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Why did you choose to study your course at NTU?

I previously didn’t want to study at university until I had a bit of an epiphany type moment where I realised I wanted to work with animals. One of my friends had studied at Brackenhurst so I started looking into the course handbook and liked the look of the modules. I then applied for both Zoo Biology and Zoology and accepted the Zoo Biology offer because of the more practical application of the course.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

I enjoy the opportunity to further research particular species of interest for our assignments. This gives me the chance to enhance my knowledge in areas that genuinely interest me rather than having it all set in stone. It has also given me a great insight into what to look for in zoos and now I find myself evaluating zoos just for the fun of it when I visit.

How do you find your modules and what have you most enjoyed studying?

The modules are quite varied, although I find that I enjoy the more Biology based modules like physiology more and they keep me focused more than some of the more relaxed content.

What do you think about the facilities available on your course and what do you use the most?

The facilities on Brackenhurst are all so close together which makes them really accessible particularly for using the library between lectures. My particular favourite is the animal unit that has a great variety of species that students can get involved with and I’m lucky to have got a role working there as an Assistant Animal Support Technician this year.

What do you think about Brackenhurst Campus? What do you get up to in your spare time?

I knew Brackenhurst was the place for me when I came to look around on an open day, I am not a city person so seeing the campus surrounded by countryside reminded me of home. I lived on Brackenhurst for the first two years of my degree and went on many hikes around the campus which is much bigger than just where the buildings are! I also highly recommend joining the Conservation Society which is a great way to go on trips and boost practical skills alongside the academia.

What is your top tip for someone considering studying/living at Brackenhurst Campus?

I would say make the most of your time here, join societies, go on walks, try new things that will boost your CV as it’s a great environment for getting skills and experience that you won’t get if you just stay in your room all the time!

Have you been involved in any placements, work experience or volunteering as part of your course? If so, what company did you do it for, what was your role/responsibilities and what did you achieve?

As part of my placement year I completed a 9 month internship at Woodside Wildlife Park near Lincoln and a 2 month internship at UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa which is owned by Colchester Zoo. At Woodside my main tasks were to help with cleaning, diet preparation and supervising the Lemur walkthrough. Although as I became more experienced my favourite tasks were to weigh the animals and I thoroughly enjoyed the public engagement side conducting talks and animal experiences. On UmPhafa the role covered a broader range of habitat management beyond animals so tasks ranged from behavioural research and surveys to bush encroachment and erosion control. Although the thing I enjoyed most was working with the rangers going on patrol looking for evidence of poachers such as holes in the fences and snares.

If you completed a placement, would you recommend completing one and why?

I would 100% recommend a placement because the animal industry is so heavily focused on experience. Even if you already have animal experience it’s a great way to get your foot in the door somewhere or just experience working abroad. It is a big commitment and staying in the UK can prove financially challenging due to the way the Student Loan works and I had to work alongside my placement but I would still do it all over again if I had the chance.

Why would you recommend your course to someone considering studying it?

I think the Zoo Biology course is one of the best courses at Brackenhurst. The modules cover a good range of content and there are great links with zoos that have actually set our assignments like Yorkshire Wildlife and ZSL so you feel like your work is actually having an impact and is useful. Not to mention the South Africa field trip in final year!

What are your plans for after the course and how do you feel your course has/ will help you to achieve that goal?

At the moment I am not too sure where I will go immediately after graduation. I want to do a bit of backpacking and travel but I also haven’t ruled out doing the endangered species Master’s degree at NTU either. In the long term I would like to work in conservation and most likely start my journey working in a zoo environment hopefully working with primates.

Any additional comments?

I would say the Brackenhurst experience is definitely what you make from it. If you fully engage with what there is available to get involved with then you have the opportunity to have a unique and valuable university experience.