I particularly enjoy the flexibility allowed to me as a dual student.

Image of History Student Ambassador Emily Westwood
Emily Westwood
Final year undergraduate student
BA History and Philosophy
Emily shares her experience and how she enjoys the flexibility of being a dual student.
Image of History Student Ambassador Emily Westwood

Having a mixture of two subjects means you're never bored, it is also extremely fulfilling when you're knowledge from one subject can be transferred into the other!

Emily Westwood

BA History and Philosophy

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

The first time I came to Sheffield was during one of the open days and I instantly knew it was the place for me. The university was so different to all of the others I had seen before, everyone seemed so friendly and the course offered such a range of modules that I felt spoilt for choice.

Has your experience so far been what you expected?

Obviously with Covid-19 everything in my first year was not how I pictured things to be, however this was not necessarily for the worst. I was still able to engage with my subjects through online seminars and bond with flatmates on a more intimate level than I would have been able to in normal years. My second year has been even better than I could have hoped for and now feel a true part of the University.

What do you particularly enjoy about your degree programme?

I particularly enjoy the flexibility allowed to me as a dual student. There were minimal restraints and I was allowed to select more history or philosophy modules each semester dependent on what I wanted. I also enjoy my weekly seminars due to how engaging the professors make them, you can tell they are also enthusiastic about what they're teaching.

What modules are you studying this year? Are there any modules that you have particularly enjoyed during your degree so far and why?

My favourite module in my second year was Trumpism which is a History module. This module placed the current political situation in America in its own historical context. I found tracing back history in this way incredibly interesting. The enthusiasm of my professor motivated me to want to do well in this module, I always felt confident that I would be provided with help if I was in need.

If you’ve undertaken any extra-curricular activities, what do you feel these have added to your time here?

During my time at Sheffield I have been incredibly involved in sports. This year I am undertaking the role as Sports Committee Chair due to my enthusiasm for Sheffield Sport and the community we have here at the University. Getting involved in sport has helped me make friends and gain lifelong memories such as my hockey trip to Croatia.

If you're a dual student, what do you enjoy about doing a dual degree?

Being a dual student I have enjoyed the range of options available to me. In my first year I was able to undertake some sociology modules which I had never even thought of studying before. Having a mixture of two subjects means you're never bored, it is also extremely fulfilling when you're knowledge from one subject can be transferred into the other!

What do you like about the University/living in Sheffield?

I love the community feel of the city, the variety of things to do and the flexibility of my course.

Would you recommend studying at Sheffield to a friend?

Definitely! I am constantly raving about Sheffield University to my friends and family. I would recommend my course for multiple reasons but also the University because of the great facilities at hand.

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