Amanda Jefferson

Lecturer, Leeds Trinity University

To be honest my best memories are from being in the classroom. More than anything I loved learning and hearing different opinions and understanding the politics that influence education.

Why I chose to study at Leeds Trinity 

I did an Access to Higher Education course at Leeds City College and they used the classrooms at Leeds Trinity, which made me familiar with the campus. When I looked into my chosen course the modules that Leeds Trinity stood out from other universities. Those two elements made Leeds Trinity the right place for me. 

My best student memories

To be honest my best memories are from being in the classroom. More than anything I loved learning and hearing different opinions and understanding the politics that influence education. I was in my element reading and sitting in the library surrounded by books. I even loved writing essays!! I was a mature student and was so enthusiastic about learning because I had left school basically 20 years before my degree! 

The value of the placements 

 My first placement was an alternative assessment as my baby was due the week before the placement dates! The university supported me with an alternative so that I didn’t miss out. Being a mature student, I had been in work for many years, so it wasn’t like this was my first opportunity to be in a work environment. My second-year placement I went to a local MP’s office as I recognised that to change education it needs to be done through Politics. I did a small project on local education institutions, in doing so I learnt a great deal about local issues and the impact on communities. 

Skills I took away from Leeds Trinity

I left with research knowledge, academic writing skills, being aware of media bias and reliability and much more political awareness. I also learnt to see both sides of an argument – even when you disagree on something, you still need to understand why and the situation and outcome from both points of view. 

My career since graduation  

I started a Masters by Research after graduating from Education Studies in 2017 and temporary vacancies arose at Leeds Trinity. I applied for a lecturing role in ICE and was accepted. This role enabled me to build more skills in the employability and academic skills areas.

My advice to anyone thinking of doing a similar course

Education Studies is the theory of education. It does not teach you how to be a teacher, it looks at the philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, and policy behind education. It can lead to all different types of roles including teaching, but also provides a great educational basis for general graduate level roles within employment. You could branch off into special educational needs, mental health, managerial roles, there are many options.