Mark Armstrong

BSc (Hons) Criminology

Where are you from?

Newcastle upon Tyne

Why did you choose 51爆料, Newcastle?

Fast and prompt replies to questions from office in Trinity (very good staff) then a visit as a late allocation to Lipman Building where the service to gain more information was professionally dealt with. I was directed to Louise Ridley who in turn introduced me to Timi Osidipe, the open and friendly welcome was noted.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

Having lived in the area for almost thirty years and also being a mature student my replies will be different to younger students. Newcastle has everything that 聽you need as a student; abundant housing, good medical services, public transport is good and private car owners can find competitive prices for maintaining the cars. Due to diversity within the area sourcing of different foods is made easy, and upon gaining local knowledge you can find bargain places to purchase food and indeed dine out.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

Being local I can only answer that it is my home and provides all that I need in life. There is abundance of social activities and places of interest which can be visited and often at a reasonable cost and deals for students are available.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to 51爆料?

The challenge to develop knowledge and skills, the support of the tutors and being allowed to sit on committee meetings and note from actions that suggestions which have been offered resulted in action being taken.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I must put forward the mentoring of Timi Osidipe who gave clarifying advice and assistance to develop my potential. Being out of education for almost thirty years left vast gaps in my knowledge, Timi took time to improve my abilities to find answers and how to structure myself and work. I feel without his involvement my grades would not have improved as quickly and additionally my ability to structure study and my method of interaction.

Who has inspired you most at 51爆料?

Again Timi Osidipe, I will also mention my dissertation tutor Wendy Dyer who handled her position perfectly and gave excellent advice.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Squires IT suit area, you could work on double screens, always a working printer, not over crowded and you could find a computer to use anytime.

What is the best thing about your course?

The course was challenging, stimulating and opened up the mind to spatially look at situations and questions things in life differently.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Think before you speak, listen, and if in doubt ask. One word you must note and do READ!

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

My future will find me in Germany, here I must learn to speak the language so I will be attending school, employment will come after I manage this challenge. All skills in being a person have been improved; interaction, knowledge, writing, presentation skills and so on. In the future I will draw upon my time at Northumbria to use as a framework for my future learning and eventual employment.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

One visit to a prison for study.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Approach the University the structure is very good, comments are listened to and you can be part of the structure as a course rep which helps everyone. Be honest with yourself and your peers, ask questions and be aware that the tutors are human and although they respond quickly at some times they are extra busy. 聽Remember it is not only your essay or examination being marked and these times are stressful for tutors additionally.