We are reminded that studying the course is part of a global effort, which is really inspiring
Nathaniel Wornham
Landscape Architecture student
MLA Landscape Architecture
Nathaniel is studying an MLA in Landscape Architecture. He's currently enjoying the facilities and sense of community in the Arts Tower and spending time in the Peak District.
Why did you decide to study Landscape Architecture at Sheffield?
I decided to study Landscape Architecture at Sheffield due to the facilities it has to offer. I feel so grateful to be able to spend my time in the Arts Tower, which has amazing views of the city and the peaks, along with sharing spaces with students in other years. The opportunity to specialise within the course was also super important to me, and from the start, we have all been encouraged to tailor our work to our own interests.
What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?
One thing I've really enjoyed is the field trips. They are very frequent and are a great chance to bond with other people on the course, along with helping us all gain further understanding of the places we visit. They are always relevant for the current areas we are studying; however, they are also great to gain inspiration for work later on.
Do you feel part of a wider community where you study?
I feel part of a wider community because of the opportunities we receive through the newsletter. These vary from local to even international scales, and it makes me feel like I'm part of a wider connection, even though I'm only a first-year student. Along with this, having so many tutors around during the day who are interested in our work and support us is extremely beneficial.
What are you enjoying most about the University of Sheffield as a university/city?
The thing I've enjoyed most about studying in the city is the Peak District. It is extremely accessible and close by, and having access to such an amazing landscape, especially for this course, is incredible. There are also so many students when you are walking around, so you never feel alone or out of place.
What skills and knowledge have you developed during your course?
The skills I've developed so far range from AutoCAD to Photoshop and InDesign, which I never had an opportunity to do before studying the course. More broadly, having to present my work in front of people and listen to feedback has helped me develop my understanding of the profession and progress my skills. We are all motivated to find our own style and way of presenting our ideas, and this freedom has made me enjoy my work even further, and become more independent.
What are the facilities like in the School of Architecture and Landscape?
The facilities at the School are really good. We have access to a large workshop, which is great for model making, along with being really useful as it has a shop in, so we can stock up on supplies easily. There are always computers to use within the Arts Tower, if not nearby which is also really helpful. We all also get academic tutors and having this support, especially moving away from home for the first time, helped me settle into the course and University life a lot easier and faster.
What advice would you give to a student thinking about studying your course at Sheffield?
My main advice would be not to worry about the level of skills you have when you first come to University. I was really worried that I wasn't good enough at art and drawing, which made me really nervous. From the get-go, we developed drawing skills which helped improve my work, and we were reassured that it's more about the message we are conveying within our drawings, rather than the skill, which helped me ease into the course and develop my own way of conveying my ideas.
How have you found the cost of living in Sheffield?
Sheffield is very affordable for students. Coming from the South, I was shocked at the price of things, especially when it comes to going out! There is a range of accommodation offers, and the student union is great at sharing discount codes and ways to save. Public transport is also well priced which can be really helpful when navigating around the city.
What are your future career aspirations, and how do you think this degree will help you achieve these?
I'm currently on the MLA course, which spans 5 years, and in the future I'm aspiring to help create and design landscapes which help mitigate the effects of climate change. The course spans so many areas, including sustainability and ecology, and the opportunity to specialise in one of these during our time of University, creates a multitude of opportunities for all of us in the future. We are also reminded that studying the course is part of a global effort, which is really inspiring.
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