LOOKING TO THE FUTURE | #HELLOWESTMINSTER 1

A TASTE OF STUDENT LIFE

STUDENTA Turner

WESTMINSTER#HELLO

WELCOME | #HELLOWESTMINSTER 3

HELLO ALL!I’m Freya, President of the University of Westminster Students’ Union.

I hope you’re looking forward to studying with us in London. This magazine will give you an insight into student life here at Westminster, and give you some helpful tips for things to do and places to see while you study here. At night London offers an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars

and clubs, while there are plenty of museums, parks, shops and galleries to see on a bustling London day. We also want to tell you a bit more about life at the University of Westminster, and perhaps answer some questions you might have about finding work, accommodation and student support. I hope you enjoy reading the magazine, and look forward to meeting you soon!

Our Sabbatical Officers (from left to right):

ETHEL TAMBUDZAIVice-President

LUDOVICA BERNABOVice-President

FREYA THOMPSONPresident

DAN SEAMARKSVice-President

JOSEPH IKEBUDUVice-President (not pictured)

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WELCOMEA quick hello from our Students’ Union President, Freya

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENTRituja tells us about her busy schedule juggling coursework, student life and work experience

ON CAMPUSCheck out our campus locations across the city

HOME AWAY FROM HOMEFind out what it’s like to live in student halls

TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTSRead about some of our favourite Westminster moments from the past year

LOOKING TO THE FUTURENew libraries, new labs, new VR technology – find out how we’ve been investing in your future

GET INVOLVEDThere’s something for everyone with all of our societies and sports

OUR LONDONOur students share their favourite hangouts in the city

PASS THE POPCORNTake a break from your studies and catch a movie at our very own cinema

OPPORTUNITIES AT WESTMINSTERLearn a language, study abroad and other ways to build your CV

WORK EXPERIENCEFive students give us an insight into finding their dream placement

AND THE PRIZE GOES TO...A spotlight on some of the awards recently won by our students

OUR GRADUATESSee what some of our Westminster graduates are up to now

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CONTENTS

THIS is an intensive day for my theory modules as I prepare for my dissertation. I attend a series of lectures and seminars and spend half of my day in the library. I also meet with the Royal Literary Fund Fellow on campus to get his tips on my essay-writing skills.

When I go back home, I start working on graduate programme applications as I am in my final year and keen on securing a job after graduation.

THURSDAYFRIDAYSATURDAY

SUNDAY

SUNDAYS are my favourite day to explore London and its street food. I go out with my friends to grab a meal and discover new places. I walk around London markets, museums, bridges and more. I have been to cool art and short film festivals, which are super cheap for students. When I get back home I complete any remaining tasks, and then organise myself for the week ahead.

At 8pm, I settle down to watch a cool movie or TV show before going to bed early, ready to begin the next week…

I attend a full Newsday as I work on the Voice of London. I write news stories, edit videos and interview people. I recently interviewed lawyers, futurists and robot developers for a special edition about artificial intelligence.

At the end of the day, I cook an authentic Indian dinner before I meet my friends. We head out to central London to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and spend our night dancing off the entire week at a club.

I wake up early, head off for my weekly grocery shop and start cooking at noon as I prepare food for the entire week. Saturdays are for

catching up on my ESN duties. Every few

months I fly to a different European country to attend ESN conferences to discuss the future of the organisation. I usually spend the entire weekend at the conference.

MONDAYI start my day with classes and editorial meetings. I manage a student journalism website called Voice of London as part of my semester one assignment. During this class, we prepare all the material for the upcoming Friday Newsday. I spend the rest of my day working at the CEC. Each Wednesday evening I also attend industry masterclasses or employability events across London. I get to network with professionals from a variety of industries.

WEDNESDAY

Rituja Rao is a final-year Journalism BA Honours student, a National Representative for the Erasmus Student Network and manages the student-run news site Voice of London. She lets us in on the fine art of juggling your many passions.

TUESDAY

MY day begins early as I practice

meditation techniques that I learnt at the

University’s Mindfulness sessions. Then I head to

my classes on investigative journalism, where I

write stories and conduct investigations that will lead to my final project. Afterwards I go to the University’s Creative Enterprise Centre (CEC), where I work part-time managing the CEC’s blog, social media channels and newsletters. My job complements my degree and I gain much-needed work experience.

