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Why did you choose to study at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ and what attracted you to the course?  

I was drawn to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s Theatre and Film course because of its unique blend of practical and academic learning. The opportunity to explore both performance and media production is really exciting to me, as I have a strong interest in both aspects of the arts. ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€™s focus on developing critical thinking alongside creative practice stands out, as it allows me to not only hone my skills in theatre and film production but also engage with the deeper cultural and social impacts of these mediums. 

"The state-of-the-art facilities and the chance to work closely with industry professionals through projects was also big selling points."

Additionally, the supportive and collaborative learning environment at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ really appeals to me, as it fosters creativity and teamwork—skills that are essential in the theatre and film industries. 

"What also attracted me to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ was its location in Edinburgh, which is such a vibrant city for the arts. The annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the biggest reasons I was excited about studying here—being able to experience such a world-renowned arts event firsthand is invaluable for anyone in the theatre and film industry."

Edinburgh’s rich history and thriving cultural scene provided an inspiring backdrop for my studies and offered me plenty of opportunities to engage with both emerging and established artists.  

What did you enjoy most about your course?  

One of the things I enjoyed most about the Theatre and Film course at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ was the combination of creative practice and critical theory. It wasn’t just about making films or performing on stage; we also spent time analysing and discussing the deeper cultural and social implications of the work we were doing. I really appreciated how the course pushed me to think critically about storytelling, media, and performance, while also providing ample opportunities to develop my technical skills. 

Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?  

I found the practical workshops and group projects to be especially engaging. For example, when we worked on creating a short film as part of a module, I loved the hands-on experience of collaborating with fellow students and working on all aspects of production—from writing and directing to editing and sound design. The opportunity to experiment with different techniques in a supportive, creative environment was something I really looked forward to. 

How did your lecturers support your learning?  

The lecturers at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ were incredibly supportive throughout my course. They always encouraged an open and collaborative atmosphere, where feedback was constructive and useful. I really appreciated how they pushed us to explore our own creative voice while providing guidance and expertise. 

"The small class sizes meant that I could have one-on-one conversations with lecturers, which made me feel more supported and gave me the opportunity to ask questions and receive tailored advice."

What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them? 

One challenge I faced early on was balancing the creative aspects of the course with the academic theory side. Sometimes it was difficult to manage my time between practical work and the more research-based assignments. However, I found that developing a solid schedule and breaking larger tasks into manageable parts helped me stay on top of everything. Additionally, I took advantage of the University’s support services, like additional course workshops and assistance with learning services, which helped me fine-tune my approach. 

Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?  

My advice would be to stay open-minded and embrace every opportunity to learn, whether it’s through practical projects, academic research, or engaging with other students. Theatre and film are constantly evolving fields, so being adaptable and willing to experiment will serve you well. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your lecturers or peers if you need it—³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ has a great support system, and taking advantage of that can make a huge difference in your overall experience. 

Did you join any schemes or initiatives to enhance your learning and development?  

Yes, I took part in a few initiatives that really helped me develop both professionally and personally, although they were not directly linked to the university. One of the most impactful was my participation in a Spanish theatre company where I acted in a play. The company consisted of other fellow students, which allowed me express myself freely and even participate in the small preparations for the premiere of the production. Their guidance and insights helped me navigate my career aspirations and gave me valuable advice about the industry. 

Additionally, I also volunteered in a Film festival for two years, which allowed me to get hands-on experience in event management and community engagement, while also building my network within the local arts scene. 

If applicable, which University services did you use to support you through your university journey and how did they help you?  

The University offers a wide range of support services, and I made use of several throughout my time there. The Effective Learning Service was invaluable when I was struggling with writing assignments or needed help organising my thoughts for essays. I also used the Careers Service, which offered advice on CVs, cover letters, and even gave me access to industry-specific job boards and internships. The student Wellbeing Service was also a great resource during times when the workload felt overwhelming, providing a safe space for me to talk through any personal challenges and offering helpful stress management tips. 

Did you attend an online or in person Open Day/Offer Holder day before coming to ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥? 

I did not attend any Open Day/ Offer Holder day before coming, I came straight in! 

What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?  

My top tip would be to get involved in as much as you can outside of the classroom. University is a time to explore your interests, meet new people, and build your network. Whether it’s joining clubs, attending guest lectures, or taking part in extra-curricular projects, there are so many opportunities to learn beyond just the course material. I also recommend not being afraid to ask questions and seek advice from both your peers and lecturers. Sometimes, those informal conversations can be the most valuable in helping you understand your course or career path more clearly. 

What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?  

The most valuable lesson I learned was the importance of resilience and adaptability. University is challenging, and you’ll face setbacks or things not going as planned at times. What matters most is how you respond. Learning to stay calm under pressure, seek out solutions, and be flexible in your approach helped me not only in my academic work but also in personal growth. This lesson of perseverance and flexibility is something I know will serve me well, both in my future career and in life in general. 

Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?  

Since graduating from ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both the theatre and film industries, where I’ve been able to apply the skills and knowledge I gained during my studies.

" I initially started out as a production assistant for the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival, which was an incredible entry point into the world of film production."

It gave me invaluable hands-on experience in everything from coordinating logistics to assisting on set, and I was able to connect with a diverse range of filmmakers and industry professionals.   

After that, I transitioned into a role as a Film Specialist with a local film distribution company. This role allowed me to dive deeper into the business side of the industry, where I worked on film curation, marketing strategies, and distribution logistics. My work with the company eventually led to me being involved in the production of their own film festival, which was both exciting and challenging. I was able to work behind the scenes to bring together filmmakers, critics, and audiences for a celebration of international cinema. It was a great opportunity to apply everything I learned at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥â€”from technical production skills to team collaboration and creative problem-solving. 

In addition to these roles, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making cinema more accessible. I’ve worked with international film clubs and participated in mentoring programs aimed at helping emerging filmmakers and enthusiasts discover the power of film. This aspect of my work is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to give back to the community, share my knowledge, and help others find their voice through cinema. It’s been a fulfilling journey, and I’m excited about continuing to grow and challenge myself in the industry. 

Anything else you’d like to share about life at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ or as a graduate? 

Life at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ was a transformative experience. Not only did the course provide me with the technical skills needed to succeed in both theatre and film, but it also encouraged me to think critically about the art I was creating and consuming.

" The University’s hands-on approach to learning, paired with its strong focus on collaboration, really set the stage for me to thrive professionally."

The opportunity to work on real-world projects, whether it was film production or live theatre, was invaluable in preparing me for the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the creative industries. 

As a graduate, I’ve continued to benefit from the strong network that ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ helped me build. The alumni community, the connections made with lecturers and fellow students, and the industry partnerships ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ has fostered have all played a significant role in my career development. I’ve also found that the creative confidence I developed at ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥ has been instrumental in pushing myself forward in the industry. The practical experience, coupled with the support I received, has allowed me to carve out a career path that I’m truly passionate about.