Hope
Falk

Can you tell us why you chose to study in the UK and why you chose NTU?

“I chose to study in the UK for a few reasons. Firstly, I love to travel and believe that the best way to expand my horizons and learn about different cultures is to live in that country. The UK is a great launching point for exploring the rest of Europe as well. More important to my studies however is the sheer number of museums and heritage sites, and how accessible they are.”

What route did you take into postgraduate study?

“I completed my BA in History in 2013 and then worked for three years, primarily in the education field before applying for my MA.”

How did you feel about coming to a UK university?

“I was really excited to move to a new country and experience a different style of learning.”

What were the key features that attracted you to MA Museum and Heritage Development?

“The amount of live projects we would be working on; the course has a real focus on experiential learning and employability. I was also attracted by the emphasis on museum development and being prepared for these changes.”

When choosing a course for postgraduate study what did you consider it important to have?

“My top criteria when choosing a postgraduate course was the availability of scholarship opportunities, experiential learning, and module descriptions.”

What modules / topics / projects have you particularly enjoyed / found useful?

“I have really enjoyed both of our interpretation courses as that is a part of museum studies I am interested in the most. Our teacher was also very innovative, and challenged us to think outside the box. The placement has been by far the most rewarding part of the course, providing me with the confidence to move forward with my career.”

How does the way you study at NTU differ from your previous experience of studying?

“There is a lot more emphasis on experiential learning than I was exposed to in my undergraduate degree. The guidelines for our assessments are also more reflective and creative than I am used to.”

What has been your greatest achievement as an NTU postgraduate student so far?

“Completing my seven week placement at Derby Museum and Art Gallery. I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding experience. I learned so much from them that will feed my future work, and made some valuable connections along the way.”

Have your career plans changed as a result of your postgraduate study?

“A little – I began the course thinking I wanted to work at a historic site or stately home given my background and interest in history. Since completing the course and my placement, I have shifted my focus to community engagement/outreach and engagement. This is partly because I have come to believe this will be the focus of future museums.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I hope to find a position at a museum in the UK working on community engagement.”

What advice would you give to prospective international students who are considering applying for this course?

“I would advise international students to have a one-to-one chat with their professors about what their expectations are and be specific.”