Patience
Nyaga

About you...

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

My undergraduate degree was a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Business Administration in Kenya at Daystar University

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

I worked for a financial institution between the two degrees

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

I desired a career change that would allow me to pursue my interests and passions, such as diversity, inclusivity, diplomacy, transparency, and accountability. All of these were covered in the MA Security Studies programme, and I feel prepared for my next phase of life.

Why NTU...

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

Firstly, it came highly recommended from the agency that I used. Secondly, during the first online open day hosted by NTU, the gentleman who led the session was knowledgeable, helpful, and extremely kind to everyone who joined the call. He went above and beyond to ensure that all questions were answered, gave a great over view of what to expect as international students and concerns about housing and fees were allayed as he gave suggestions and options available. Thirdly, all the feedback I received from the school prior to making the deposit was timely and accurate.

I selected this course because the required modules addressed social justice, structural integration, international relations, and global political economy. I made the best decision by selecting gender and security studies as my elective module. It was and remains the most life-changing course I've ever taken!

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

Life changing.

I have learnt new methods of studying.

I have learnt how to research.

I have learnt how to write essays.

I have engaged with a wide range of literature.

I have learnt from fellow students who come from all corners of the globe

I have family in NTU thanks to bonds formed.

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

It surprises me that instructors genuinely want you to succeed. The guidance in and out of class has been exceptional, the push to do better in each assignment is evident, and the genuine feedback to ensure I perform better has been uplifting.

To help us develop, we use a variety of methods to learn from one another, such as group projects, individual presentations, and life-altering classroom discussions.

University staff and student services are always helpful and ready to guide, assist and nudge in the right direction.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre...

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Cosmopolitan

Vibrant

Student friendly

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

Eat:

• May Sum buffet restaurant
• Oodles
• Farros Grill house
• Sexy mamma love spaghetti
• Pho
• Yolk
• Pizza Chicken Kebab

Drink:

• All the Weatherspoons – pocket friendly 😊
• Fat Cat
• Alchemist

Visit:

• Wollaton Park, Arboretum Park, Attenborough Park
• Nottingham Castle, Robin Hood statue and Ye Olde trip to Jerusalem.
• City of Caves
• Greens windmill

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

I met my first batch of lifelong friends on a solo trip to Wales, the week I arrived in Nottingham. My second batch of friends are from the Gender and Security class. Your social circle expands as you interact with friends of friends, but you must be open to learning and understanding new cultures and be willing to put yourself out there.

The Next Steps...

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

Yes, they have been helpful in providing me with information about open days where they bring prospective employers to NTU so that we can interact with them and learn more about them. They have also been extremely helpful in advising me on how to prepare myself for a return to the job market, such as how to create an impressive resume and how to make my LinkedIn profile stand out.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of applying to a postgraduate course at NTU?

Please do it. If you are looking for an institution that will challenge you, allow you to learn, encourage you to interact with tutors, and force you to leave your comfort zone while having fun, NTU is the place for you.

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

That I will read a lot!

As an International Student...

Why did you want to study in the UK?

First, I desired to study in a new environment, and the United Kingdom is widely recognised as the epicentre of creative, challenging, and high-quality education. Secondly, as part of my academic pursuits, I was eager to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and gain an appreciation for the challenges in their regions. The one-year duration of the degree was also ideal for me in preventing study fatigue.

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

Firstly, I have interacted with the most knowledgeable lecturers in all my modules who are intelligent enough to share the knowledge but kind enough to impart it in an understandable manner.

Secondly, I have learnt new ways of engaging with literature and researching that was foreign to me. I have also learnt the art of reflection that is essential for critical thinking. This will be beneficial in my future career where such skills are to be applied.

Lastly, I have made the most amazing friends that I now consider family.

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

Ask. People are willing to help, all you have to do is ask.

Have an open mind. Be willing to learn and share experiences.

Walk around. Not just for the steps but to explore, understand your surroundings and decompress.

Have a study and life balance. Take advantage of all the opportunities at NTU. Visit the global lounge, sign up for societies and go for those evening socials.