Our students know that ‘success’ is not a one-size-fits-all definition. Nor is studying all about the destination. Rather, the skills you gain, the people you meet, and the enjoyment you take are just as important.
From trusting their instinct, to not believing the stereotypes, our students show that ‘success’ is for them to decide.
Discover our undergraduate courses
"I took a gap year after college, because I had applied to do business. Then I realised actually, ‘I can’t see myself doing a three- or four-year degree in that. I want to do something that I’m going to be really passionate about’".
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"I followed the advice to do something you're interested in, and something you're good at. You literally get to stop and think and understand people in a whole new way. I don't think we do enough of this as a society."
"Initially I went to drama school but decided I didn’t want to be an actress and decided to come to university. Instead of conforming to what anyone else thinks, I decided to do what I want to do. And I love it!"
"It doesn’t matter what your degree is in, just follow your passion. My CV is so full because of stuff I’ve learnt at uni. The society stuff, when added with my degree, is what has really improved my CV and helped me navigate through adulthood."
"An arts degree isn’t going to put you on the backfoot in any way. With the creativity they allow in your ability to think, it gives you such a good perspective on the world and your position within it."
"I think gone are the days where you necessarily have to do a degree in a subject you want a career in. I think you stand out more if you have a different skill set and are bringing a different perspective."
"For me, success is not a fixed goalpost, it’s the idea of continual growth. I’m always trying to push myself to learn new skills, or talk to new people, to understand different angles and opinions and to constantly review my work to ensure I’m striving for improvement."
"I think a large part of success is intentionally using your time to add value to everyone you meet. I ended up being the #7 top black undergraduate in the UK, awarded by Oxford University and HSBC, because I spent my undergraduate education exploring what I had to give to the world. "
"Success is when I receive positive feedback from a client on a job that I've been working on. To know that I have achieved the overall aim of the text or that the team involved is pleased with my work. Nothing is more satisfying."
"From the essays where you learn to write analytically, to the creative side which helps you write for different audiences – letters, fiction, poetry – you get such a range."
"My module selection encouraged me to explore how I could take my music and performing arts skills out into the real world. It's really good to put the theory into practice."
"The course taught me to understand that things aren’t all black and white. Oh, and how to edit myself. I’ve never had feedback like you get at university since graduating!"
More about careers in the Arts and Humanities
University of NottinghamUniversity Park Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Course and admissions enquiries All other enquiries telephone: +44 (0) 115 846 8502 email: helen.frost@nottingham.ac.uk