Our students

What were you doing before you started your degree at Moray House? 

Before starting at Moray House I had spent several years working as a manager of wine merchant – I had previously dropped out of university in my early 20s (much to my parent’s despair) and had spent a couple of years somewhat adrift, unsure of what my next steps were going to be.

Why did you choose this programme?

I choose Community Education partly on the recommendation of a friend who had previously been through the course and because I saw it as a route to a career that would build on my strengths as a person and allow me to make a genuine difference to society. What appealed to me about Moray House was the balance between academia and exposure to real-work experience in the field of community education via our regular placements.

Why did you want to study at Moray House and the University of Edinburgh?

I chose Moray House because of the good words said about the degree by a friend of mine. I also liked that I could tailor aspects of the degree towards the areas of practice that I was most passionate about - which was youth work. More broadly, The University of Edinburgh has an outstanding global reputation and as a city to be student in I don’t think there are many better than Edinburgh.

What was the best thing about your programme?

For me, the best thing about the programme was the placement experiences I had. I really enjoyed the academic aspects, particularly as I got further into the degree, but being on placement is where you hone your skills as a community education practitioner and learn about the realities of working in what can be a challenging profession– both in terms of the demands of the job but also the nature of the sector (e.g. sometimes perilous funding etc). It is through meeting and working alongside people that are making a difference to local communities everyday that you see the real value of community education.

What did you enjoy about your studies?

I enjoyed engaging with key debates and real time issues during my studies –such as the rise of neoliberalism and the launch of David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’. Community education often involves working with local groups, but our lives are impacted and shaped by national and global forces. Interrogating and unpicking how this happens was eye opening, to say the least.

What are you doing now? 

After finishing my PhD, during which I regularly drew on my experiences of being a youth worker, I started work as a social researcher with the Scottish Government.

How did your experience at Moray House help you get where you are today?

My experiences at Moray House were a direct motivation to apply for my PhD. This involved evaluating a project that worked with young people after they left prison. Had I not trained as a youth worker then I very much doubt I would have taken the path I have followed since.

What advice would you give to someone considering studying at Moray House? 

If someone was considering studying at Moray House, I would say: don’t hesitate. This is a fantastic place to learn your craft as an educator.

How would you describe your experience in three words?

Inspiring. Challenging. Life-changing.