24 Plumpton College reviews

Work placements in second year, specific modules aimed at business skills to improve employability, lectures by specialists illustrating a range of potential future careers

Best - variety of modules, specialist lecturers with in depth knowledge of subject matter, self study activities to help with research useful for assignments, range of both assignments and examinations for grading, support when struggling both with topic specific and general advice Worst - one module not particularly helpful as everything taught and examined is a part of every other assignment so feels like a waste of credits and lecture time, not a lot of lecture time (or credits in general) for behaviour or conservation (which is the whole point of the course)

10

Good common room, two small snack areas plus a large canteen and plenty of vending machines, plenty or toilets (varying in hygiene and cleanliness levels), could use more parking and seating areas (such as indoor areas, sheltered seating and more benches outside, good library with a large resource base and plenty of seating,

Counselling available but difficult to get a place, tutorials regularly to discuss problems plus the opportunity for more help if needed, academic support is limited but available when requested but not offered when needed, feedback is good on assignments for future use

Career talks, work placements, erasmus support.

I like the range of topics, guest speakers and the skills and knowledge of the tutors. I like the practical elements of the course. I don't like the way that some of the assignments are structured and timed.

8

The Labs, teaching rooms and refreshment facilities are adequate.

My tutor is very good and gives his time whenever I need it. Feedback is average and can be slow. There was a lack of clarity over expectations especially around the projects.

There was a fantastic careers fair two weeks ago at Plumpton College.. The year two students and the module leader had organised it together. A lot of very interesting equine businesses were invited. Each business had a stall with brochures and leaflets. Each business had an individual talk in a class room with videos about their business and opportunities for students after they have finished their courses. We also have a work placement next year in a business of our choice. I am really looking forward to this and think this is a great opportunity for us students to see the real work world and to gain information and experience which will help us later on our career path for the future.

I really do like the way how the module is split into theoretical and practical lessons. It makes it more interesting for us students and gives us the opportunity to enhance our practical skills . It will also prepares us for later when we will be working in the industry. I think some modules, like for example anatomy, are very difficult modules. I have sometimes the idea topics are rushed and to many topics are cramped into one session. It would be better to have more lessons and take the pace a bit slower to ensure everyone is familiar with the topics and everyone has a chance to keep up. I think also that the exams should be split into several smaller exams instead of having one big exam which counts 100%.

16

Pretty good, the equine department has excellent facilities, the College itself has an excellent library and the use of college owned computers is available. Cafeteria and restaurant are excellent value for money, classrooms are well equipped and tidy, some of the toilets could do with a face-lift.

Fabulous, I have never seen a Uni or College where so much support is offered when you are struggling with a module. Even not so strong students have the opportunity to get help if they need.

Seminars with people from relevant fields who have knowledge of the areas. The tutors have relevant experience in their fields and answer many questions we might have about certain areas. During personal academic tutorials we are able to discuss with our course leaders what our future plans may be and mine has helped considerably with the next step for when I finish University. In our second year we had to complete a work placement module which I feel is helpful in gaining an understanding for future employment

I like that we get to do group tasks in lectures, I like that we have the opportunity for guest speakers to come in and give us an insight into different areas of expertise. I also like that we have the opportunity to do further reading for the lectures by suggestions form the lecturers or through the uploading of the lecture notes and slides.

8

there is a well stocked library, could do with a few more volumes. there are a number of available computers and study spaces for group and individual study. There is also a number of places to get food on site, plenty of space to sit and enjoy some down time. The animal management and other animal spaces are well equipped and the staff are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. There is also a higher education common room which has been recently revamped and turned into a fun and quiet space to relax and or study as well as providing a good meeting place for free time.

The suppot is excellent from the course tutors and academic support is available whenever it is needed. The feedback system is easy to make sense of and helpful to improve grades. The tutors are very willing to help if you ask for it and are understanding and considerate. For example, when asked about boosting grades slightly higher or what I could do to make my writing more concise the course leader (and teacher of the subject) was an immense help.

