Modupeoluwa Sahadat Salam

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background or why you chose to study at Newcastle College University Centre?

I was born in Lagos State, Nigeria, but I chose to study a Masters Degree in Business Management with Newcastle College University Centre because the institution has a really good reputation for student satisfaction and high-quality degrees for students who are willing to further their education and follow a career path. Besides, Newcastle is famous around the world as a really friendly student city, so I knew I would have a great experience here.

What was it about your course that made you want to study a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

I chose to study my MA Business Management degree at Newcastle College University Centre because they offer well-structured course modules in a broad range of areas within business, including management, marketing and finance. My tutors are also great educators, since they all have years’ worth of industry experience so everything they teach us is really industry-oriented and useful in attaining my goals.

What benefits do you think there are in studying at Newcastle College University Centre?

Studying at Newcastle College University Centre gives you the opportunity to learn directly from industry-experienced tutors who bring all their practical experience to their teaching, who go above and beyond to support you with any issues or concerns and prepare you for the practical aspect of whatever course you choose. You’ll also get lots of opportunities to meet and work with local industry professionals and businesspeople, giving you an important insight into the problems facing your sector and a real head-start in your career.

What has your experience of studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre as an international student been like?

Studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre has opened me up to a whole new learning experience. Previously, my learning has been a lot more structured but not quite as supported; thanks to my tutors at the University Centre, I’ve realised that there is a lot more self-led, independent study I can do on my own, which will really benefit me not just for my Masters Degree, but also as a professional once I graduate. I also like how a lot of my classmates come from all over the world and lots of different backgrounds, so there’s a strong international community here which has made me feel a bit more comfortable.

How did the International Office help you with your application to study at Newcastle College University Centre, and what support have you received whilst being a student?

During my application to Newcastle College University Centre, the members of the International Team kept in touch with me regularly by email. They were extremely responsive to all of my questions, and I felt really supported throughout the entire process, but especially my visa application. Even once I was already enrolled as a student, the International Team would check in with me to make sure I was doing alright and to check if there was any support they could provide. If I ever had any questions during my time here, I knew I could walk into the International Office at any time, or send them an email or a Teams message, and a member of the International Team would be available to help. That kind of support really makes Newcastle College University Centre a special place to study, in my opinion.

How do you think learning from industry-experienced tutors has benefitted you?

Having tutors with so much industry experience has been a big help to me during my Masters Degree. As a Business Management student, each of my tutors has insights from a different part of the business sector which can be applied directly to my studies, giving me a collection of real-life scenarios to consider as preparation for the managerial roles I aim to enter after I graduate.

What has been your biggest challenge either before or whilst studying for your degree?

My biggest challenge so far has to be my relocation to a new country without my family and friends. While I wanted to come to the UK to study, the homesickness I’ve felt has been tougher to deal with than I expected, especially given I had to settle in Newcastle without any loved ones nearby for emotional support. That said, I’ve met some really kind people here, both staff and students, who have helped to support me while I’ve been studying at Newcastle College University Centre. Now, although I still feel homesick, I know that I can handle it, work hard and do my family proud.

What inspires you?

What inspires me is the fair treatment of everyone, regardless of their background or country of origin. The fact that Newcastle College University Centre believes in that ethos and practises it every day with every single one of their students is one of the most appealing aspects about studying here.

What have you enjoyed most about living in the UK?

Living in the UK has been a whole new experience! Getting to living in a new country and adapt to a different culture and language is exciting, and it’s been quite easy for me to adapt to speaking English all the time because English has been the official language in Nigeria for a long time, and I’ve also been taught English in school since I was little. But understanding the Geordie accent can be hard sometimes!

How do you feel that your degree at Newcastle College University Centre has prepared you for the future?

Studying at Newcastle College University Centre has strengthened my knowledge and understanding of both business theory and the wider business sector, which will be useful for my future career in management. It has also enhanced my confidence in my ability to communicate effectively, which has helped me to stand firm and hold my ground when talking about business management with industry professionals. On another level, studying in the UK has helped me to improve my social and cultural development, which has allowed me to experience new cultures, ideas and ways of working in business that will only help me in my professional future.

What are your plans after you graduate?

After Graduation, I would love to work in the HR management division of a large business organisation, since there I could put my Masters Degree and my specialist knowledge to use and see to it that the organisation maintains fair and ethical behaviour that will contribute to the growth of the organisation as a whole, as well as all the stakeholders within and beyond it.

What would you say to any other international students considering studying a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

If you’re an international student, I would definitely recommend studying at Newcastle College University Centre. This is a friendly, supportive and welcoming place, but that also offer fantastic Masters Degrees for any students who want to further their education, gain new skills and highly valued qualifications, and develop the knowledge they need to enhance their future career path on a course with lower tuition fees than usual! The staff are also really experienced in teaching and in industry, giving you the benefit of their vast knowledge with lots of practical examples throughout your degree which will help you in your future.

Describe your student experience at Newcastle College University Centre in three words.

Educational, interesting, motivational.