To be honest, when I was applying to university, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to study. I didn’t have a clear long-term plan, and I remember feeling quite lost while browsing different courses. I knew I was somewhat interested in education, but not in the traditional sense. I couldn’t really see myself becoming a classroom teacher or working in a school environment in the future.

That was why Education Leadership and Culture (ELC) stood out to me. It didn’t feel like a pure education course focused only on teaching or policy. Instead, it sounded broader and more flexible, connecting education with areas beyond schools. I felt that choosing ELC would give me more options in the future, rather than limiting me to one specific path. And I didn’t spend months planning this decision, I came across the course in my final year of high school, and it just felt like the right fit at the time.

Looking back now, I can confidently say that I don’t regret choosing ELC at all. In fact, I really enjoy my course. Many of the units are genuinely interesting, and they often include practical elements rather than just theory. For example, in Digital Learning Cultures, we learned how to build simple websites and explored how digital tools can be used in learning. It was something I had never done before, but it felt very useful and engaging.

One of my favourite units in first year was Heritage Education, which was actually quite unexpected. The course is closely connected to real-world settings like museums and galleries, and we had many field trips. We visited places such as Manchester Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth Art Gallery, Aviva Studios, and even a museum in Stockport. During these visits, we didn’t just walk around by ourselves, we got to meet curators and staff from each museum or gallery, who guided us through the spaces and explained how exhibitions are designed, why certain objects are displayed, and what their work involves on a daily basis. It really felt like getting behind-the-scenes access, which made everything much more engaging and easier to understand.

As the student representative for the course, I have been involved in organising social events for our class, such as pottery painting, bowling, and shuffleboard, usually once each semester. These activities are a great way for everyone to connect outside of class. At the same time, our programme director also organises field trips each year to bring everyone together. In first year, we visited Liverpool, and in second year we went to Southport and Chester. These trips are usually a mix of learning and exploring, so it feels more relaxed and enjoyable compared to a typical class.

Another aspect I really appreciate is the learning environment itself. ELC is still a relatively new programme with a small group of students, which means everyone knows each other quite well. The

lecturers are very approachable, and it’s easy to ask questions or have discussions. Compared to larger courses, I feel that students here receive more attention and support, which definitely helps with both confidence and academic progress.

I also really like the way we are assessed. There are no traditional exams, and everything is based on coursework. This includes essays, presentations, posters, and creative projects such as videos, podcasts, or even websites. The topics are often flexible, so we can choose something we are personally interested in. For example, in one assignment, we could explore any topic related to heritage. As a big Taylor Swift fan, I decided to work on friendship bracelets, which are strongly connected to her fan culture. It made the assignment much more enjoyable and meaningful, and it also allowed me to explore something I like in a more academic way.

In second year, we also have a unit called Professional Practice in Creative and Cultural Education, which is very practical. It helps us prepare for internships and future careers by teaching skills like networking, setting up a LinkedIn profile, and improving presentation skills. I think having this kind of preparation during university is extremely valuable.

Overall, ELC has helped me become more confident in expressing my ideas and more aware of different cultures and perspectives. It’s a course that feels both interesting and relevant, and it has definitely made my university experience more enjoyable.

Written by current student Tanya Wu. 

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