Where are you from?
Newcastle upon Tyne
Are you currently in employment? If yes, what is it that you do?
Currently I work as a full time teacher at East Durham Sixth Form. There I teach A Level History and Law and I also teach an Access to HE History course.
Why did you decide to study a masters?
I decided to study for a Masters degree because I missed being in a learning environment; I also have a passion for the subject of History and I wanted to take on a new challenge.
Why are you studying part time?
I chose to study part time in order to fit around my work commitments. Working full time as a teacher and completing an MA takes a lot of self discipline, organisation, dedication and commitment. It is hard at times to juggle everything but I have really enjoyed the experience and it has all been worth it. I would do the course again in a heart beat.
Why Northumbria university? Why did you choose your specific course?
I chose to study at Northumbria University because of its excellent facilities and I studied for my undergraduate degree there so I knew that the teaching staff were some of the best in the field. I loved my time at Northumbria as an undergraduate student and my university experience has not compared at other universities that I have studied at. Also I chose to study the History MA as I have a passion for the subject and the schedule of the MA fitted around my work commitments.
What makes your course challenging/inspiring/different?
My course is challenging because of the high quality of teaching and the high expectations set by the academic teaching staff. Each seminar is different and the resources used in each seminar are challenging and engaging. Overall my postgraduate experience has been challenging but thoroughly enjoyable and one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The course has let me grow in confidence and ability and has prepared me for the road ahead.
What is it like studying at Northumbria?
Studying at Northumbria is engaging and there is access to a wide variety of resources. On my course the delivery of the subject has been through seminars, for which I was given independent reading/research to carry out each week. On each assignment I have been given constructive feedback which has helped me when preparing for future assignments. The lecturers are also happy to discuss your feedback with you during their office hours.
What impressed you most about our academic staff?
I was most impressed with the academic staff as they are all outstanding lecturers and they have been very supportive and flexible towards my needs as I work full time.
How accessible do you find our staff?
All staff are very professional but approachable and they make you feel at ease.
As a postgraduate, part time student, what aspects of university life are important to you?
Facilities and location.
If you are currently working, is there the opportunity to apply what you're learning in your current workplace?
I have the opportunity to use my learning in my current workplace as I am a History teacher so I have a better understanding of extended essay writing, independent research and historical knowledge which I have been able to implement into my teaching practice.
What doors do you think this course will open for you?
I hope that one day my course will help me to achieve my career goal of becoming an head of a humanities department within a secondary school or sixth form college.
Have you changed as a person?
I have changed as a person as I have become more confident in my own abilities and I have become much more organised and I am not afraid to make sacrifices for my studies or future career.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words before coming to Northumbria? What are the 3 key skills and attributes you have gained since being here?
Confident, organised and determined.
How would you describe Northumbria in 3 words?
Outstanding, exciting and modern.
Do you feel that your course has been a worthwhile investment in your future?
The course has been worth the investment for my future as it has given me confidence in myself and my abilities.
What is your advice to prospective students for your course?
Be prepared to dedicate yourself to the course and to work extremely hard but to know that the experience will be worthwhile in the end.
