Learning at Leeds Beckett

University is an amazing and transformative experience! It has given me the opportunity to develop personally, acquire a wealth of knowledge and gain essential skills. When reflecting on my own time at university, three key parts of my experience have been shaped through lecturer support, teaching methods and the coursework given to us. All these components have played a crucial part in my experience at Leeds Beckett.

Teaching methods

The transition from Sixth Form or College to university is a significant step (don’t worry, it’s all part of the process!). For me, moving to university also meant moving away from home and family, which required me to become more independent. As a naturally shy 18-year-old, I initially found it challenging to ask for help with my university work, especially since the workload was structured so differently from what I was used to. To adjust to these changes, I had to muster up some courage. I started by reaching out to my lecturers for support and making full use of the library - particularly for referencing, which was completely new to me. The university was incredibly supportive, and lecturers provided guidance for upcoming assignments through drop-in sessions.

Reflecting on my time at Leeds Beckett, one of the things that stands out the most is the variety in teaching methods across different lecturers. Unlike the more uniform approach in secondary education, university teaching offers a much richer and more engaging experience. For example, the use of Kahoot quizzes, Ted Talks, and other interactive activities made learning more dynamic and enjoyable (especially for those who thrive on a bit of competition). The Ted Talks, in particular, sparked my curiosity and encouraged me to delve deeper into subjects I hadn't came across before.

Before starting university, I had no idea what the difference between a lecture and a seminar was—looking back, I probably should’ve googled that beforehand (rookie mistake!). Lectures provide us with essential material for upcoming assignments. They allow lecturers to deliver a wealth of information, which we can then expand on through both compulsory and voluntary reading. Seminars, on the other hand, offer a more interactive environment, encouraging participation, critical thinking, and discussion—almost like a traditional classroom setting.

I find seminars particularly valuable, especially after engaging with the lecture content. As someone who doesn’t have the best memory, these sessions help consolidate my learning and understanding. Online learning also adds a helpful layer of flexibility, with most, if not all, lectures being recorded. As a slow typer, having the ability to revisit lectures has been a lifesaver!

Coursework

Coursework and assignments are a huge part of the uni experience. From essays to group presentations, assignments are designed to test your understanding of the material while also encouraging you to study independently (if you’d told me back in Year 13, stressed over three A-Levels, that I’d be graded on a group presentation and a poster for a module, I probably would’ve laughed!).

One of the highlights for me was during my forensic module, where we got to visit HMP Wealstun Prison and apply what we’d learned to a real case study. I then had to present it to my lecturers — and honestly, it was the most enjoyable experience plus I got a 1st! Working on the project with my best friends made it so much more enjoyable than sitting through an exam.

I’ll admit, as much as I’d love for all modules to be assessed through group presentations, alot of them are essay-based. Since I’m studying Psychology, research papers and lab reports have become my biggest challenge. While the studies are genuinely interesting, they can be tough to get through (but hey, who doesn’t love a good challenge?). These assignments require some serious analysis on specific topics, and that’s where compulsory reading becomes your best friend (time-consuming, yes, but absolutely crucial). To make it a bit more bearable, I try to find readings that interest me. For instance, I’m really into twin studies, so I made sure to pack my qualitative report with research in that area — it made the whole process way more enjoyable!

Lecturer support

One of the great things about Leeds Beckett is the opportunity to book time with lecturers, both in person and online. Some module leaders even set up forums where students can ask questions and get answers quickly and conveniently — I find this especially helpful when I am stuck with assignments. The best part? You can see other students' questions and the responses, which saves you from waiting around for an answer (bonus!). Using the one-on-one support and the forums really helped me grasp more complex topics, and I noticed it made a big difference in my performance.

Then there’s feedback… While I sometimes dread getting constructive criticism, it’s honestly such an important part of improving. The detailed comments on assignments really help highlight what’s working and what could be improved. It’s not just about fixing mistakes — it’s the encouragement and positive reinforcement that makes a huge difference. When lecturers take the time to give comprehensive feedback, it boosts my confidence and motivates me for the next essay. I really appreciate those moments because they help me understand how to improve and do even better in the future.

Looking back on my time at Leeds Beckett, the teaching methods, coursework, and lecturer support have been such a huge part of my journey here. The variety in teaching styles, the engaging coursework, and the constant support from lecturers have really shaped my university experience. They’ve given me the guidance and encouragement I needed to not only be better in my studies but also to grow both academically and personally.