Careers talks regularly Relevant modules Tutorials Visits to companies

Excellent teachers - knowledge is superior Organisation of department could be improved

14

Excellent

Excellent

Work placements, using CPD and nursing journals to make our learning current, guest speakers from the industry, a chance to go to London Vet Show to see what's new in the industry.

I like going to placement and practicing in our Vet Nursing suite. I like visits to veterinary hospitals and rescue centres. I like that our lecturers are still/were recently nursing. I dislike the research tasks.

8

The VN suite is well equipped, our classrooms are mixed, the HE area is improving but the VN classroom is a bit shabby. The animal care unit was interesting in first year to learn how to handle different animals. Food areas are improving. Parking seems better this year.

Our lecturers and tutor often reply to emails quickly and are available for 1-1 meetings, they are very supportive. Sometimes feedback from exams and assignments could be in more depth.

Our oenology lecturer organises people from the industry to come and do career talks (usually once a week in semester 2). We also have a compulsory vintage placement module, which gives us the chance to experience the industry.

Most - added support of recorded lectures from some lecturers. These go up online and are useful for revision. Least - the practical winery sessions could provide a more realistic idea of what its like to work in a commercial winery.

10

They are ok. The library is not up to university standards and there is a lack of quiet study space. There are limited resources in the lab.

Mostly very good. Occasionally there is late feedback. Tutorials are usually productive.

The college invites guest speakers from all over our industry to come in and give talks. These people talk about their careers: how they got to where they are today, pro and cons and other helpful career advice. Our Tutors regularly inform of us relevant events coming up in our industry and encourage us to go. In our lectures we go above and beyond our syllabus to further enhance our knowledge of the subject which has been extremely useful. We are given excellent support and encouraged to meet up on a regular basis to discuss our progress, any challenges we might be having and any additional help. Lastly, our tutors make us aware of any new job postings relevant to our industry that have become available in the surrounding area.

I detest having to write essays. Finding suitable references strangles my time and feels like a waste of time. I'd rather spend the time doing something more productive. That's common to all Uni degrees though so I have just have to stomach it. Other than that I really enjoy the way my courses are taught. My tutors are exceptionally knowledgable about the industry and make the topics fascinating. I can't fault their methods as the range of teaching styles keeps life interesting. Variety is the spice of life after all. We are allowed to ask copious amounts of questions which is great and refreshing. This shows the tutors are comfortable with the subject and secure in that fact.

I'd say pretty good. Don't really need much to be frank. I really like how the campus is maintained to such a high standard. No litter and great attention has been paid to maintaining the grounds. It's a beautiful place to study.

As far as I'm aware it has been exceptional. Any criticism and feedback has been noted and dealt with the upmost professionalism. One of my friends is doing counselling and has received all the support he needed. All our queries have been responded to in a quick and timely manner.

My tutor at uni, listens to what I would like to do and shows me oaths to take to get to this job. In the second year the uni helps you get a management level work placement to help learn how to manage in the animal industry

Mostly I like that we have practical classes, I'm not very academic so practical lesson are more attractive and easier for me to absorb the information. Worst thing is We have a block class for three hours and it's very hard to remain attentive

10

The college is very well equipped for the subjects it holds. With a farm, stables and a animal center

Have multiple tutorials through out the year. Helps provide extra help. For example I'm having a dyslexia screening soon provided by the uni

Visitor talks, regular updates on local industry placements

Practical sessions are always very interactive and extremely informative. Lectures are usually engaging with lecture notes being available for the most part prior to sessions. I do feel that a it would be helpful if a little more individual feedback was available in a contact setting rather than just remotely.

13

Everything required is available but it would be helpful if there was more HE study rooms as the few that we have are always full

Extremely good. I have a chronic illness which sometime impedes my ability to access the course as I normally would and they have been very good at working with me and making alterations wherever possible and offering additional support.