Hope
Thomas

What made you choose this course? 

I chose this course as the School of Social Sciences has an amazing reputation as a department that fosters a culture that values diversity. Having studied at Nottingham Trent University for my undergraduate degree, I already knew that Nottingham is one of the best and most vibrant cities for students, I couldn’t imagine studying anywhere else!

How has the course so far helped you prepare for your career?

This course has helped me to gain work-place skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking which are essential for a career in politics or public policy. It has also provided me with opportunities to gain hands on experience outside of my studies such as being able to take part in a service-learning project in the non-profit sector. Additionally, I have been provided with employability support which has helped me to discover more career paths in the public sector that I did not know existed and where having my degree would be extremely useful.

Could you describe your experience of being a student at NTU so far?

Being a student at NTU is so much more than just studying. I have been able to develop the way that I learn and interact with others which has given me the opportunity to grow as a person. With many extracurricular facilities, events and societies to join, there has been endless opportunities to meet new people and open your world to new experiences. I feel part of a community and being a student at NTU is an experience I will never forget.

Could you tell us about the support you received from your tutors and university staff?

My tutors and university staff have been truly amazing. They have provided me with crucial academic support such as organising events to assist with academic writing, referencing and critical thinking. Furthermore, when I have been struggling with a piece of work, my tutors have set up one-to-one meetings to talk through any problems I had and have been available at all times to answer my queries. I have also been able to speak to my tutors about any personal matters that have been impacting my ability to study. This has all proved to be extremely useful and has made my MSc journey far less stressful.

We’ve had to transition to remote teaching during the coronavirus outbreak. How have you found that change? Do you feel the University’s responded well to the challenge?

The transition to remote teaching was a challenge at first, particularly due to the loss of social interaction. However, I think the University responded well as they have transformed the online experience for all students, going beyond just moving all course material online. For example, the University has provided a range of virtual classes and workshops to make sure we stay connected and socialised alongside the delivery of our course curriculums. My department has held regular live classes and interactive workshops to ensure that distance learning still meets students’ needs. Nottingham Trent University has strived to continue providing quality education and created an entirely new student experience.

During this period of remote teaching, have you still been able to access the kinds of guidance and support you’d normally expect? Are you still comfortable about your prospects?

The guidance and support I have received during this period of remote teaching has gone above and beyond what I expected. My tutors have shown great knowledge and flexibility to teaching and university staff and support services have continued to assist and reassure me when I have needed it. Despite this period of difficulty, I am definitely still comfortable about my prospects and I truly believe I will achieve a fantastic grade as the support and guidance I have received has been second to none.

If you recommended this course to a future student, what would you say?

Studying this course was one of the best decisions I have ever made, I really love it. Politics and public policy shape our every-day lives from healthcare and science, to education, to business and trade, to criminal justice. This course provides a unique opportunity to understand how and why the world works the way it does. During such an unprecedented time, politics and public policy has never been so important.

There is no doubt in my mind that the MSc Politics and Public Policy course is one of the best in the postgraduate department. If you enjoy a challenge, this is most definitely the right course for you!