MA Music Performance: Solo Voice Ensemble Singing

University of York

Good support but have heard people also say bad things. Beautiful lake and the ducks and pubs bring everyone closer as a community but is 60s concrete buildings. Library is VERY good as is King's Manor library in town - it's gorgeous. Excellent music facilities and others have said same about their own departments especially in Science courses.

I’ve really enjoyed seeing all the events hosted by the student union throughout the year. However, I did find it hard navigating the website during the start of first year.

The best aspects of my uni experience are: 1) The academic staff at my department (Music): most of them are really friendly, witty, welcoming and supportive. 2) It is located in a very peaceful, historically-rich (Don't know why York is not a UNESCO World Heritage site yet?) and bike-friendly city, and it takes only around 10 minutes to commute from Campust West to the city centre, probably 15 to the Rail Station (Campus East can be a bit further, but the bus works well). 3) The landscape around Heslington Hall is supreme, adorned with ducks and doves of all sorts, making it look really cool. The worst of of my uni experiences are probably the young lads wandering and riding bikes on one wheel around the university, and sometimes places where cyclists are told to dismount - they are indeed very intimidating.

This university is brilliant for its facilities and teaching. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my course. There’s a lot of emphasis on giving students a clear direction once leaving the uni which is extremely necessary for a subject like music and this university sets you up for careers extremely well. The location is very convenient, it sits in the centre of most places you’d end up living in York. It wouldn’t be more than a 20 minute walk to campus from most locations. The buses are also very convenient, the 67 and 66 leaving straight from campus and into town/train station. The people studying there are by the majority lovely however, I was unfortunate enough to share accommodation with people who were very unpleasant during my lockdown year in first year. This is the only thing I’d criticise the university on. I can’t speak for all colleges, however my college in particular were very unhelpful in times of crisis. They do have support, such as a service called open door, however this service is only good for talking and not much else. There isn’t a stable support system for students who are really struggling. We had a case of someone go manic and the university left us to become her carers for almost two months despite us calling everyday and pleading she be moved or referred to some serious medical help and not much was done despite the numerous witness testimonies. Another thing is to see more diversity within the teaching staff. My lecturers over the past few years have all been white and mostly male so I do believe as a woman of colour, that this is something that needs to be changed. I do think the campus is lovely, there’s the lake and lots of green surrounding it. In most cases, it’s a very safe place to roam about and the majority of people you’ll meet are lovely.

Plenty study space on campus, both individual and group spaces. Lots of green space and calming water fountains (the waterfowl are adorable). Not too long a bus ride into centre of town. Lots of food options on campus and there are college bars too! Tutors are approachable and willing to help as much as possible. Student support is available if you need it, but be sure to actively ask for it, as tutors/supervisors may not always recognise your need for help, for example with mental health. The new two-term system being implemented Sept 2023 will be interesting to navigate, but the modules you can do in the Music degree are really engaging.