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.