Seb
Fitzbright

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

"I have worked with young people in one capacity or another for many years now. Over several different jobs, throughout the country from Oxford to Sheffield, I saw how the young people were being failed systematically due to various reasons.

After gaining experience in the field, I wanted to educate myself further in the workings of the system with the aim of graduating and going back into the field with the necessary tools and skills to be able to make a positive change that I saw was needed."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose NTU because of the experience of the lecture team here. I read their profiles on the website and spoke to the course lead before I came here, with offers from other universities, though this course and the lecture team seemed the most qualified and it felt like the best fit for me.

I chose the course because of the varying and interesting modules that are covered throughout the course, learning things ranging from best practice in the field, to the law and function of the courts. As well as this, the nature of the course is vocational and can lead directly into employment."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

"There are so many benefits to the course with a lot of highlights. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to Lithuania and the Netherlands with the university. As well as this the nature of the course is engaging and that then makes the learning fulfilling and rewarding."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"I have been lucky to have had a number of opportunities here, going to Lithuania for a week to an international conference and working with professionals and other students from all over Europe. On this trip, we got to see our lecturer give a talk in the parliament of Lithuania which was fantastic.

As well as this there are trips to the Crown Court that was really interesting to get a first-hand experience of how it works – being able to see what we learn about makes it more tangible and a great experience. There was also a trip to The Hague where we were able to visit the International Criminal Court in which we were told of internships that would be a viable option – it was a great experience that really opened up possibilities that I had never even considered."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"To me, Social Sciences is vital to the empathy of society, without the research and work of the frontline services there are countless amounts of people that would be far worse off than they are. With that being said, there is still a long way to go until everyone in society has what they need and deserve, and those who study Social Sciences are on their way to helping make a change to their local community, and through that, wider society."

Support

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

"The support and time the tutors here give you is incredible, no matter how busy they are they will always have time for the students. Particularly in the third year when writing the dissertation, the supervisors are always ready and willing to help as much as they can."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"Being on a course with like-minded people means that everyone will find their place and find themselves with friends in no time. I can say that I have made friends for life that I have met on this course."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"My plan is to go straight into employment in a graduate job, gain some more experience in the Youth Justice field, and then go on to do a Masters degree to expand my knowledge further."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"There are numerous job fairs, in particular, the Criminal Justice Fair was great, it helped me find an employer that I love and will hopefully go on to work for. As well as this, the tutors will happily be a reference for an application, as well as help give advice on the best ways to fill in a job application."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"Be prepared to have your opinions challenged with some conflicting opinions causing healthy debates. Keep going and keep working when you are struggling and ask for help if you need it. The more you engage with the lectures and the modules, the more you will get from it, you will get out what you put in."