Niall
O'Hagan

About you...

What degree did you take at undergraduate level and where did you study?

BA (Hons) English and Film & TV at NTU

Did you take a break in between your undergraduate degree and the postgraduate degree? If so, what did you do in this study break?

Yes, I took 5 years out. During this time I worked in a variety of administrative and customer service roles, working for Capital One, The Open University and then in January 2020, I started working in Employability at NTU, which was a nice full circle moment. I wasn’t ready for my masters 5 years ago and needed some work experience and figure out what I wanted to do, and all signs brought me back here to the place that feels like home.

Why did you want to undertake a postgraduate degree, and do you think it has benefitted your career aspirations?

I always knew I wanted to do a Masters, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. My undergrad was full of transferrable skills but was never a career move. In my time away, I figured out that I wanted to help people and to do that through supporting their mental wellbeing. I wanted to understand the human brain and it’s complexities and use that knowledge to serve those who need it the most. Without this qualification, I would not be BPS accredited, which is what I need to take the next step into being a Clinical Psychologist.

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

I did my undergrad here and it was my favourite place ever! I grew up in Nottingham, but strangely nothing feels more home than the university. When I returned to NTU as a member of staff it became even more clear that there was nowhere else I would rather have been. And they happened to do the course with the accreditation I needed, so it was a win-win.

Could you describe your experience of being a Postgraduate NTU student?

A whirlwind. It is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences of my life. It has required remarkable time management (as I work alongside), a mental fortitude and a determination to succeed. However, it has been magical and rewarding – I have made new friends, found new skills and even won an award! NTU was the right choice for me.

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

NTU staff cannot do enough to help! The lecturers are knowledgeable, patient and (crucially) very available to be contacted! I have not had any issues with teaching that hasn’t been resolved quickly. I do not use student services as much, but when I needed my access statement, despite a few initial hiccups – they were supportive and friendly.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Diverse, confident and friendly.

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

Eat & Drink – Coco Tang. Amazing local independent restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese food (and has been doing so before it became so cool) and insanely delicious cocktails. You MUST order the beef noodles and spring rolls and a smoky Pineapple Grill cocktail to wash it down with!

Visit – Wollaton Park! Beautiful grounds, a stunning lake, a fun museum and, if that doesn’t sell it – Batman was filmed there!

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

Very easy. I am a very confident person and make friends easily, and being elected as School Officer made me very approachable. Settling was easy too after a 4 year undergrad and working here for 18 months by the time my course started!

The Next Steps…

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

Having knowledgeable friends and colleagues has definitely been beneficial.

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

Do it! Do it! Do it! The teaching is amazing, the cohort is diverse in every aspect, and the facilities are top class! NTU is more than a university, but a community and a home away from home!

What is one thing you wish you knew before starting at NTU as a postgraduate student?

Just how intense the workload would be – it’s really hard! There’s no sugar coating how much work it takes, and I might have looked at my work pattern more closely had I known. That being said, we were warned that conversion Masters were hard – I think I was just cocky.