Northumbria University has been part of my life now for 15 years. After completing a Sociology degree in 2005, I started working at the Students’ Union that same year and have been there ever since. Helping students to make the most of their time at Northumbria University is extremely rewarding. Forget school, University really was the best years of my life! Northumbria University was the best decision I made.
Anyone looking to go to university still has time to apply through Clearing. A few years ago Clearing changed, with something called ‘adjustment’ brought in so students who did better than expected can change their course or university. It is still for those students who didn’t do quite as well as predicted too. It’s definitely worth looking at through UCAS. Northumbria now also offers foundation degrees too for students who don’t quite meet their grades, giving them access to a three-year degree once they’d completed it.
Why I chose Northumbria?
After a year of being on the ‘wrong course’ (Surveying) at Newcastle University I was at a real cross roads. Not sure whether to just find a job, to repeat the year or to start afresh with an entirely different subject. After much thought I decided I still wanted to do a degree. Quite a few of my friends from Sixth Form were enjoying Northumbria so I decided to explore that option making an appointment with one of their careers advisors. I explained that I loved Human Geography and social issues at school. The maths and stats side I had struggled with but I’d always loved to write doing well at English Literature. Sociology really appealed to me and I signed up to start the following September.
As soon as I started in Freshers Week I had a feeling I’d made the right decision. My new course mates were all lovely (nights out were quickly organised) and the course tutors were friendly and informative. We had sessions of how to use the library to reserve important texts, the process of handing in work and how to get involved with the Students’ Union and Sports Clubs.
A Northumbria Degree
Sociology is such a brilliant and diverse subject. Reading to prepare for seminars didn’t seem like a chore. From history of communism, feminism, sub-cultures of gangs the subject was wide ranging. For my final year dissertation I looked into the impact of the Disability Discrimination Act to see the impact on disabled people in the workplace. The help I received from my Northumbria University tutors was invaluable.
As well as my academic work, I volunteered at a local charity that helped disabled people into work. Completing a module called Students’ Into Schools which sent students on placements to local schools was a great boost too. I was over the moon to receive my 2:1 (Hons) and attend my graduation ceremony.
Working at Northumbria Students’ Union
After my Sociology degree, I started working at the Students’ Union. First in a full time PA role, then after I had the girls in part-time admin roles. Over 12 years, changes have taken place but the core mission of delivering ‘a positive impact on the lives of students’ still remains. The Students’ Union underwent a full building revamp around 7 years ago to create a light, airy and bright fit for purpose building.
Northumbria Students’ Union has space for students to work with PC’s and printers, a bustling cafe bar, conferencing rooms for societies, and a music venue. Students’ take advantage of their time at university to get involved in Societies such as dance, snow sports, or computer gaming. A volunteer programme working alongside charities such as Ouseburn Farm is very successful. There really is something for everyone at the Students’ Union. It doesn’t matter what your interests are. You could even run for election to be one of the Student officers in charge!
How Northumbria has changed in 12 years
I have seen massive changes at Northumbria in the 12 years I have worked here. In addition to City Campus East Law and Business School, and Sports Central a massive regeneration is taking place on the main site. Student Central at Northumbria is currently being constructed and once completed in September 2017 will house everything a student needs under one roof. Careers and welfare advisors, accommodation advice, financial advise to name but a few will be based here. The modern addition to the campus looks fantastic and will be a brilliant resource for current and future students.
Not only does the university have great facilities for students it’s academic record is impressive too. The Research Excellence Framework in 2014 showed Northumbria as the biggest riser in research power rankings since the previous REF in 2008, and it’s in the top 10 universities for professional employment, with 93% of graduates in work or further study within 6 months of graduation.
Choose Northumbria through Clearing
Northumbria for me was a fantastic choice and I have never looked back after switching courses and university. The experience provided the stepping stone to a great career as well as broadening my horizons, increasing my confidence and making friends for life.
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.
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