Nina Kennett

After changing her mind about where she wanted to study, Nina came to Northumbria through Clearing. 

Nina had planned to attend university closer to home in Yorkshire before deciding that she wanted to move further afield and was recommended Newcastle as the perfect student city.

Being unfamiliar with the Clearing process, she was surprised by how easy it was to secure a place at university and on a better course than the one she had initially enquired about.

“I rang Northumbria's Clearing hotline to ask about studying Law and was asked if I would be interested in an Integrated Masters,” she said. An Integrated Masters course equips students with deep subject knowledge, applied in a real-world context, allowing them to gain specialist skills which stand out to employers. ““I hadn’t heard of this option for law, but the person on the phone explained everything I needed to know. Because my goal was to become a solicitor, they suggested this course as I would gain a further qualification which would aid me on that journey. 

“Clearing wasn’t something I had looked into, so I was nervous about calling. It had always been described to me as a stressful and negative experience when it was actually the opposite. I couldn’t believe how quickly my place at university had been confirmed. It was so easy.”

Nina, who is passionate about animal rights, founded the Animal Law society where she met people with similar interests as herself and has gained valuable skills through volunteering at a local cat and dog shelter and public speaking at charity events.

“My confidence has grown so much since starting university, through practical learning and networking. One of my favourite things about studying at Northumbria is the opportunities I have had within the Student Law Office, working with a real client on a legal case,” she said.

“It’s a completely different way of learning, which means I will graduate with professional experience that many students entering a career in law won’t have.

“I’ve made so many friends through societies but have also had the opportunity to connect with lecturers who are industry experts. Having 1-1 support from tutors who have had a practicing career in law is invaluable to me as an aspiring solicitor."

Thinking about what she would have liked to have known before applying, Nina said: “You have to trust the process! It’s so straightforward and someone will be there to help you along the way. I said I wanted to study law and before I knew it, I had secured my place and was celebrating.”

Northumbria University has a limited number of places available for high quality students through Clearing this summer. For more information, visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/clearing or call the Clearing Hotline on 0800 085 1085.