Shumena Begum

BA Social Policy

“Why did you choose to study at Anglia Ruskin University?
My sister had graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2006, throughout her three years at university I was able to see how much she enjoyed her course and how she achieved great results with the help of all the staff in her faculty and the different classes held in the library which were aimed to improve essay writing. Looking back at her essays and the improvements within them I knew I could achieve my aims too. Anglia Ruskin University was a successful University and I knew if I worked hard with the help of tutors I could achieve what I wanted, also not wanting to go out of Cambridge studying at Anglia Ruskin University was a great option.

What initially attracted you to your course?
The main factor why I chose Social Policy was the different range of modules that was carried out. I totally enjoy learning different things, so Social Policy was a perfect course for me. The range of modules opened my eyes on social aspects of society and changed my views. I have always been weak in exams, so with Social Policy being an essay based course, it was another factor why I chose the course. I think I was quite lucky to find a course with a range of different modules, with their aims of learning different all the time and based on just essay format.

Which aspects of your course do you enjoy most and why?
Carrying out different forms of assessment such as debates, presentations, reports and essays. I believe I do well in conducting presentations which throughout my three years I gained good marks in. Working with people in my class whom I haven't worked with before helped to improve bonds with them. One of my favourite modules was 'People on the Margins' as it opened my eyes to the people whom are on the margins of society and why.

Has the course met/exceeded your expectations? If so, how?
Going to university from college is a big step. I wasn't sure what to expect as it's different for everyone. However in my course we were a small group, which was brilliant. We all got to know each other and enjoy the course together. The modules themselves were very interesting and we were not always reading from books and writing from the board. We watched a range of videos which I believe is a good way of learning as we discussed the outcomes later in the seminars. As we were a small group, seminar groups were smaller, which helped hearing everyone's views which was very interesting.

Why would you recommend your course to others?
I would recommend this course to others who like to learn about society and the issues that leave people on the margins. Learning about your own society is very important so you will have a idea of what is happening in the world overall.

Please tell us about any special features that you have benefited from on your course.
In my second year of university I went to Belgium for three days, which was my special feature of the course. This trip gave me a head start of what we would be studying in the module of Citizens and Non-Citizens of the country. We attended conferences about the 27 European countries.

How do you feel that your studies at Anglia Ruskin will help you in your current job?
Having learned a range of things from the course the path toward work is very open, I have many options of where to work. Immigration is my first. Having learned about immigrants and their being on the margin I want to help immigrants solve their problems within society. A module I carried out on Employment was very helpful as Careers in ARU have all the access and knowledge on how to apply for jobs and are willing to help. So when I start to job search I definitely will be visiting them to help with mock interviews and filling up application forms.

What are your ambitions/plans for the future, and how do you feel that your course will help you to achieve these?
As stated above with the help of careers and all the knowledge achieved from the course I shall search for jobs in areas which have interested me; immigration, Social Services and helping children with domestic violence. Learning about sensitive issues has encouraged me to go further and help. If I had not chosen this course I do not think I would be willing to work within these fields as before my views were very different.

How do you rate the support offered by both our teaching and support staff?
The tutors in the faculty have always been helpful. Tutors have always provided students with guidelines which would lead us to gained good marks. Making appointments with them have also been easy as they would get back to us in good time.

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