PGT student profile - Charlotte Rist, UK

MA Screen Studies

_{Charlotte Rist at graduation.}

Why did you choose to study at the University of Liverpool?

I chose to do my postgraduate degree at the University of Liverpool to elongate my studies from my undergraduate course in Communication and Media which I completed here as well. The university has such a welcoming atmosphere that helped me feel so at home – so much so that I stayed for an extra year! Both the campus and the city are filled with beautiful spaces where you can absorb the nature and culture!

What’s the best thing about studying your programme?

I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my studies, but I think the best thing for me would be the wide range of modules we have to pick from. I have learnt so much that I wouldn’t have necessarily had the chance to on other programmes. For example, I did a Philosophy of Film module which I have always been interested in but have never found the opportunity to study before.

How do the facilities and/or staff help you with your studies?

Each student on the course gets assigned an Academic Advisor for their time at university. Academic Advisors are there to support you academically and mentally, signposting students to the relevant wellbeing and academic support services as well as just being there to talk to. In the first semester of my studies, my laptop broke and it took me until Christmas to get a replacement, so my Academic Advisor was very helpful in giving me advise on how I should navigate the semester without one as well as signposting me to relevant services that would aid my studies.

Furthermore, the university campus is full of different study spaces for you to choose from. The Sydney Jones and the Harold Cohen library, and even the Liverpool Guild of Students provide social, quiet and silent study spaces. And in summer, students can use Abercromby square or the Sydney Jones garden – perfect for a breath of fresh air!

Did you access any of the support services available to you? If so, how did you find the service?

During my time at the University, I was frequently in contact with my Academic advisor as well as the Disability Support and Wellbeing services. The University of Liverpool has a great Disability Support Service that assists students with mental and physical disabilities all throughout their studies by putting in place a Support Plan at the beginning of their studies and updating it on a yearly review basis. The support plan acts as a safety net and in combination with the Wellbeing services provided by the university, it allowed me to feel like I had a whole team supporting me when I was struggling.

What has been your highlight of your time at Liverpool so far?

As well as the vast array of courses and modules available to students, the university’s Guild of Students also has a plethora of societies to get involved with. My biggest achievement and a highlight in my time at university alongside my studies was joining the Liverpool University Drama Society (LUDS). I joined in the second year of my undergraduate degree after never acting or even taking drama at secondary school, but the society was so welcoming, and I met so many new and different people that I would have never had the chance to, and I even ended up being the President of the society this year.

How do you believe undertaking postgraduate study will help your career prospects?

I believe that my postgraduate studies have allowed me to become more developed both academically and personally. I have been able to explore my writing style and have the freedom to research the studies I am passionate about in more depth. As well as this I feel like I have grown so much as a person, I am a lot more confident in myself and my studies and I now have the skills required to carry me through life!

What advice would you give to anybody considering postgraduate study at Liverpool?

Try new things. It sounds very basic, but you truly never know. Go to a society event or meeting and try out a new skill! Use the library! It’s a brilliant resource! And use your lecturers and academic advisors! They are there to help you and they only want you to succeed!