Zara
Bhatti

Why NTU?

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

"I chose my career path at the age of 25 whilst working within the Prison Service and got the opportunity to work with high-risk young offenders aged 18 to 21. This started my journey within the Youth Work and Youth Justice field as I developed a passion for working with challenging and vulnerable young people who just needed a chance to better their lives.

After completing my degree in Criminal Justice Practice, I worked in a variety of different settings before deciding that I would like to further my education by going back to University. I wanted to pursue a Masters degree in order to provide me with more knowledge and skills as well as open up more opportunities in the future."  

Why did you choose to study MA Youth Work Leadership and Practice at NTU?

"I chose my course at NTU after attending an Open Day to not only get a feel of the atmosphere and environment at the University itself but I also had the opportunity to speak with my now Course Leader. He provided me with more knowledge about the course and the module content which sparked my interest. He also gave me the confidence that I would be supported alongside my studies."

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

"So far, my experience of the course has been extremely positive and I am thoroughly enjoying my studies.

I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people from all walks of life on my course and have already made connections through networking. It has been an incredible journey to connect with people who all share the share passion of wanting to support young people in different ways so they are able to thrive and reach their full potential."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social Sciences is about being able to support the vulnerable and at risk. It's about challenging young people we work with in a variety of ways to cater to their needs by being able to help transform their lives with a positive impact.

We are there to show them that for practitioners within this field, it's more than just a job role. Instead, we are passionate, determined and care about their well-being. We want to help provide them with prospects for the future so they are able to independently and confidently succeed through life."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"I am completing work placements in three settings. The first two are in a residential unit for homeless young people aged 16 to 21 at Cherrytree Support Services and at Rush House with young people aged 16 to 25. My last placement is within the Youth Justice Service looking at Early Help interventions for first-time offenders aged between 10 and 17.

Despite having a lot of previous experience working within a Criminal Justice setting, I am thoroughly enjoying working with a variety of different young people each with their own challenging behaviour needs. I've provided them with support on a 1-2-1 basis, catering my skills to their needs and helping them gain independent living skills."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"I have several memorable moments from my work placements. I was nervous about being a student on placement and starting at a new establishment. I needn't have worried though as I was taken care of by the staff and young people who welcomed me so kindly.

Another is the involvement I've had supporting vulnerable, at-risk and challenging young people and being able to use the knowledge and skills I already have to share with staff to help achieve the best results for them."

Support

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

"The level of support has been incredibly helpful. Not only from my tutor and the other teaching staff but also from the library team where I have booked sessions online.

Communication has been done with ease over emails being frequently answered, as well as tutorials and workshops held over Teams making it easier especially for those of us that normally commute to Nottingham on study days at University."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

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

"I have found it incredibly easy to get along with the people on my course as we all shared the same passion within our field and were able to share our own experiences with one another. The staff and students within University have also made it a pleasant and comfortable experience as everyone is happy to help."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"Moving forward after NTU, I’d like to continue working with Young People within the Criminal Justice Service. I plan to look at fulfilling a full-time role and even look into becoming a Senior Youth Justice Services Practitioner."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"I believe choosing to study for a Masters has boosted my prospects for the future. The course has also enabled me to develop my experience of working with a variety of challenging, vulnerable and at-risk young people in different settings. I have been able to apply what I have learnt in my modules in practice when working with young people and this has aided me to become a better Practitioner."