TUESDAYS are my day off at university, so I spend some time at the CEC. I then go to the central London campuses to attend Debate Society meetings for mock debates. Afterwards I have a Skype meeting with the National Board of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) UK, where I work as the National Representative of the UK. ESN works towards increasing youth mobility and welfare in 40 countries. After organising the rest of my week I call it a night.

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT

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Rituja working at the CEC Fresher’s Fair Party as the Student Digital Communications Manager. ACTION!

R I V E R T H A M E S

WARREN STREET

GREAT PORTLAND STREET

BAKER STREET

EUSTONSQUARE

CAMDENTOWN

GOODGESTREET

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TOTTENHAMCOURT ROAD

BONDSTREETMARBLE

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REGENT’SPARK

EUSTON

KING’S CROSS

HOLBORN

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COVENT GARDEN

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GREENPARK

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LITTLEVENICE

HYDE PARK

GREENPARK

Maida Vale

CAMDEN TOWN

BLOOMSBURY

MAYFAIR

SOHO

HEATHROWAIRPORT

BAKERSTREET

HARROW

TOTTENHAM

STRATFORD

EALING

MAIN MAP

HOUSES OFPARLIAMENT

BUCKINGHAMPALACE

TRAFALGARSQUARE

BRITISHMUSEUM

1. CAVENDISH CAMPUSOur Cavendish Campus is truly in the heart of London, right next to the iconic BT Tower and just a short walk to the world-famous Oxford Circus. The Campus has state-of-the-art labs as the home of our science and technology courses. Closest Tube station: Great Portland Street, Warren Street or Goodge Street

2. REGENT CAMPUS Regent Campus is located on historic Regent Street. Based in the shopping district and close to the BBC and many of the city’s museums and galleries, the Campus is the perfect location for our social sciences and humanities courses. The Campus also includes Little Titchfield Street (2a), home to our leading law courses, and Wells Street (2b). Closest Tube station: Oxford Circus

3. MARYLEBONE CAMPUS Opposite Baker Street Tube station and the famous Madame Tussauds, our Marylebone Campus is a modern and lively campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Our business, tourism, architecture and property and construction courses are all taught here. Closest Tube station: Baker Street

4. HARROW CAMPUS Our Harrow Campus is home to our creative talent as the base for our media, arts and design courses. Situated in leafy north west London, the Campus has cutting-edge specialist facilities, on-site halls of residence and a close student community. It’s only a 20-minute Tube ride to our central London campuses. Closest Tube station: Northwick Park

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OUR CAMPUSES OFFER FUN AND INSPIRING PLACES TO LEARN, HANG OUT AND BECOME PART OF THE WESTMINSTER COMMUNITY

Three of our campuses are in the very heart of central London, with our dedicated media, arts and design campus in Harrow, north west London. All of our campuses are conveniently located near everything a premier global city has to offer, such as cultural attractions, music and gigs, cafés and shops, nightlife, free city events, and in close proximity to the UK’s top employers.

ON CAMPUS

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HARROW CAMPUS IS 20 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL LONDON

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HOME AWAY FROM HOMEBUSINESS STUDENT KAROLINA GIVES US A GLIMPSE INTO LIVING IN STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

WHAT’S IT LIKE LIVING IN HALLS?

I live with five other people in a shared flat on the same floor. We all have our own room with en-suite bathroom and we share a kitchen. It’s great here, and I’d encourage all students to live in halls during their first year if possible. You get to meet people from all over the UK and Europe and it’s really enhanced my university experience. We meet up in the kitchen and cook together or hang out in each other’s rooms or in the communal areas. Everyone is really friendly and sociable.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN THE LOCAL AREA?

We have a good choice of supermarkets with cheaper options like Lidl that keep my food bills down. There are lots of restaurants and cafés nearby, as well as 24-hour fast-food places and a really good gym.

HOW DID YOU DECORATE YOUR ROOM?

