Having studied geography at undergraduate level I had covered areas of urban planning and always wanted to take this further.

Why did you choose to study this course at the University of Sheffield?

Having studied geography at undergraduate level I had covered areas of urban planning and always wanted to take this further. Growing up locally I had always heard the University of Sheffield was a great place to study so when I was searching for courses I found the MA Urban Design and Planning course I decided to investigate it further. 

As someone without a history of design experience I noted that the course offered the teaching and support to ensure I was provided with the skills necessary to develop my knowledge and skills to succeed in the field. Additionally, the core and elective modules on offer throughout this program were varied and focused on developing skills and knowledge with employment in mind while remaining engaging and offering the opportunity to alter the program to your specific areas of interest. As the program is also fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute I realised it allowed me to become a chartered planning professional upon graduation which opened a number of pathways to pursue in the future.

The opportunity to study at a world-class university on a course that offered a pathway into a field I have long held an interest in located in a city that, alongside the renowned student union, would allow for the best possible student experience where I could continue to develop personal and professional skills made it an easy decision to study at the University of Sheffield.

What are your favourite parts of the course so far?

As somebody with no previous design experience both studio modules have been my favourite aspect of the course. The method of teaching used alongside the opportunity to gain new skills in the design studio made these modules invaluable to me in terms of personal development and employability, as well as being extremely fun.

Also, as  part of my dissertation I travelled to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for a month to work alongside an NGO to conduct qualitative research in the field of urban informality which was a dream come true.

What do you want to do after you finish your course?

I want to work in the field of urban informality. I will be looking to find an NGO to work with or find a job with the World Bank, UN-Habitat or a similar organisation to put my skills learned from this course into use to design creative solutions for informality.

How do you think your course will prepare you for a job in the future?

The Urban Design and Planning degree is centred on providing you with the necessary skills for future employment. The structure of the course means that there is a mix of independent work with group work. The communication skills developed, not only visually through the design elements, but also verbal and written will be invaluable moving forward into the workplace. The knowledge and skills you are provided with to work within urban design on a variety of scales all the way up to a masterplan equips me to work on any projects which may be a part of future work.

The multi-faceted aspect of the program means that I can combine this design knowledge with the information on UK planning and global planning systems I have gained to apply to design work and also be a more well-rounded individual in the workplace being more able to adapt to the variety of projects which you may encounter.

What skills do you think you have learned from the course/uni experience which will help you in the future?

The software skills developed through the studio modules will form a large part of my future employment. The opportunity to get extensive hands-on experience with software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop has provided me with lifelong skill that can go beyond the workplace but also a portfolio which will be a part of future job applications. Then my knowledge of the UK and international planning systems will assist with my interest in working in informality as I can apply this knowledge across multiple contexts.

Do you have any tips for students looking to study here?

The city of Sheffield, the university and this course offer endless opportunities for the year you spend here. My advice would be to make the most out of all three. The city is a wonderful place for students with so much to do. Go and experience the Peak District located close by and make sure you engrain yourself into the vibrant city life on offer with unique food, drink and sightseeing opportunities. The university and department offer so much with regards to support, state of the art facilities and networking events which are perfect to further your experience. With the course you will get out what you put in, the amazing teaching staff are on hand to assist but make sure you commit yourself to doing the reading and research required as well as making the most of the group work and workshops that make up much of the course. Over the course of your time in Sheffield there is so much to see, learn and do that finding the balance of study and personal life will make your experience here one of the best years of your life.