volunteering for heritage organisations to pursue a career in the heritage industry working with historical collections.