Alex
Rossell

Why NTU...

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

"I chose to study a postgraduate degree as my undergraduate degree helped highlight certain subjects that I was extremely passionate about, as well as allowing me to grow my academic writing and skills. Studying a postgraduate degree allows me to put these skills to use and further study those specific key areas in an even more challenging yet rewarding setting."

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

"I chose my course at NTU as I did my undergraduate here and have had a wonderful experience. The university is modern, clean and support is always available. I personally, in both my undergraduate and postgraduate courses, have been incredibly lucky to be taught by some of the best lecturers I could’ve hoped for who have helped build my confidence and academic attainment more than I would’ve ever imagined."

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

"The course so far has been a phenomenal experience. The work is challenging, so if you don’t go the extra mile and do the reading then you’ll have some trouble, but the content is so engaging that you want to constantly push yourself and challenge yourself. Classes are interactive amongst the group, so it’s not an individualistic approach in the slightest, which, in public policy, is a key aspect to learn. You must always engage in an open discussion, but tasks are created in such a way that this is not daunting or intimidating.

The main highlights of the course so far have been the simulation activities, where we are given a character role and a scenario, and we must act out a meeting. These exercises are excellent for building reflective skills and experiential learning, as well as preparing us for real-life stakeholder meetings and managing stakeholder engagement. Sometimes the challenge comes from having to put yourself in the shoes of people who do not think similarly to you at all!"

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

"During my undergraduate final year, I got the opportunity to conduct a qualitative research project as my dissertation, and the experience was invaluable. Going out and conducting my own research about my own topic was challenging, but undoubtedly the best and most rewarding academic experience I’ve ever had in my life, and I would urge any final years, if given the option, to do the same."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social Sciences is all about serving others. Whether it be healthcare workers, policymakers, or even social workers, you go into Social Sciences knowing that you want to serve your community and make a difference. You want to look back and think “you know what, I’ve really made a positive impact for people here”. Having spent nearly four years in two different areas of Social Sciences, I’ve learned that while things aren’t always going too great in the world, you must always retain that belief that you are going to change something. While you will learn that many aspects of the current state of affairs in the world may be bleak, studying Social Sciences always feels like you’re gearing up to go out and begin changing these things for the better and it provides a wonderful mix of optimism yet realism."

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?

"In my second year of my undergraduate course I got the opportunity to undertake a 30 hour work placement, which I spent working in a care home for those with profound disabilities. I really enjoyed my time doing this, and it gave me much better depth of knowledge with regards to the practicalities of care, and working as a care worker, which I have never done before. This was such a stark contrast from what I’m used to doing and it made me really appreciate care for what it is. Care workers are incredible for what they do and we must never take them for granted."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"During my placement I befriended a boy named Carl who, despite having suffered an extremely unfortunate incident early in life, still took part in his hobbies and loved video games. I, on many occasions, sat and played PS5 with him and while it may have looked like I was bunking off and not working, I was incredibly inspired seeing him still enjoying little things in life despite being dealt such a cruel hand, and it was quite beautiful really."

Support...

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

"All of the tutors I have had, both on BA (Hons) Health and Social Care and MSc Public Policy, have been absolutely wonderful. I have always felt supported, and can say that I am a completely different person than I was during freshers in 2021. Tutors are always ready to listen to you, no matter what mood you’re in. Just a couple weeks ago I was feeling upset and emailed my tutor, and even at 8pm she had replied, a meeting was arranged, and I was feeling better.

Tutors will always go above and beyond to help their students and I feel that is an area in which NTU massively excels. As lost as I can feel sometimes, I never feel as though anything is beyond me as the tutors will always take the time to make sure you’re fully caught up. Years ago, I never thought that I would feel such a level of comfort and trust with academic figures but NTU have given me so much comfort in this regard."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

"I am from Nottingham already so settling wasn’t as difficult as it has been for many, but with such a large amount of students with vastly different interests, you are always going to find your people. I was lucky to make some amazing friends within the first few weeks of university and we stuck together the whole way through.

Societies are also a great way of meeting likeminded people. I have met some of my closest friends through societies, and I wouldn’t trade these experiences for anything. These are the people I live with, the people I call family and I wouldn’t have met them if I didn’t go for society events in freshers."

The Next Steps…

What’s next for you after NTU?

"On the MSc Public Policy course, we are frequently being made aware of graduate scheme opportunities. These are highly competitive, and I have already experienced that competitiveness as I have not secured one quite yet. However, my time at NTU has shown me the importance of constantly challenging yourself and reflecting on how you can improve. As disappointing as it may feel, you must take it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

I am confident that I will be able to secure a post-grad during my time on my masters. My ultimate goal is working in social research, and I know that, with the frequency of opportunities presented to us, I will be able to reach my goal. I came to this mindset after a great chat with my personal tutor which, again, further highlights the excellent support given at NTU by tutors and their constant commitment to going above and beyond for students."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"NTU is helping me achieve my career goals as it places great significance on transferable skills and employability. There are many services provided by the employability team, including CV workshops, which are important in such a competitive job market. From my personal experience, tutors are very interested to know what the career that you are working towards achieving is, and will tailor your support in order to better your chances at succeeding in getting that career."

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU as a postgraduate student?

"Undoubtedly, yes. The reassurance that NTU will continue to support me even after I graduate is great to have, but aside from that there is such a focus on employability that no matter how unclear the future may be at some points, NTU has given me valuable employability skills that I know will get put to use."