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Meet Joanna, an MSc Speech and Language Therapy student translating a career in communications into one that gives a voice to others. In this interview, Joanna shares tips for balancing studies with life in London, advice on making the most of placements, and reflections on returning to study to pursue a career shift.

Course: ​MSc Speech and Language Therapy​

Undergraduate Degree: BA in French with Politics and proficiency in Spanish from the University of Exeter

Hometown: Whetstone, London​, United Kingdom

Learning and Career Goals

Why did you choose City St George’s and your specific programme for postgraduate study?

​​Having spent ten years working in corporate communications, I decided it was time for a change. I was interested in Speech and Language Therapy, so I spent time researching the career, speaking to SaLTs, and volunteering to gather experience. After looking into course options, I decided City St George’s was the best one for me. I already lived in London, so the location was perfect. On top of that, many of the SaLTs I spoke to during my research phase had attended City St George’s and recommended the course to me.

​The course itself appealed to me as it’s very hands on and offers plenty of opportunities for placements and extra learning. I also attended an Open Evening where I was able to ask questions and find out more about the course, which really solidified my decision to apply to City St George’s.​

What are your current plans or hopes for your career?

​​My aim is to become a qualified Speech and Language Therapist – I haven’t decided on the specific area yet, but I hope to figure that out once I start placements! My course is a pre-registration course, so by completing my placement hours and passing the course I will be able to register with the HCPC and become qualified.​

What professional opportunities have been most valuable to you so far?

Definitely placements – aside from being required to qualify, they’re as essential part of putting learning into practice and gathering experience. As someone who isn’t entirely sure which area to choose, the breadth of placements is invaluable.

How would you describe the teaching or learning style within your course and School?

​​There’s a real mix of learning, which works well for me. We have a good amount of face-to-face teaching, which is supplemented with a day of online learning. I find that balance to be ideal. We also get to hear from service users, which is one of my favourite parts of the course as it really brings the information we’re learning to life.

​Our lecturers are all very experienced and have a clear passion for the subjects they’re teaching, so that makes a real difference to our day-to-day learning. We also get extra support through our Clinical and Personal Tutors, which is great.​

Campus, Community, and the City

What do you like to do for fun outside of your studies?

​​I spend a lot of my time exploring London with friends – luckily for me, having grown up here, a lot of my friends are still living in London which gives me a lot of people who are up for trying out new restaurants! I love going to gigs, too, and reading (mostly fantasy).​

How has living in London shaped your experience as a postgraduate student?

It has been hugely convenient for me to be able to stay in London to continue studying. I think attending university in London is a real privilege, and it brings with it so many cultural opportunities. The student population at City St George’s is hugely diverse and representative of London as a whole, which makes for an enriching and enjoyable environment. ​

Tips for New Postgraduates

How do you balance studies with your personal life, and what helps you maintain that balance?

​​I think it’s easier for me to balance studying with my personal life because I have a lot of friends who aren’t students, which means they drag me away from my revision to hang out! On top of that, it’s all about balance. When I was working, I was pretty strict about protecting my weekends and keeping up with my hobbies, so I’ve brought that mindset into my university life. I think it helps to sign up to classes (I do pilates) or make plans which are set in stone so that you can’t back out and to give yourself something to look forward to.​

What is one piece of advice you would give your past self before starting postgraduate study?

I think mostly to have fun! It’s such a privilege to be able to go back to studying after so many years of work, and changing careers is a luxury many people don’t have. Even when I’m stressed or overwhelmed, I always bring myself back to the fact that I’m immensely lucky to be here and to be genuinely excited about what I’m learning. ​

Joanna is on The Big Network!

Join our Postgraduate Offer Holder Community on Unibuddy to chat with Joanna about the School of Health & Medical Sciences (Clerkenwell) and meet fellow offer holders on your course.