Katherine
Reid

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree in International Law Enforcement?

"I have always been interested in international law enforcement, and in particular the criminal activities that operate between transnational borders. Upon reflection, an opportunity presented itself which led to a new life path for me. A postgraduate degree offers a deeper understanding and further research into this area, and hopefully will lead to a fruitful career. After researching employment opportunities, having this level of degree has proven to be an advantage and the knowledge I have gained thus far is invaluable."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"After extensive research and comparisons between various university courses throughout Australia and the United Kingdom, I settled on NTU. It was most appealing as it offered modules I found interesting and the lecturers had experienced backgrounds. The Capstone Project I found particularly interesting and appears to be highly beneficial to include in my CV. Additionally, pairing with an academic supervisor was appealing as I believe I will gain high levels of insight into researching and understanding the international criminal world."

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

"The course has been fantastic! I have really enjoyed all the modules offered and the content taught. Personally, I have found that the content taught offers valuable information and increases your understanding of all aspects of life and is interdisciplinary – not just in this area of study.

Highlights range from practical covert work to intense class discussions to the actual content. The assessments have been great to reinforce what we covered in the class and are often broad enough to allow you to discover your own opinions, and sometimes allow you to choose the topic area you want to cover. I have enjoyed the approaches and methods the lecturers have taken; encouraging class interaction, opinions and discussions."

What does social sciences mean to you?

"The world revolves around people and social constructs. My interests lie in the observation and interaction of different cultures and socio demographics. I am hoping to pursue a career that will enable me to assist in enabling positive outcomes for negatively affected social groups. Frontline work on a global level is my ultimate objective in a career path, and the study of social groups from a law enforcement point of view will prove to be invaluable, in my opinion."

Support

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

"The support from the lecturers and tutors has been excellent thus far, offering meetings face-to-face, via video call and via emails. My interactions have all ended with positive outcomes. The support offered has varied from career advice, networking, dissertation support and general catch-up/welfare checks. I have really appreciated the support offered by all members at NTU."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"NTU offers a wide range of societies and opportunities to meet new people, gain new experiences and enjoy your time in Nottingham. Settling into NTU is definitely made easier with the events held, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the campus and the city. After class pints are always a good time to further discuss points from class, chat about totally unrelated things from your studies, and always lots of laughs! Step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to other students, chances are they are in the same awkward situation of not knowing many people. The NTU student community is diverse in culture, people and experiences, allowing you to interact with and make new friends from all over the world."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU? 

"With a post-graduate degree in hand, there will be more opportunities. Preferably, I would like to pursue an international career as I am interested in criminal activities on a global level."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"I believe my career goals are on their way to being met through the course I am undertaking. NTU as an educational body has significantly broadened my career goal-posts by delivering practical and useful tools to enable my successful navigation of the course. NTU also supports extensive Career Days which offer significant support for career choices."

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

As an International Student

Why did you want to study in the UK?

"There are many reasons why the UK is so appealing! My top three points for choosing the UK are as follows. I believe graduating with a post graduate degree in a course from the UK will offer me more opportunities on a global level. The UK is seen as one of the world leaders in a political and educational sense, which will provide me with a highly regarded degree. The diverse cultural population the UK offers has allowed me to create a vast network of friends on a global scale.

Furthermore, I have increased my understanding of other cultural beliefs, their home countries, and many cooking nights trying all the best food! The location of the UK amongst other countries is appealing, allowing me to add more stamps in my passport! Travelling to other countries and experiencing new adventures is always high on my to-do list, especially if it is a spontaneous trip. Being based in the UK has allowed this and was definitely a consideration when I was deciding where to go. Additionally, living and studying abroad does enhance the experience section of a CV."

What experiences have you had as an international student at NTU?

"Outside of the classroom, key exciting experiences would be the socialising and adventures! I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting other international students and, of course, the locals. The social experiences have ranged from London trips to pheasant hunts! Adventures include hiking, biking or train trips to friends in other parts of the country, as well as a few abroad.

NTU offers other activities that are great for meeting people, such as the global lounge or post grad events. These are great to form a group of friends who have similar interests. Being an international student in the classroom has been enlightening. Comparing social norms, politics, education and right down to soccer… I mean football! It is a great experience that broadens, both yours and others, understanding of the world and how it functions."

Advice

What advice would you give to help new international students get settled in at university?

"Definitely step outside of your comfort zone and give everything a go! NTU offers a wide range of events and activities that help settle you into this new place. There are lots of cheap and free events to attend where you can meet new like-minded people. If you can, arrive a few days before your course starts to familiarise yourself with the campus and the city. Creating a network of friends will help settle you in and will be important to help support you through the course. I found that a class group chat to discuss areas of study and assessments has helped settle my nerves and stress of the course and living in a new place. Before you know it, you’ll be calling Nottingham your base for the next year!"