Philosophy - BA (Hons)

University of Birmingham

The open and welcoming atmosphere of the university with stalls and occasional markets and events make it seem like a breathing university

After only a few months here, I feel so well-established already, and have made so many wonderful memories! My priority was to live at home and commute, and the University Train Station is so handy - even if there are strikes on any day, the bus lines are really regular, and it is so easy to get to from New Street Station/the city centre! I love being so close to the bustling second city - the University has the perfect balance of being so local to town, but being far enough that the campus is quiet and green. The Guild does fantastic work and I have used many of its opportunities, joining Folk Society, learning Ballroom Dancing, volunteering, and watching concerts and performances. The University offers so many study spaces - I love pondering where I will go for the day when I am on the train! It is lovely being around the redbrick architecture, and the campus has a real sense of prestige. I have already got a job as a Student Ambassador, and am seizing the opportunity to complete the Professional Skills Module next year - I find that the University revolves just as much as long-term considerations (finding jobs, careers, and having the experience of being an employee, not just a student) as it does the studying aspects. There are wonderful networking and information events, such as Module Fairs, Careers Fairs, and I cannot praise the Languages for All Optional/Additional Module - I really wanted to keep my French up from A-level, and feel so lucky that the University of Birmingham offers free, advanced courses - I have made more friends from this class than I have on my actual course, because it offers such a small, intimate group experience! I have made PhD and Masters friends as well, showing how immersed the students here are in making the most out of their University experience! My Personal Tutor is always so friendly, and gives me the opportunity to discuss Philosophy in a current affairs, real world context, and I have met some really lovely members of staff. Workload is very manageable, and there always seems to be something happening on campus! The My UoB App is very useful in guiding me around campus, showing me new study spaces, and articles/blogs produced by fellow students. The Careers Network are also fantastic - I have found out about a Heritage Careers Fair thanks to them (which there are not many of!), and get a new email listing job opportunities practically every day! The only thing I have noticed is sometimes when PhD students are used as seminar leads, they lack training and thus their explanations are compromised, since they are unsure how to get the group to understand a concept.

Lecturers make it feel like an inviting experience and treated like an adult and they make the course broad so that it can capture everyone’s interests and are open to feedback. It could be improved by improving the services - guild advice for example take 3-5 working days when some people need help now. More help readily available in person not just via email and a few days wait