Oliver
Morland

Why NTU…

What inspired you to study your subject?

I have always had a huge interest in languages and how they function. I saw this course as a fantastic opportunity to both improve my knowledge of how English works, but how other languages compare and the differences between them. The linguistic elements included on the course, have always been something that I wanted to learn about and they provide a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

I was previously working in secondary education before heading to University, I realised then, that I wanted to go into English language teaching. The course seemed like a fantastic opportunity to not only get a degree in a related field, but have the opportunity to take the CELTA course (for an extremely discounted fee), which is a fantastic opportunity to get experience and qualifications before stepping out into the world of work.

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

I have enjoyed a huge part of my course so far, both in terms of the subjects being taught and the way in which they are being taught by the lecturers. I personally enjoyed the 1st year TESOL module, where we learnt the basics of English language teaching. The module included details about how to teach different topics e.g. grammar or speaking, going into fine details about how one can adapt their teaching style to enhance the learning of the students.

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

I have taken part in evening classes of Spanish through NTU’s University Language Programme (ULP). The ULP has many languages to choose from with varying language levels for each of them. In my first year I completed the Level 4 Spanish course, which is perfect for those who perhaps took Spanish A level, but still believes that their grammar could improve. This year I’m taking the level 5 Spanish course, which also is an optional accredited module on my English Language and Linguistics course, so there was no need for me to pay a deposit.

What does Social Sciences mean to you? e.g. working with people, transforming lives, frontline services

Social sciences are the study of how humans and how societies function, interact and change. As somebody who wants to go into a career in education, it is crucial to be able to understand these fundamental topics to help teach the future generations. Social sciences open a tremendous number of opportunities e.g. research and analysis, government and the public sector, education, business, media and many more.

On Placement…

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

Am I currently in the process of applying to English language assistant positions in Spain, Colombia or Argentina for the 2026-27 academic year.

Support...

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

The support has been fantastic. There are opportunities every week to reach out to any of the lecturers for help. They have already helped me many times with assessment support in our weekly tutorial sessions. If it is something more specific, and they feel you might benefit from speaking to someone else with more experience with that issue, then they will personally get you into contact with someone who can support you.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

I have had no trouble at all making friends at NTU. First year I stayed in NTU halls with other first years in very similar positions to myself. A popular way of making friends is through societies. There are all different types of societies to join at NTU. Last year I took part in 6A side football with other university students in the evenings. But there are more than just sports (and a lot of sports) societies at NTU, we have societies in languages, social groups, sciences, history, esports, film, quizzes and many more. There is certainly no shot supply of socialising at NTU.

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

My hopes for after university is to go into English language teaching abroad. There are many opportunities open to me in education, including primary and secondary schools in the UK and internationally. However, as the CELTA (certificate in English language teaching to adults) is a part of my course, I am not required to pay the fee for the course, only the fee for the assessment. This can save on average between £1400 and £1700. I see this as a huge benefit if you are interested in teaching abroad, for taking the English language and linguistics course at NTU.

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

The teaching staff here at NTU are aware of my plans and have helped me massively to try and achieve these. I have had conversations many a time over potential paths that this course can take me. They have also put me into contact with a potentially employer in Argentina over a yearly placement teaching English in Buenos Aires.

NTU as a university is famous for its employability. Whatever course you are interested in taking, NTU has a fantastic employability team to support all types of students, ranging from those who aren’t sure what they want to do, to those who have plan A, B and C. I have already had a few experiences of the employability team coming into our lectures to help advertise the amazing work they do there.

Advice...

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

If you are like me and didn’t study A levels before university, or maybe you just didn’t take either A level English language or literature. Then you might be worried about not being at an appropriate standard before starting the course.

Don’t worry at all! The course is designed to teach you the basics in the first year so that everyone is on a level playing field.