For ideas on decorating your room, visit Pinterest.com as there are loads of pictures of super cool dorm rooms. Make your own wall mural with photos, pictures and posters. Use fairy lights and add a few cushions. I bought a cheap three-drawer cabinet to keep all my stuff in.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT SO FAR?

Living in halls has given me a lot of independence and I’ve learnt how to look after myself, whether it’s by cooking meals, doing laundry or just keeping my room clean and tidy. I’ve learnt how to manage my time as well. I study during the week and hold down a part-time job at weekends. I’m more confident and feel more grown up learning how to manage my own money and time.

Q&A

Name Karolina Matyga

Course Business Management BA Honours

Halls of Residence Raffles House, Wembley

Home Cambridge

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Film Production Technician Sarah-Jane Harrison and Sound Technician Aidan McCarthy, from Westminster School of Media, Arts and Design, worked as part of the Olympic Broadcast Service (OBS) team at the Rio Olympics; the pair had previously worked on the London 2012 Games.

2FROM HARROW TO RIO – WESTMINSTER STAFF BRING 2016 OLYMPICS BROADCAST TO LIFE

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The University’s Museum and Galleries Studies Group teamed up with Tate Modern in April to support a four-day series of events titled Tasty and Smelly. The workshops investigated the ways in which smells and tastes connect with sensations of art and our memories and associations. With world-leading museums and galleries on the University’s doorstep, the collaboration is

an example of the unrivalled opportunity Westminster students have to work with leading institutions. This particular project enabled our students to discover what it’s like to design and deliver a public event in one of the world’s most important contemporary art museums.

WESTMINSTER TEAMS UP WITH TATE MODERN

Westminster graduate Hussain Manawer has set a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest mental health lesson. Backed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, Hussain organised the event at Hackney Empire in conjunction with Dame Til Wykes, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation at King’s College London and Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Network.

ALUMNUS HUSSAIN MANAWER SETS WORLD

RECORD FOR LARGEST MENTAL HEALTH LESSON

TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTSTHE 2016/17 ACADEMIC YEAR WAS FULL OF SUCCESSES AND SURPRISES FOR OUR STUDENTS, GRADUATES AND UNIVERSITY. ENJOY A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE MOMENTS FROM THE LAST YEAR.

OSCAR WIN FOR WESTMINSTER GRADUATE KRISTÓF DEÁK’S SHORT FILM1

Kristóf Deák, who graduated from the Directing Film and Television MA course in 2010, won an Oscar for his film Sing in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 89th Academy Awards.

After being nominated for the Academy Award, the now Oscar-winning Westminster alumnus said: “My time as a student on the Directing Film and TV MA course and then as a teaching assistant at the University of Westminster gave me

so much. One of the best days of my life was our final project screening which we held with a full house in the University’s Regent Street Cinema, which has since undergone a historic refurbishment project.”

Peter Hort, Course Director of the Film BA Honours course at the University of Westminster, expressed his pride regarding his former student’s achievement.

“I’m really proud of what Kristóf has achieved, and it’s amazing that this is the second year in a row that a Westminster film alumnus has won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short.”

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10In a special event organised by the Alumni team, 92 students were awarded grants from The 125 Fund, ranging from £150 to £2,000, to support them in their personal and professional development.

A new version of J. K. Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, illustrated by Westminster alumnus Jim Kay (Illustration BA Honours), was published in October 2017 – the third in the series of reissued Harry Potter books illustrated by Jim.

FAB FEST CELEBRATES ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND MAKING

STUDENTS AWARDED OVER £78,000 FROM THE 125 FUND

Named the UK’s most internationally diverse university in the 2016 Hotcourses Diversity Index (HDI), the University of Westminster went on to be ranked 29th in the world for International Outlook in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking 2017.

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5After Westminster Design Studio 10 tutor Arthur Mamou-Mani won a grant from the Burning Man Festival, a team of Westminster staff and students joined together to develop and realise a spectacular project at the Festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert – the world’s biggest celebration on interactive art.

