Student Profiles and Views

Don’t just take it from us – here are the opinions of some of our students past and present on studying here.

Simon Black is a Joint Honours student entering his third year of studying Drama and Education. His Education modules have included Literacy in Young Children, Cultural Diversity and Young Children learning.

“As you can see there’s a real variety of choices, which for me has been a great help. All the lectures are well thought out and informative, and supported by good handouts and visual presentations.

The library is a fantastic place to sit and do work: in fact, even though the Drama books aren’t there, I do my Drama coursework there as well as my Education Studies, because of the lovely relaxed atmosphere. Once you have learnt your way around the library it is really easy: but if you do need help to find a particular book the Librarians are vey nice and easy to talk to, and they are always very eager to help you”

So would Simon encourage other people to study in the School of Education?

“I love the department so much. It’s just great: every Tuesday morning I have a 9-11 lecture and seminar, and every week I walk through the Old College and the staff seem to be really happy with their days. If you are feeling a bit low, all the smiling faces give you a big lift. Every student is given a personal tutor who stays with you throughout your course. And if you’ve got academic questions or even a problem at home, the lecturers’ doors are always open. I’d definitely recommend a friend to come here. I hope to go and do my teacher training PGCE qualification at Aberystwyth; it’s been such a positive experience”

Awel Owen graduated in Welsh and Education. Here are some of her thoughts about the time spent at Aberystwyth and the School.

Why did you choose Aberystwyth?

“I chose to come to Aberystwyth because I only live one hour away, so it was close enough to home but also far enough to give me my independence – a perfect combination.”

Do you have any diversity issues/ experiences that you would be prepared to share, in order to help inform and inspire other students?

“I found out I was expecting my second child during my degree so I decided to take a year out and return for my final year. The university were brilliant about the situation and kept in contact throughout the time I was away, which helped to put me at ease.”

What advice would you give to a student doing your subject at university now?

“Just really make sure you make the most of your time there- and to push yourself to work that bit harder, especially in the first year. “

Nicholas Christian graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Education and Human Geography. He then went on to study for a PGCE at Aberystwyth before going on to teaching. He explains the advice he would give to a mature student studying a degree:

“As a mature student you should definitely not be afraid to just give it a go. Having to give up work and make changes is daunting but it will be worth it when you are in a situation where you are making a difference. Plus, Aberystwyth is a great, safe community to make these changes and enjoy them, regardless of age. Having a lot of life experience helped me to get the first class degree that I ultimately achieve.”

Linsey Pope graduated with a II (i) in Joint Honours Geography and Education.She is a local student having been brought up in the area. Here are her answers to questions about the Education component of hercourse:

“The lectures and seminars gave a friendly atmosphere, and the course material was easy to follow because it was well organised and very well presented. The Library in the Old College was a really lovely environment to study in.”

So would Linsey recommend studying here?

“Very much so : friendly, approachable lecturers, very supportive staff, and a well-organised and efficient department offering enjoyable modules with a good variety of assessments. You’re by the sea, with easy access to the countryside for escape but with enough social life to keep you entertained.”