What subject are you currently studying/did you most recently study at university? What persuaded you to choose this option?

I studied BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology. When returning to education after my modern apprenticeship, I planned to study quantity surveying. At college, we covered a wide variety of subjects, including quantity surveying, building surveying and construction detailing, to name but a few. After completing the quantity surveying module, I found it was a little bit boring, and the design side of things was much more appealing to me. I attended an RGU Open Day where I saw the AT and QS studios, where I also met the course leaders. It was this visit that confirmed the Architectural Technology course was the one for me.

What course did you study at college, and which college did you attend?

I studied the HNC Built Environment course at North East Scotland College. I chose to study at college as my secondary school grades were not good enough to gain entry to first year at university. I found it amazing that the college course I chose gave me direct entry into third year at university – it meant that despite being unable to initially join university in first year, I didn’t lose any time by attending college.

What did you find easy and what did you find difficult about making the transition from college to university?

I found the knowledge side of the transition fairly easy, as my lecturers at college had previously worked in the trades and so had a vast amount of hands-on experiences to share with us. The hardest part about the transition was the overall lack of structure at university compared to college. University is very self-driven in comparison to college, and so you have to learn how to organise yourself and make decisions very quickly.

WHY RGU? WHAT WAS IT THAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE UNIVERSITY?

RGU was close to home, so I could easily commute. Other universities did not have the articulation agreements in place with colleges like RGU does, so the decision was easy. The facilities at RGU also made a huge impression. At the RGU Open Day, the tour of the studios and workshops was very impressive. The lecturers also made a big impression.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT RGU?

Overall my experience was great.

HOW DID RGU SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY? DID YOU USE ANY OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU?

RGU were always very supportive. I never used any of the support services but if you needed support, all the lecturers were always there for you. My fourth year was done through remote learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic – this was a difficult year for everyone, but the lecturers were always there to support you if you needed it.

How has RGU helped you achieve your goals?

I have a degree and a job – I’ve also learned many skills which I’ll be able to carry forward in my career and general life.