One of the best aspects of my university experience has been the support I have received from faculty. Staff have been approachable and open to discussions about my future career path, helping me make informed decisions and feel confident about my direction. The library facilities have been excellent, with seamless access to books, two screens per workstation, and a wide range of resources, making research and study much easier. I have also benefited from the career services and mental health support, which have provided guidance and reassurance throughout my studies. Beyond academics, I have appreciated the university’s inclusivity, where all faiths and backgrounds are respected and have a space, creating a welcoming and diverse community. On the other hand, one area that could be improved is the opportunities for students from creative and academic fields like mine. There are fewer career fairs and networking events tailored to arts, literature, and cultural sectors, which can make it harder to connect with potential employers or collaborators. Expanding these opportunities would greatly enhance the practical experience and professional development of students in creative fields. Overall, the university provides a supportive, resource-rich environment, but with more tailored creative career networking, it could become an even stronger platform for all students.

The best part of my course has been the faculty, who are extremely open and supportive. They have been approachable for discussions about my career path and personal development, providing guidance that has helped me navigate my future goals. Their support, combined with the library facilities and access to resources, has made studying both productive and enjoyable. The career services and mental health support have also been valuable, and the inclusive environment where all backgrounds and perspectives are respected has made learning welcoming and engaging. On the other hand, one of the challenges I have noticed is that the course leans heavily toward academics and theoretical knowledge rather than practical, real-world preparation. While the academic learning has been stimulating, I feel a master’s program should better equip students for professional life. More opportunities to engage directly with the industry, gain practical experience, or participate in career-focused workshops and networking events would make the course more relevant for students pursuing creative and applied fields. Overall, the course provides a strong academic foundation and excellent faculty support, but integrating more practical, real-world experience could make it even more valuable for students preparing to enter the job market.

What I like most about the university halls is that they are very affordable while still providing a great living environment. They encourage interaction with other students, helping to build a sense of community, and include useful spaces like student commons. The facilities are also clean, neat, and well-maintained, which makes daily life comfortable and convenient. The aspect I like least is that the heaters turn off automatically after two hours, which can be inconvenient during colder periods. I understand this is a safety measure, and it is reasonable, but it can sometimes make rooms a little chilly before needing to reset them. Overall, the halls provide a comfortable, social, and well-maintained living environment, with only minor inconveniences like the heater timing.

Northumbria has an exceptional Students’ Union that genuinely supports its students: regular therapy dog sessions, a strong programme of free and low-cost events, and food banks with no questions asked. Support extends beyond academics, recognising the realities of students’ home lives as well as the pressures of university. Discounted food and drink also make day-to-day life more manageable. I completed my BA in Theatre and Performance at Northumbria and am currently studying for my MA here. Choosing to stay on was the best decision I could have made. The experience has built my confidence and helped solidify who I am, both personally and professionally. I have been supported at every stage of my career development, and staff consistently recognise that social life is not a distraction from study, but an essential part of it. I am now hoping to pursue a PhD at Northumbria, largely because I want to remain part of this university community for longer. That desire alone reflects the strength of the environment Northumbria provides.

The part-time MA is structured as one class per week. Lecturers make a clear effort to schedule teaching on the same day each week, even as modules change, to accommodate students’ work and life responsibilities. They also hold optional meetings with class representatives to actively review what is working well and where improvements are needed, which demonstrates a genuine openness to feedback. There are occasional timetable issues, but these appear to be administrative errors rather than systemic problems. One notable improvement from my BA to my MA is lecture recording. My BA in Theatre did not record sessions, meaning students who were ill or absent often missed vital information. On the MA, sessions are recorded even when everyone is present, allowing students to revisit material and discussions later. Both the MA and BA benefit from guest lecturers from related fields. This is a regular feature throughout MA modules, while on the BA it was more limited, usually occurring at the start of each academic year.

Newcastle is often described as a warm and welcoming city, but that has not been my experience. I regularly encounter visibly intoxicated individuals on the streets as early as the afternoon. I have also witnessed a significant amount of antisocial and criminal behaviour, including bin fires, harassment, physical altercations, and football-related crowd surges that feel unsafe and uncontrolled.