Leanne Hunter

Leanne was a business student who studied her Level 6 qualification at Newcastle College University Centre. Find out more about how this has aided her career progression in Human Resources.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your background, or anything you think is relevant?

Before studying at Newcastle College University Centre, I’d mainly worked in the public sector. I had an interest in human resources (HR) because am a disabled worker. I came here to do my Foundation degree and my Honours degree so that I could progress my HR career and do something I was passionate about.

Why did you choose to study a degree at Newcastle College University Centre?

There are so many reasons. I studied my Further Education course at Newcastle College and I remember it being a really friendly environment. I always felt at home on the campus. I also live in the local area, so I didn't have to move away from home. I also think it’s quite well known that there's smaller class sizes at the University Centre and you just get that friendly atmosphere in the classroom.

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

I looked on the website at the modules and it just seemed to fit exactly what I wanted. I chose to study at Newcastle University Centre because you could choose your additional module, as well as business management. I could choose to study human resources, finance and a few others. It was one of the few places that included human resources on the curriculum which meant I could really tailor my degree to what I wanted to do in future.

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

Having access to the expertise of the tutors that led on our business management modules. When I was studying, my tutor had previously owned her own law firm, so she was very experienced. Also, the human resources tutor had worked in a lot of senior human resources jobs. I just felt that, as the classes were smaller, the tutors could dedicate a lot of one-to-one time, and you could benefit from their experiences too.

What are the facilities like at the University Centre for your course, and more broadly as a student?

What I like about being on a college campus but doing a university course is that you've got all of the college facilities – even with things like if you want to get your nails done, you can go The Retreat and get them done for next to nothing! If you want to go to the gym, there's a gym on campus for higher education students. If you want something to eat, there are lots of canteens right on your doorstep, so you don't have to take a packed lunch. You don’t have to walk for miles to get into the town either. Great if you want to do a bit of shopping!

I was absolutely shocked when I found out that there was a bar for higher education students. It’s really good for chilling in at the end of the week with my friends.

What do you enjoy the most about your degree?

What I enjoyed most was actually getting to meet the leader of my course. I had a very difficult time because of the pandemic as I'm very high risk. I had lost somebody very early on and the leader of my course was so supportive of me. I'll never forget it – it meant so much to me. I don't know if I would have got through it without their support.

Also, the Human Resources module was great and was not offered in other universities at the time. Every time I went to those lessons, I got excited. I had such a thirst for knowledge!

What inspires you?

People who can make changes to other people's lives and people who can really make a difference. I've had a lot of interaction with human resources as a disabled worker and they can make these small reasonable adjustments that nobody else might be aware of, but they can take you from being so disadvantaged to putting you on a level playing field. The fact a job can make that much difference to someone’s success, happiness and well-being feels so special and it inspires me a lot.

How would you describe the staff at the University Centre?

They were excellent. I have disabilities which can't be seen; however, they affect me massively. The Central Support Service (CSS) was very compassionate, the staff had empathy and understanding but they also had knowledge about the things I was going through. They helped put me on a level playing field with my peers and helped me with the Disabled Students Allowance application.

What has been the highlight of your time studying at Newcastle College University Centre?

I’ve got to say Graduation. It makes you feel like all the times you'd been tired or if you'd cried or doubted yourself, were all worth it. To walk across that stage makes you feel so special.

Describe your student experience in three words

Transformative, fulfilling and exciting.

What are your top tips for studying at Newcastle College?

Don't be afraid to approach staff with anything at all. They're really helpful.
Make sure you utilise the library. There's a lot of a lot of good resources there that people just forget about.
Use the college facilities to save money. If you want your nails done, your hair done, go to the gym or if you want something to eat, you'll find it all cheaper on campus.
Just enjoy it!