Jacob
West

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree in Sociology?

"When my undergraduate degree came to an end I found myself wanting more out of my education and looked for ways to take it further. Because of this, I chose to do a postgraduate degree which would allow spend another year learning in-depth about my subject and the world around me."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I decided to study MA Sociology at NTU firstly because of the great teaching team at the university. I wanted to maintain the relationships I had built with my lectures during the course of my undergraduate degree and expand them further through my MA. I also have a passion for sociology. By the time my undergraduate degree had come to an end, there were still so many things I wanted to learn about and explore. Because of this choosing to do an MA at Nottingham Trent University seemed like a natural progression to me and it is something that I have deeply enjoyed."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"My experience on the MA Sociology course has been great. The teaching team are engaged, have in-depth knowledge of their subject area and are always happy to help. So far the highlight of the MA has been the service-learning module. During the module I had the opportunity to create my own project which looked to tackle loneliness in Nottingham for both students and the over 65’s. The module gives you the opportunity to tackle a social issue in the local area and allows you the make practical use of the sociology that you have learnt."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"For me social sciences is multidimensional. It allows me to learn about the social world around me, using quantitative and qualitative and theoretical methodologies to inform my learning and knowledge of the world around me. I believe it allows me to be both impactful through academic research, but also through a public lens. Helping me collaborate and engage with a wide range of social stakeholders from charities to government organisations."

Support

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

"The support available from staff and tutors at NTU is exceptional. There are always opportunities to engage with the learn from the staff in the social sciences department. Be it talking to them about any academic problems you may have, to more personal issues that they can support you with. The support I have received over the years is a big part of who I am today."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"There are plenty of opportunities to make friends at NTU and I had no trouble doing so. Either through the large range of societies available or other people on your course. There are always opportunities to engage and make friends with likeminded people."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After finishing my MA degree I am looking to either complete a PhD in sociology. Or take a short break to work in public policy or social research. But sociology will always be at the heart of what I do."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"The skills I have developed at NTU have helped me to feel confident to engage with a wide range of people and groups, be it employers, students and academics. The research skills I have obtained through both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees have opened many doors for me. I now feel confident to enter the employment market and achieve my career goals in either a PHD or more policy and research-focused work."