PGCE Secondary Education (Mathematics)

Bianca

Hi, my name is Bianca, I did a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course on the Avery Hill campus for 12 weeks, which was one of my conditions for starting the PGCE course in September.

I am starting the PGCE in September, so I don't really have any experience on my programme as yet, but I do already know that the first term will include 1-2 days of school placement and mostly university-based lectures. From the second term, I will then mostly be on school placement.

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)

Hi! My name is Teresa and I am just about to start the second year of my Adult Nursing course.

When it came to choosing universities, I was torn between Kings and Greenwich. However, after reading up on student satisfaction and attending open days, I personally felt Greenwich could offer me more in the way of time and support as a student and this was particularly important to me. Greenwich had also come out top in the NHS London performance ratings for training adult nurses which I thought might be beneficial when it came to applying for jobs.

My first year flew by as the course is very full on. Unlike most of the other degree programmes where they are in lectures for 3 days a week and in the pub for the rest, nursing is the opposite. It is a full time job, and when you’re not on placement or in lectures, you are reading or writing essays. There will be shorter days here and there and the odd day off where you could squeeze in some paid work, but there is no regularity to it and I am led to believe these windows of opportunity are even rarer in the second and third year.

We spend 50% of our time in university and 50% on placement. Our time at university is spent in lectures, seminars and practical sessions. I thought sitting in a lecture hall for 2 hours would bore me to tears but the lecturers always involve the students and they really make the courses interesting.
The type of courses we studied in the first year involved subjects such as ‘Academic Skills’ which helped prepare us to find information and write our first essays. I received feedback throughout the course advising me where I could improve so that when it came to writing the final essay, I was well prepared.

Our ‘Psychosocial Aspects of Health’ course was shared with other students such as the midwives and mental health nurses and involved examining how a person’s psychology and external environment could impact on their own personal health. This course really opened my eyes to the implications the wider determinants of health have on individuals and made me appreciate that not everyone has the required level of knowledge and access to services that I have, in order to keep themselves healthy. A lot of us also found it to be one of the toughest essays to write so make sure you READ, READ, READ! You’ve been warned. The ‘Professional Values’ course was all about being the best nurse you can for your patients. Although we all go into nursing wanting to care for our patients, this course teaches you how to do that in a professional way that respects the individual needs of your patients.

Obviously the best courses were when we got to do the ‘nursey’ things like learn injection technique, drug calculations, medicines management and what the actual role of the nurse is within a team of professionals. These elements were delivered in our ‘Preparation for Nursing’ and ‘Nursing Principles and Practice’ courses.

When we are not in university, our time is spent in a clinical environment. My first placement was a 6 week post on an elderly ward at the Princess Royal University Hospital. It was quite a daunting time for me as, although I had some work experience in care, I had never provided personal care. Now here I was being asked to give Mr ***** in bed 5 a bed bath! However, by the end of the 6 weeks I had learnt a great deal about the fundamentals of nursing.

The wards are a busy and sometimes frantic environment. I’ve definitely had to learn to speak up for myself in order to make sure I get the learning opportunities I need and my paperwork signed off to reflect this. When working on the wards I am on my feet for almost 12 hours a day which can be tough, physically and mentally, so on my days off I try to rest as much as I can. Other placements, such as outpatients and community nursing, are shorter days of around 8 hours, as are some nursing homes.

That aside, I really enjoy the variety that nursing provides. Once I’ve completed my training there are so many opportunities available to me as registered nurse so I know that I’ll have a career that can change and adapt to fit in with the different stages of my life. I love the fact that no two days are ever the same. I like to be busy and I enjoy helping people, so nursing ticks a lot of boxes. It is also the most rewarding job I’ve ever done. It is a privilege to be such a close part of a person’s life at a time when they are at their most vulnerable and when a patient or relative tells you that you’ve made a positive difference to their care, it makes the hard work worthwhile.

BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

Hayley:

When telling people about my course they immediately think that it is a walk in the park. “Primary Education, what do you just play games all day?” is their usual response. Although sometimes we do learn some games that we could use when teaching on our course this is not what the course is initially about. BA Hons Primary Education with QTS is all about using teaching theory and looking at how we can put this into practice. Over the two years that I have studied at the University of Greenwich I have learnt various games, teaching techniques, curriculum information and behaviour management skills that have all gone into practice when teaching on my placement.

