Christopher Perreira, originally from Portugal, studied MA Music Production, graduating in 2015. Christopher says the main reason he chose Leeds Beckett was because of the calibre of the University’s academic staff. He explains “The biggest reason I applied was Professor Bob Davis, a lot of the books I had read had quoted or thanked him and I was really eager to learn from him.

“The University was everything I could’ve hope for. I collaborated, recorded and released my first EP, studied strange instruments and worked with many different bands. I even met a good friend and now former-bandmate on the course and our work together got a couple of BBC Introducing mentions.”

As well as studying at Leeds Beckett Christopher also wanted to get as much co-curricular experience as possible, joining the International Ambassador programme, volunteering as a Students’ Union representative, gaining temporary employment on a casual basis with the International Office and even joining the Gardening Society which he joined the society for a laugh but it actually turned out to be really fun.

Thinking back to the transition from his home country to the UK, Christopher says “It was tricky getting used to the local dialect in Leeds, and some of the slang words were confusing at first – I once asked my housemate if I could have some of his jam to which he replied ‘fill your boots mate’ which confused me and sounded really unsanitary at first, but I soon learnt what it meant. The city of Leeds is a fantastic place, so I didn’t have a hard time adjusting.”

Two years after graduating, Christopher now works in the International Office at Leeds Beckett as the International Admissions Administrator. He explains “I wanted to join the department ever since I joined the International Ambassador programme in 2014, it’s amazing to think that two years after being an international student myself, I’m now supporting them pursuing their studies through my work.” As well as working in the International Office, Christopher is also studying for a PhD in Cognitive Science, based on the work he started during his master’s course – which he says is his proudest achievement.