I really enjoy the flexibility of the course

I really enjoy the flexibility of the course. I was able to select modules that cover parts of Landscape practice that I am particularly interested in. I personally wanted to develop my understanding of planting and detail design, so I selected modules that focused on those skills, whilst friends of mine on the same course were able to focus on planning scale.

 

I value the massive range of opportunities the University offers outside of my course that allow me to enrich my personal interests. I have been able to take part in social action projects working with the Sheffield community, and I volunteer in weekly gardening in the local area. It also doesn't hurt that I can walk from my house and be in the Peak District in half an hour!

 

I have been able to develop my understanding of landscape and plant maintenance, something I didn’t cover in my previous studies. Despite not having studied maintenance before, I felt it was part of the profession I really clicked with and am now developing my understanding further in my dissertation. More generally, I have developed my skills in researching and how research can be brought into the design process.

 

I would recommend talking to the staff and academics in the school as much as possible, and making the most of all the talks and seminars happening across the school. You’ll never know what might spark your interest. Be open-minded and say yes as much as possible.

 

I am still deciding what direction I want to take after finishing my studies, either going back to practice or looking at research positions. I am lucky that I have gained a set of skills through my final project and my dissertation that will allow me to pursue either!