Primary Education at Greenwich is very good at making sure that you are prepared for everything. Between the mock scenarios given in seminars and lectures to the practical examples of teaching methods, the lecturers ensure that you are fully covered for everything before starting your school placement. Over all Primary Education is a really fun and hands on course that prepares you for the working classroom. It is all assignment based and there are no examinations. You go on a placement every year going into three different schools to give you a wide experience and a realistic expectation to what a teacher’s life is like. I looked at many universities when thinking to study Primary Education and I also got accepted into all four of my choices, however the University of Greenwich seemed the most passionate about this course. Every lecturer has had previous experience teaching and bring their prior knowledge and experiences to the table to provide you with a well-rounded knowledge of the primary curriculum. You do not only grow as a learner when taking this degree but also mature as a teacher, you begin collecting a portfolio of lesson plans, exercises and classroom management ideas that will be put into place once graduated and presented with your own class.

BSc (Hons) Nursing (Childrens)

Lucy

Hi I’m Lucy! I am studying children’s nursing and I have just finished my second
year! I am a part of netball when I get a chance outside of my studies and placements. I don’t actually play netball, I am just a social member. Although I do play waterpolo for London Polytechnic outside of university.

I lived on campus in halls during my first year at university and met all my friends there and made even more friends when I joined netball. I moved out of campus in second year and had to become an adult and pay bills! As of third year I am moving back onto campus!

Accommodation are very helpful and supportive in helping live on campus and always try to accommodate you the best they can. After having landlord issues and being unable to live in my flat anymore accommodation helped me move out as quick as possible and also the university helped me with any legal problems I had to face.

Children’s nursing is an intense course after starting in September I was already starting my first placement half way through October. Doing 12.5 hours three or four times in a row, nights or earlys and lates. Shift work is hard if you are not used to it.

At first I felt I had been thrown in at the deep end, however I now realise just how much I learnt and that placement is the best place for this. The children’s nursing department have always been there to help me with essays and struggles that I have faced throughout the program, I couldn’t have asked for a better personal tutor to help guide me through the past two years.

The past two years have flown by and I have learnt so much about the career path I have chosen and exactly what department I want to join. I can’t believe I am already nearly at the beginning of my third year!

I have seen so much at my placements. I have enjoyed placements working in assessment units, school nursing, health visiting, different children’s wards, A&E or urgent care. This isn’t even a small look at the placements that I could do and that my colleagues have done. I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time here and can’t believe the end is so close.

BA (Hons) Education Studies

Sara-Ann

Hey, my name is Sara-Ann and I have just finished my first year in BA (Hons) Education Studies.

My whole life I have wanted to be a primary school teacher. My inspiration to be a teacher came from one of my own primary school teachers who cared so much for the children and just seemed to be always so happy. Coming to university was the first stepping stone for me to start my process of becoming a teacher.

At the beginning of the year, I was unsure what my course was even going to be about. I was referred the Education Studies programme after being declined for Primary Education with QTS. So I was going in blind. The lecturers are really helpful and help everyone out where they can. Having worked in Education for so long, allowed me to have prior knowledge to some of the areas taught.

I have found the content of the programme very interesting. You learn about the history of education; how and when education became compulsory, which famous people have made an impact in the educational system, as well when equality in education began.

The course is all assignment and assessment based. During the course of the year you study 4 modules; Key thinkers and Moments in Education, which focuses on the history of education and those that are the major thinkers, Active Education, which focuses on personal and academic development, The Learner & Education, which focuses on the educational theory, Education, Children & Society, which focuses on the sociology of education. All four modules are taught throughout the year having half a day for each. Although this at first seemed a challenge to try and focus on different subjects at the same time they slowly began working alongside each other. Although at first the modules seemed daunting I actually found them very interesting.

