Kingston University London

Name: Valerie Sookoo

Age: 42

Course: BA Human Resources Management 4 year sandwich course

Level: Completed 2nd year

Route to University: 2 year access course

Accommodation: Renting privately

“I decided to do this course because I have an interest in trying to get the best out of people.  Also, I work as a duty manager at a health club and keep seeing colleagues being promoted above me because of their qualifications.  I chose to study at Kingston because of the Business School’s good reputation and because it’s close to my home and place of work. 

“I have found University to be nothing like college.  At college I was taught the basics, but at University everything is so different, from the tutorials to the many group assignments.  There is a lot more interaction with fellow students.

“The lecturers are passionate and knowledgeable about their subject, which makes the course more interesting and easier to understand.  They are also patient and happy to answer any questions. The lessons are wonderfully put together and the way most subjects are taught is very informative and simple to follow. 

“In the second year, there’s more reading and understanding. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how all the subjects, such as Human Resources, Employment Law and Employee Relations, relate to each other.

“The University has good facilities. There are all the visual aids and equipment a student or lecturer needs.  The lecture rooms are large and comfortable with central heating and air conditioning.

“Going back to university at my age was quite daunting.  Being in lectures with younger students could have made me feel out of place.  But I can honestly say that I felt welcomed and encouraged by all my fellow students as well as the lecturers.  I cannot believe how much I have accomplished in two years.  I feel really proud.

“My ambition now is to be qualified and work in a human resources department or to be trained as an employment law adviser.   I would like to be able to continue my studies in employment law. It is a subject I have truly enjoyed.”

Name: Alison Kent

Age: 21

Course: BA(Hons) Human Resources Management (HRM) four year sandwich course

Level: In placement year

Route to University: A-levels with a year out

Accommodation: Lived at home 1st and 2nd years, now shares rented accommodation with friends

“I originally looked at Kingston University because it was close to home so I wouldn’t have the added expense of living in halls.  However, I was then impressed with the reputation of the successful Business School.

“I had enjoyed my Business Studies A-level so I felt I would enjoy it at University too.  After my second year, I decided to transfer from Business Studies to the HRM degree because I had particularly liked the Human Resources (HR) module and I felt the course was more specialised to what I eventually wanted to do in my career.  Luckily, because of the options I had chosen in my second year, I was able to do this without having to restart the course.

“I find the tutorials particularly interesting as the subject is often related to real examples. There is also the opportunity to ask questions, work with other people and share understanding. This fills any gaps left from the lectures.  I’ve also enjoyed the coursework element as it puts less pressure onto the exams and reduces stress.  

“I have found numeric subjects difficult. However, I attended tutorials and worked on examples given and this has enabled me to pass.  On the whole I find the teaching staff approachable and helpful.  Generally they deliver enjoyable and interesting lectures and tutorials.

“I am currently on my placement year working as an HR assistant for the London Ambulance Service.  I help with a diverse range of tasks and projects as well as the day-to-day running of the office.  I feel the work has given me a better understanding of what HR involves.

“London Ambulance is a very large organisation so it is interesting to see how HR fits in and how much people rely on the advice given.  It has also been very interesting to be involved with the disciplinary, sickness and induction process.   It will help me relate more to some of the theory I have studied during my course and I can take the practical experience I have gained into another job.

“Before I started University I did not really know what kind of job I wanted to do and chose a course because it was my favourite at college. During my second year I decided I would like to work in Human Resources and my placement year has confirmed this.”