What Is Studying Surveying Online Really Like? Martin’s story

Martin Crispin-Bell’s decision to retrain was fuelled by a lifechanging accident. Learn why he chose to pursue a Surveying Online Masters with Northumbria University.

“This course is my future career” - that’s how Martin Crispin-Bell describes his Surveying Masters, a course he chose to pursue with Northumbria University after a motorcycle accident in 2015 left him unable to fulfil the demands of his electrical project management role. Read on to find out more about his return to studying.

What have you enjoyed most about the course, so far? What has challenged you?

I have enjoyed the ability to learn at my own pace rather than an institutional one. You are given the assignments week by week, but you can do more than that if it suits. The thing I find most challenging is writing academically rather than just a normal email or letter to a client. Getting to grips with word counts and bibliographies has been difficult, but support was provided for both, so that has really helped.

Why did you choose to study via distance learning over studying on campus?

Northumbria University was the only organisation that did the course I wanted through distance learning and with a start date that was convenient. I chose distance learning due to Covid-19 – we were in a lockdown when the course started, and this way we have had no delays or disruptions due to the pandemic.

It hasn’t been without its challenges though. I tend to panic at the start of a module especially when it is a subject I am not familiar with. At these times, I get support from my SSA, Francine, who usually brings me back down to Earth with a friendly, “take it week by week and you will get this. You are only on week-one, of a ten-week assignment”. It usually works.

Has the support helped make the whole experience easier?

I have used the essay writing, bibliography and the disability support so far, and they have all been so helpful. I struggle with typing, so the university and I are currently trying to get some disabled support allowance so I can access some word processing software. I have never had this support before in employed roles, so it is amazing what they are trying to do for me.

Where and when is your favourite place to study?

Like many people doing a course which is not only distanced, but during a pandemic, I usually study in a spare room in the house, converted into an office. That way I can lay my course material out and just get on with studying without disturbance.

What would you say has been the biggest benefit, so far, to studying this course? Has the course helped you in your day-to-day role?

I would say the biggest benefit so far is the knowledge given through the course. My wife and I recently put in an offer on a house, and the seller had some building works completed without informing building control. This course has made me aware of certain regulations that I would not have previously been aware of. Now the works in question have been flagged up to a conveyancer, which could result in a reduced offer to put the work right. If we didn’t know about the regulations, we may have bought the house and had to put it right at our expense.

What difference do you think this degree is going to make to your career, or your life, in the long term?

This course is my future career. I am no longer able to carry out my previous role, so I wanted a new position that used the skills and knowledge and allowed me to do less physically demanding activities. Having looked around for years during recovery I was presented with an interview for building surveying. It seemed the right choice and fit so I dived in and signed up for the degree.

What advice would you give someone who is considering studying a distance-learning course with NU?

Look at your options on courses because there are loads. Northumbria University is one institution, but I highly recommend it. Listen to the advice given by the enrolment team and just do it! It’s not difficult to enrol, the courses are easy to follow, and the rewards are yours to take.

When you’re not studying, how do you spend your time?

I usually spend my downtime watching TV or listening to music, but I do like hill walking too. I usually go to the Peak District as the scenery is so beautiful.

How would you describe your NU experience so far in three words?

Daunting, exciting and empowering.