BSc (Hons) Midwifery

Rachel

Hi! My name’s Rachel, and I have just finished my second year in BSc Midwifery. When I speak to people about my course, I get a LOT of questions. No, not everybody poos themselves, and no, I haven’t been put off having children…

Studying Midwifery is one of the most rewarding, albeit challenging things I have ever done. Although it can be a lot of fun, getting up at 5.30am for placements and being perpetually tired can definitely wear you down by the end of the year!

If you are starting Midwifery, or any healthcare course at the University, you’re about to embark on a life-changing experience. The staff and tutors at the University are very patient and understanding, many of which have co-written the textbooks you will be reading and have a plethora of knowledge and experience. You are assigned not only a personal tutor, who you can talk to about any problems or worries you have, but also a “link lecturer”, who will visit you on placements for a cup of tea and a chat about your progress. If I had any advice for Year 1 me, it would be to engage with your tutors as much as possible, they can be so helpful and understanding.

It is important to remember that life doesn’t end once you start a healthcare course. I would thoroughly recommend engaging with the vast array of sports and society groups the university has to offer. Although the health care courses have placements as well as lectures, seminars, exams, essays and OSCEs (Objective structured clinical examinations) it is possible to maintain a social life and even squeeze in a part time job! I have managed to pass both years with no re-sits, as well as being an active member of the university hockey team and getting a part time job within the Enquiry Unit, here at the university. Not only is playing a sport a great way to keep fit and unwind after perhaps a difficult week on placement, it is also a fantastic way to meet people and make friends outside of your course. Although the people in your cohort will be a backbone of support for you during the next three years, it’s sometimes nice to meet up with people where you don’t have to talk about blood, wee, placentas and baby vomit!

So to wrap up, my biggest tips for the next few years are to relax, try not panic on your first day of placement, buy a bucket load of black pens (trust me on this one), a decent stethoscope (never lend them to anyone, you will never see it again…) and try and have fun! I remember my first day here like it was yesterday, and now I’m going into third year! It goes so fast. So try and enjoy it!

BSc (Hons) Mathematics

Gurpreet

Heya! My name is Gurpreet, mainly known as Preeti, and I will be entering my third year of BSc Mathematics this September! Yes, I repeat I study Mathematics. Not all, but some of you may be a little freaked by this since its Maths, but do not fear, I am here; to give you a full insight of Maths at the UoG.

Mathematics is one of those subjects you either love or hate or to an extreme feel disgusted by it and feel it’s ‘the killer’ subject.  In pure honesty, it’s really not. I believe that no matter how difficult you may find a subject, the only method of transforming it to ‘easy’, is to have the right attitude, the commitment, the hard work and most importantly having faith. If you are able to maintain these factors, you are able accomplish anything! Anyways, moving on from the seriousness let me share with you the journey which got me to where I am today J

Mathematics was always my favourite subject and a strong point throughout my school days. Until today and forever, I will always find it intriguing and joyful when solving and figuring out a mathematical question and the challenge it brings. I completed my GCSE Maths a year early and studied Maths, Further Maths and Finance for A Levels. Because of my strong passion and desire for Mathematics I instantly knew that I wanted to further study the subject at university.  

Before starting University, I thought that I wouldn’t need to work as hard, as I was at an advantage because I had studied Further Maths. I also thought the workload would be less, as first year doesn’t count towards the degree. However, this was the wrong attitude to take! The workload was heavier than I’d anticipated and you really need to be able to stay on top of things and organise your time. Don’t get me wrong, you are able to have fun, but do not get too carried away.  The first year of study is the groundwork for much of the deeper learning later on.  For those who are interested in doing a placement year or an internship, companies do look at your first year grades so be aware of this!

The University provides many opportunities for students and graduates with employability skills. During first year, I took part in the IBM Mentoring scheme which took place over six months. It gave me the opportunity to work with a professional in order to develop my employability skills, communication skills, set goals and build my CV. I found this opportunity helpful as it developed the vital skills needed for when applying for jobs.

Second year you are more knuckled down and focused as modules tend to get harder, but the course becomes more interesting! From being taught the basics of Maths, you begin to learn in depth the different uses and applications of Maths. Throughout second year, you are further supported in gaining employability skills. Mock interviews, workshops, CV building, work experience is all available for students to participate in.

