Student Profile

About me

Name: Akwasi
Course: Agricultural and Environmental Science MSc
Study mode: Full time
Where I’m from: Ghana

Choosing Newcastle

“I chose Newcastle based on the testimony of my friend, a past student. She told me how nice the city was, how beautiful the University was, how the classes were intense yet interactive considering the scope and pace of work and how convenient and nice it was to be in Newcastle. I also looked at the University website and Google and decided.”

Studying at Newcastle

“I like the practical nature of my course, most of the sessions are farm-based at Cockle Park Farm. For example we measure soil to learn about food production. We also go to Nafferton farm and I will be going to Cumbria in May to learn about environmental assessment.
“Studies, class sessions and seminars were all new to me but I got used to them in time: the entire block session idea, the pace at which it moved and what was expected from me during tests, seminars and presentations. I have gained loads of practical knowledge during my time in Newcastle, and the relevance of the modules on my course to my career aspirations has further equipped me with the knowledge and skills to be a global citizen. The broad range of experience during class discussions is based on people from different working groups and cultural backgrounds. The ease of getting information from the internet and the library made studying easy through access to books, journals and relevant articles.
“We learn in two week teaching blocks where we learn full time, we are assessed at the end of these blocks either through report writing, presentations or tests.”

Postgraduate Community

The postgraduate community is a unique and important part of my experience as a postgraduate. I have used study rooms for private studies and we have an online community that organises discussion sessions, some wind downs at the pub and movie sessions. I networked with other students on social media and we also have a really good PG study space in our School that we can use.”

Funding my studies

“My studies are fully funded by the Tullow Group Scholarship Scheme – Ghana. I applied for this scholarship in Ghana.”

Career aspirations

“I aspire to be the Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. I would like to work with an international NGO, or private social enterprises with a focus on agriculture and food production after I complete my Master’s degree. I aim to become a leader and advocate for global food security and agricultural systems. This course helps me be able to adapt and change, for example I have the opportunity to choose modules like climate change and my food production knowledge has increased.”

Accommodation

“I live in private accommodation in Fenham, with all the essential utilities. I’m told the price was very good. My apartment is very close to two bus stops making it very easy for me to get to campus on time for lectures. It’s only 10 minutes from the University. As I came from a city it’s good to have a campus in the city centre and to experience city living.”

Living in Newcastle

“Living in Newcastle is easy and convenient, everything is properly structured, from getting on the bus, getting food, entertainment on weekends and the enthusiasm in town when Newcastle United have home games.
“I like the architecture of Newcastle, the beauty of this place, I really like to take pictures of the buildings. It’s also really nice to socialise with students on Fridays in the pub!”

Remembering Newcastle

“I will remember my time in Newcastle as a time I would love to relive. I will remember the warm and always smiley people in Newcastle. I will remember my class presentations and my awesome class mates who became family. And I will remember all the times spent at the Robinson Library working on one report after the next.
“I have really enjoyed how challenging and interactive the classes are here. Although I am studying, I am also working on reports and presentations. As I was working for five years prior to coming here,it feels like work still.”