Very good I would say overall, the course really sets you up for real world situations and the way the course is marked is good, there are some exams but at lot is coursework of different which is nice, but sometimes course is slightly unorganised but this seems to be improved throughout the duration of the course.

The facilities are nice as we are based within the zoo itself, class rooms are nice as they have good equipment and a good lab for practical's, there is even a library for just us to use and one other class. Unfortunately the common room isn't the best but has some of the basics and there is nowhere to buy food as a reasonable price.

The lectures always have an ear open and feedback given by them is very good and thorough but is sometimes given back after their return deadline. There is many free counselling and support offered by the college for those who want it.

I really like the power points the lectures give but sometimes they set in class tasks which could be completed as homework and I would rather spend this time learning.

13

This aspect of our course is very good! we complete two work experience placements as part of the course amongst other practical day trips to places such as monkey world and hill livery! The college also organise next steps conferences and can point you in the right direction to post grad fairs if your interested.

Most of the staff are brilliant and will go above and beyond for their students. Being inside the zoo has pros and cons, and sometimes lacks the facilities that are usually given with the funding that comes with attending university. I feel this needs addressing by staff, as many students are upset with the lack of basic university facilities such as cafeteria (with student prices!), free parking and 24 hour library access. It isn't a cheap thing to attend university, and I feel that this shows in the way this course is run. The work set is a good balance of understandable, interesting and challenging. I am glad that there are less exams being set, as many students often feel that these pressurised events show an unfair representation of their subject knowledge. If the general upkeep of the facilities were improved, and the basic university needs met (just having a discount in the cafe would be lovely) I would have no problems recommending this course. However, unless either of these can be justified, I would recommend with caution.

Good facilities in regard to computer and library access, lecture rooms are all clean. Being in the Zoo itself is a brilliant perk, although has it's downsides such as having to pay for parking and no discounts for food. Only issues are having to share toilet facilities with the education department (try going to the bathroom after a group of 30+ primary school children) and the odd domestic issue in the kitchen when never seem to be fixed.

The support from tutors is brilliant, you need only ask for it. Too often students are complaining that they couldn't get support or time to talk to a tutor, yet they only sent one email. If you follow up and keep reminding tutors, they are more than happy to sit down and have conversations about work. They have lots to do and I feel that the way most of the staff have time for us is great.

I enjoy a lot of the content, it's relevant and well presented. Lots of opportunity for debate, discussion and our own learning style. Tutors are readily available and most are always willing to go above and beyond for students within reason. Some of the staff which are employed by the zoo are not as enthralled about teaching as others employed by the college, and you can tell. This can sometimes put a dampener on work and leave students less motivated to attend or complete work. Sometimes tutors can over simplify or over complicate lectures, I feel they would benefit from having some support as to making sure everyone is on equal footing. This could be supporting the students who struggle more, and giving additional tasks to students who are excelling.

12

There are lots of opportunities to speak to staff, they are very open and available to talk about anything - be that work in lectures, assignments or your future career plans! In the first year we had a few sessions about employ ability, but were left to our own devices to find work experience as it should be. As a second year student, I would like to have another session about employ ability to check CV's as now some of us are applying for work that may come when we finish in May.