Whilst learning, as a way to keep fit, a group of friends and I attend Avery Hill to play badminton! I find it’s a good way to keep off stress and allows you to spend quality time with your friends. (Even though I may be a little aggressive towards them when it comes to competition, but they know I love them! J )

Anyways, moving on, time at university has flown and the next thing you know graduation is right around the corner! With that said, make the most of University whilst you can! My advice is to work hard, be passionate and be optimistic but to also enjoy.  Also keep up to date with my upcoming blogs where I will take you through my experiences and highlights of life in final year, including my strops and grumbles about workload and deadlines! 

BA (Hons) Primary Education (with QTS)

Charlie

Hi! I’m Charlie and I’m due to begin my third year of my Primary Education degree in September.

Upon beginning the degree at the University of Greenwich I was unsure of what to expect. My first week consisted of several ice-breakers and interactive tasks in order to get to know the tutors and other students on the course. Throughout the first year, it was interesting to see how learning to be a teacher was literally learning how to teach the knowledge we had already learnt. I always knew that maths wasn’t my strongest subject so the fact that the course covers all aspects of all subjects was extremely helpful in increasing my subject knowledge which, furthermore, boosted my confidence to teach these subjects.

It almost feels like being back at school by physically taking part in the subjects, for example, in physical education we are to wear our sports gear and take part in the warm up, main part of the session and the cool down which helps us to remember how we would be able to teach physical education lessons. Even on placement, taking part in lessons is encouraged – different from when I was at school when P.E teachers tended to command instructions whilst wearing their warm coats as we suffered in the cold! This makes lessons much more exciting, as when the teacher is showing interest in the subject, the pupils are too! All lecturers obviously know this due to all having taught in schools themselves, making tutorials and lectures much more stimulating!

Part of the course requires having a block placement each year, which has been helpful to put our knowledge into practice and to gain experience. This experience has been extremely beneficial to the teaching degree, as it is important to build up contacts and practice before graduating and applying for jobs! Throughout our placement, we have a lot of support from the university, including one-to-one meetings from a link tutor. Link tutors are extremely encouraging and ensure to meet regularly to discuss your progress and talk through any problems or worries that may have arisen.

I am now about to enter my third and final year at the University of Greenwich and, although I am excited to begin applying for jobs and working with children, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting a variety of people and throwing myself into university life – whilst ensuring to stick to deadlines obviously!

LLB (Hons) Law

Shahan

Hiii, my names Shahan, I am going into my second year of uni studying LLB Law.

Firstly, let me start by saying first that for anyone who thinks Law is hard… First year really is not. As long as you start to complete the work once it is issued and do the set work, you’ll be fine! Don’t get me wrong, it is stress, but speaking to class mates and lecturers for help really does take a lot off.

I enjoyed all of my modules, including Criminal Law, Contract Law, Crime and Problem Solving. Some required me to go to courts so it was really interesting. Except Public Law. I HATE POLITICS. Only thing I really didn’t understand and still don’t. Although, everything else was fun. [For all those looking to study Law, the course isn’t full of wannabe lawyers who are head deep in work and revision. They’re surprisingly normal people who are fun. Some people think it’s just full of workaholics but now you know it is not :)]. Second year I do not know. All I know is that I gotta put my head down!

Studying Law is not all work work work. There are assignments which are interesting and needs you to be active. An example would be to go to different courts to hear cases and write them up. If you really like Law, you’ll enjoy this because it’s nice to be in the court room every now and again rather than in lectures and seminars 24/7. Alongside this, I had the opportunity to go to Brussels in Belgium, to visit the European Parliament and we were given a speech by a politician (forgot the name, not surprising as I am not a fan of politics haha). The trip as a whole was really enjoyable and informative, we learnt a lot of things which may aid us in our studies with EU Law in the second year, plus me and all my uni friends got the limited spaces so we really enjoyed the experience together.

Coming to university is a hard decision to make, in different ways for different people, I am a family man, I put family before everything. The hardest thing I had to do to come university was to leave my little sister and move to London. With everyone else it was fine but my sister was only 1 and so I was scared she’d forget me. But all in all she hasn’t forgotten me and I'm gonna take it as fact that I’m the favourite older brother (I have two other brothers).

