Hannah
Brown

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I chose NTU because of its positive reviews from current and past students and because the course outline and optional modules covered a lot of areas that I am interested in. I chose Politics and International Relations as I’ve always been very keen on resolving injustices and creating a fairer and more equal society

Could you describe your experience of being a (subject) student?

Having started in 2020 I would say my experience is probably different to most, although it definitely provided a lot of content for our assessments. I feel I have undertaken the course at a particularly volatile time in British politics and this has been both helpful and exhausting at times, but has allowed course content to remain incredibly relevant and applicable to the current political environment.

How would you describe the support from your tutors, university staff and student services?

University staff, particularly within the PIR department, have been incredibly helpful and understanding, particularly in my final year as I’ve struggled to balance coursework and external pressures and stresses. Multiple members of staff offered their time to discuss specific assessments or the course more generally and offer support and advice. The Disability team within student services have also been extremely helpful in creating my access statement and informing me off further methods of support both within the university and externally.

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?

As part of our Working with PIR module in year 2, I undertook a research project called Map the System, which counted towards my placement hours. The project consisted of researching your chosen topic to identify what exactly upholds the issue. Myself and 2 other students chose to look at the issue of Inaccessibility within the United Kingdom, and found that it is upheld by severe underfunding of Health and Education services and unreasonably low welfare payments which force those who cannot work to live in poverty. This project definitely improved my research skills and have been extremely valuable as I write my dissertation.  It also reinforced my passion for resolving injustices as a long-term career path.

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

Due to the design of the project and the way the research is undertaken, piece by piece, I have a fond memory of when we finally combined all of our research into our final policy briefing. It felt like we had identified a key and overlooked issue within the country and were contributing valid policy suggestions based in strong evidence.

Do you have any advice for future students going on placement?

Find something you’re really interested in and something which you believe will benefit you either later in your uni carrer or post-university. Don’t just look to tick the box because you have to, or you’ll really struggle with your personal reflection at the end of the module.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre… Speak to people and make connections.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Cozy, fun, friendly

Where is a good place to eat, drink or visit in the city?

Hockley! Loads of wonderful independent cafes, bars and restaurants. My personal favourites are Mowgli and Yolk

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

It was difficult to begin with due to lockdowns and the lack of social opportunities available at the time, but once restrictions eased it was easy! I think the small size of NTU’s city campus and Nottingham city centre as a whole made it feel quite homely, so settling in was easy

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

Definitely! I think the two employability modules in first and second year really helped me understand exactly what I want to do after I graduate, and the employability team are really helpful in helping you find job opportunities to match your goals

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to NTU?

Definitely go for it, but never stress yourself out too much. I learned this the hard way, but course staff and student support are available to help and suggest the best ways to manage your work and reduce your stress

What is one thing you wish you knew before starting at NTU?

That NECs are available to you and are approved by course leaders, not by an external team. Talk to your tutors and course leaders about how you’re feeling and what’s troubling you and they can help. I misunderstood this until recently, but its been absolutely vital in my third year. I wish I’d known sooner that I didn’t need to stress quite as much as I had done.