Also, remember, when people say first year doesn’t count… They’re wrong. If you are looking for internships and placements in year two/three, firms will look at results from past years when deciding if they will offer you a place! Chill, have fun, but do the work too or you’ll miss great opportunities like this to strengthen your work portfolio, which is really needed in such a competitive field of occupation.

Thanks for reading my post, bye byeess! :D

BA (Hons) Primary Education (2 - Year Accelerated)

Tazmin

Hi. My name is Tazmin and I am studying Primary Education (2 - Year Accelerated). I'll be starting my 2nd and final year in September.

The course is 2 years and has allowed me to catch up with my year group as I had to retake a year during college.

I felt that this degree would be the perfect stepping stone into the education field as I was not sure if I wanted to pursue a teaching career, however my passion lied in primary education and working with children.

The fact that it is accelerated is a bonus, the subjects that are covered interest me, which prompts me to enjoy my assignments (at times). After completing a year, I find that some lecturers are better than others in conveying an appealing nature about the topics taught and discussed, however some are the complete opposite.For myself personally, I find that I don't always do as well in these assignments.
Personally I find this a major drawback, as it it is in total opposition to my expectations prior to starting the course, the perks of the course do outweigh this though. So after a rapid and exciting year, I have finally decided to apply for a PGCE after completing a year of my undergraduate study.

I have also had a great insight into what other options are available for me upon completing of my degree and PGCE. Also, you can take the PGCE with you anywhere in the world! So, I'll let time tell my journey, but I feel that it will be a good one with the career path I am on at the moment. :)

BA (Hons) Events Management

Liz

It must have been about 6 years ago when the idea of being a wedding planner popped in to my head. Come to think of it, that’s probably about the time 27 Dresses came out in the cinema, and Catherine Heigl played the role of a wedding planner, inspiring a 14-year old me to make a career choice.

Now, aged 20 and having just finished my second year studying Events Management, I cannot imagine anything worse than having to deal with Bridezillas, Monster-in-laws and lace handkerchiefs. Each day I’m grateful my Dad suggested looking into studying Events as a degree rather than letting me peruse a career within the wedding industry!

2 years of Sixth Form flew by and I’d after a various open days, I'd made my UCAS application with my first choice to study BA Events Management at the University of Greenwich. Not long after receiving my text message of acceptance on results day, I found myself in the back of my Dad's car with what felt like my whole life in the back, making the 5 hour drive down to Cutty Sark Halls in Greenwich. The first few weeks were a bit of a blur, so much happened in such a short space of time, and once Fresher's fortnight was over, - and after succumbing to a brutal bout of Fresher's flu (It's a real thing) - I was in my first proper lecture of the year ready to start the next three years of my life.

The first year of the course, was mainly an introduction to Events as an industry. Throughout the year we had 4 different modules that we studied, and being part of the MET (Marketing, Events and Tourism) Department, meant that we shared some of our lectures with students on other courses.

Before we arrived at the university, the faculty had emailed us asking to choose one of our modules. We already had 3 set for us, each worth 30 credits: Introduction to Events, Professional Practice and Experience Design for Events (Now called Experience Design and Event Marketing). Then we had one additional module that we could choose from: there was the 3 languages that we offer at the university; French, Italian or Spanish. Or one that was part of the MET department, I think in our year it was either: Public Relations, Marketing, Tourism or International Events and Festivals; which was what I chose.

Out of all 4 modules, we only had one Exam at the end of the year. This was something I was very pleased about as I always struggled with exams in school and college! The rest of the modules were a mix between group presentations, reports, portfolios and essays. One assignment that particularly stood out for me, that I really enjoyed writing was for the International Events and Festivals module, where we had to review a live event that we'd been to. The catch was that It had to be one we'd attended since starting in September, which I thought was quite clever, as it got us all competing against each other trying to find the best and most interesting event to go to. This was really where we got to see the range of things as a cohort we were interested in. There was people wanting to do things like music festivals and sporting events, to people who have already worked in the Events industry and want to get a degree to be able to expand their knowledge and experience. There's no two people that are the same on this course, which creates a really nice culture, and is always interesting when we get put together for group work!

Despite first year not actually counting towards your final grade, you still have to pass it to get on to your second year - and after what felt like no time at all I had finished my first year with a 2:1. I knew a few people who left uni after first year; because they realised it just wasn't for them. However I know I definitely made the right choice and I spent the entire summer just waiting to get back to London to start my second year.

Just like the first year, we all got to chose a module to take for Terms 1 and 2. The format was a little different this year, and as well as the two that were already set - Event Operations and Event Production in practice - in Term 1 we did an HRM module worth 15 credits and then a new module in Term 2, called Research Methods, which was preparing us for our dissertation (!!!).

We got a choice in what module we could choose again, however we got the chance to hear a little more about the modules in question, and during one of our lectures in the last term of first year, we had different tutors come in and speak to us about the modules and we got to ask questions to help us make a decision. The two that proved to be most popular were Destination Management and Conferences, Exhibitions and Corporate Events. I was torn between the two but eventually what swayed my decision was the fact that I'd been working for a company in the corporate events and conferences sector and found that this was something I really enjoyed and was good at and it's a part of the industry I want to pursue.

Second year as a whole was quite challenging, but in a good way. One of our particularly big projects was having to put on a charity event entirely by ourselves, which was super stressful but totally worth it!

At the end of term we chose our options of third year and the reality of everything sunk in, I'm really looking forward to what my final year at the University of Greenwich is going to bring. If the past two years are anything to go by, it's going to be amazing, and this time next year I'll be a graduate, ready to take on the real world, I'll keep you updated and let you know how it goes.

Liz x

BA (Hons) Graphic and Digital Design

Jumana (Jam)

I am a London girl with a very dry sense of humor. My family pushed me to go to university but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I chose to study graphic design because I am creative. Also I’m dyslexic so I can’t write essays. My blog is about the Graphic and Digital Design course at the University of Greenwich and how I found studying design at a London university.

Greenwich was my second choice for university because I knew I wanted to study with in London. I also did my research before I applied and found out that the Architecture and Design department was one of the best in Europe. The course its self was quite intense, we had a new project every month to be completed with a presentation and a crit every 3 weeks. In comparison to my friends who studied design at other unis it was a lot fuller, sometimes we had 2 or 3 projects to do at the same time. I really enjoyed it as I had the chance to tap in to my creative side and explore the different genres and techniques that come with it. It was also good because I got to build a large variety of work for my portfolio within a few years.

As it was a digital course, the outcomes where heavily computer based, however we were encouraged to use our hands and explore manual techniques like screen printing and mark making before finalizing our designs.

Studying in the Stockwell street campus was great because all our facilities where in one place, from the library, to the workshops and SBS printing, which is a franchise print and book binding shop in the building that works in partnership with the University of Greenwich.

Having an architecture and design building in the heart of Greenwich is a great opportunity to let your creativity flow. The rich history of the buildings, clocks (GMT) and culture of the area is utilized by the university as well as the thousands of tourists who travel down every year to view the museums, film sets and of course Cutty Sark, not forgetting the stunning view from the top of Greenwich park. As a student studying at the new Stockwell Street building, you are encouraged to incorporate the culture in to your work. The world renowned Greenwich market is also full of galleries and antique shops which is great for sketch book work and research when your lecturers make you do galleries visits (which is recommended for all design degrees). The end of year exhibitions are also a chance to show case your work to the public. It’s always good fun and something to be proud of!

Living in Greenwich is also great. The night life in and around the university is buzzing with energy from the historic pubs to the comedy clubs, to the boat parties all at your door step! There’s always something to do weather you’re on a budget or just want to go for a nice meal with a view.

I am grateful I got the chance to study my favorite subject at Cutty Sark, you can literally complete your 3/4 year course without ever having to leave the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

BSc (Hons) Psychology

Nathan
(aka King Meme)

Having studied Psychology and an additional healthcare science related programme at an alternative institution prior to my engagement with Greenwich, I was unsure as of what to expect to begin with. Fortunately, our university is the seamless composite between; quality of taught content, its educational based delivery, and provided recreational space and groups for down time.

A diverse array of individuals are attracted to Psychology within Greenwich, many expressing their originating foundation of curiosity for pursuing the topic. These motives range from traumatic personal experiences to witnessed supernatural occurrences, never one the same in exact circumstance, but all inspiring from fascination to the individual and collective mind and psyche. To understand the un-seen process of humanistic decision making and cognition.

During our first year, myself included, many have struggled with features of the curriculum in its intricacy (never to be underestimated), most particularly statistics and research methods. A principal necessity for Psychology students, in order to conduct research so as to further expand our understanding, or mis-understanding, of subjectively perceived existence. Reassuringly to those whom may have fallen into despair at the thought of statistics, our academic tutors are professional, patient, and proficient. Should you surrender modest amounts of time to areas demanding further study, you will succeed within this discipline.

The inter-campus transport services are consistent and more often than not complimentary, almost if not unheard of within the M25! Central London is 25 minutes by Thames, more groups and societies than you can shake your textbooks at, the University of Greenwich will reward you with a rich academic and social experience should you graft when and where it matters. Work hard, Play hard. We are Greenwich.

BA (Hons) Primary Education (2 - Year Accelerated)

Jessica

Hi! My name is Jess and I have just completed my first year of the BA Primary Education (accelerated degree) programme. An accelerated degree means that we complete the full BA Hons in just two years instead of three, so the programme is quite intensive. It has been hard work at times when studying several modules simultaneously (with simultaneous deadlines!) but I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

The traditional way for students to qualify in Primary Education would be to complete a three year course which would give them Qualified Teacher Status, so they can walk out as a fully fledged teacher, however I am glad I chose my course option for several reasons. Although we will not finish with QTS our degree takes two years, which gives us the opportunity to study a year long PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate of Education) in order to become a teacher, and the whole process still only takes the three years. PGCE's are not only a highly regarded post-graduate qualification, but they are also more commonly recognised all over the world, and as it is my dream to teach overseas, I am glad I decided on this course!

Instead of learning traditional subjects and how to teach them like most Primary Education degrees, my course allows me to think deeply about the meaning of education and the issues surrounding the education system in this country and around the world.

The modules in my first year have been interesting and insightful. We have studied Research Methods, Child Psychology and Development, History and Politics, Philosophy of Education, Global Perspectives of Education, Personalised Learning and Preparation for Employment and Further Study. My favourite module was Child Psychology and Development.  This course really piqued my interest in Psychology and how children learn. I particularly enjoyed writing my assignment on the importance of 'play' on a child's social and physical development. I will take what I discovered from research and composing this assignment on board in my future teaching career.

My course has confirmed in my mind that I do want to be a Primary School Teacher, so I will be pursuing a PGCE at the end of next year, however, not everyone on the course wants to continue on this path. The course has opened our eyes to other careers within similar fields such as Youth Workers, Education Officers in other settings such as museums or even (with post-graduate study) Educational Psychologists. Studying this programme has challenged me and made me consider 'What is Education?' and ethical issues which surround this vital human right. It has inspired me to try to make a difference to children's lives elsewhere in the world.

I can't wait to see what my final year holds!

MPharm Pharmacy

Vish

Hey! I’m Vish and I have just completed my first year in MPharm Pharmacy. I am based over at the Medway campus in Kent which was a big change in environment as I have lived in London my whole life. However, I settled down quickly, made friends and enjoyed my first year.

I studied Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A-Levels but I didn’t do particularly well and was lost on what to do as I had always wanted to go into a science or healthcare background. I then decided to complete an access course at a different university and apply for the pharmacy course once I finished.

My course was split into 4 modules in the first year: Physiology and Pharmacology, Chemistry and Pharmaceutics for Pharmacy, Professional skills, laws and ethics and finally Cell Biology and Biochemistry. The course has tutor meetings which help guide you and are they if you have any questions. I was never the best at biology so I was quite worried as the course does require a lot of knowledge in biology however, after working hard during the exam seasons (plus a couple of all-nighters) I passed with a good grade!

The Medway School of Pharmacy is quite unique in that it is a collaboration between two universities. This means having access to two universities and is the best of both worlds. You are able to meet a variety of students, join societies across the different campuses as well being able to enjoy different types of night life.