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER IS THE MOST INTERNATIONALLY DIVERSE UNIVERSITY IN THE UK

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University of Westminster academics from the Department of Computer Science and Westminster Law School collaborated in developing a Virtual Reality (VR) game in which Law students can explore a real case scenario, discover important pieces of evidence and determine whether the crime is a murder. The game-based platform integrates the immersion into VR as the perception of being physically present in a non-physical world.

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER ACADEMICS DEVELOP CUTTING-EDGE VR GAMES FOR CRIMINAL LAW STUDENTS

ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS BUILD INSTALLATION AT BURNING MAN FESTIVAL WITH THEIR TUTOR

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While you may have been enjoying a muddy festival over the summer, our Marylebone Campus hosted its very own FAB FEST – a big celebration of architecture, design and making. The festival theme was ‘Pop-up City’, giving students the chance to design and build the cities of tomorrow. A varied programme of activities included live music, entertainment and sustainable design. The event gave our students the opportunity to work with academics and professional practitioners to bring their creative ideas to life.

NEW HARRY POTTER BOOK ILLUSTRATED BY WESTMINSTER ALUMNUS JIM KAY

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LOOKING TO THE FUTUREOver £65 million has been invested across the University’s campuses and facilities in recent years to ensure that you get the best from your studies while at Westminster. Here are some of the highlights.

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MARYLEBONE CAMPUS

Bloomberg Financial Markets SuiteThe Bloomberg Financial Markets Suite exclusively utilises the Bloomberg platform, which provides our finance and business students with first-hand exposure to technology widely adopted in all the leading global investment banks in the major financial centres of the world: the City of London, New York’s Wall Street and Tokyo’s Citibanks.

REGENT STREET CAMPUS

Regent Street GymThe Regent Street Gym is equipped with cardio and weights machines, with plenty of open floor space to accommodate stretching and the use of free weights. If independent exercise isn’t your cup of tea, we offer classes such as Spin, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, TRX and Boxfit.

We have experienced sports and exercise scientists on hand to offer personal training, body composition analysis, and nutrition and fitness advice. There are also shower and locker facilities, so you can change before heading off to a lecture.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE HARROW CAMPUS

Harrow LibraryHarrow Library has 600 indoor and outdoor study spaces for silent study and group study. Need a computer? Choose from labs with Mac or Windows computers, all equipped with specialist software, or borrow a MacBook for 24 hours from our self-service facility. You’ll also have access to our Emerging Media Space, full of technology-based tools and resources like 3D printers, virtual reality headsets, and an interactive iWall.

And if you need a break from studying, go snap a selfie with the beloved pink staircase.

CAVENDISH CAMPUS

Virtual reality at Cavendish CampusWe have 30 laboratories for electronics and computer science teaching. This includes the latest equipment such as games consoles and virtual reality kit. Computer-aided analysis and design applications also support all of our computer science and electronics students in their studies.

Award-winning psychology labsThe recently revamped Psychology Department offers students a vibrant and modern space for study and collaborative learning. The refurbishment includes a new £2.2 million lab, which scooped an FX Interior Design Award in 2015.

Architecture studios Following a £5.2 million refurbishment in 2015, Westminster is now home to the best architecture studios in London. The studios – equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the latest in equipment and software, and dedicated computer lab – builds on our legacy as one of the foremost schools of architecture in the UK.

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GET INVOLVEDWith over 70 societies and 21 sports teams, there is so much to get involved in while you study. The Westminster Students’ Union shows you what’s on offer.

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WUNDERLIST Never forget to submit an assignment or pick up toilet roll again. This handy to-do list app lets you set due dates and reminders in separate categories (like home and uni) from your phone and computer. wunderlist.com

UNIDAYSIt’s a one-stop shop for student discounts across food, technology, beauty, fashion, health, lifestyle and more. Filter by brand or by highest discount for savings you can use online or in store. myunidays.com

CITE THIS FOR ME Enter an article URL or use your phone to scan a book’s barcode and this app will provide a citation in Harvard, MLA, or whichever style you need. You can access your bibliography from a computer or tablet too. citethisforme.com

CITYMAPPER Whether you’re new to London or not, Citymapper is a must-have to help you navigate around the city. Get multiple transport options, journey times, and bus and Tube timetables. citymapper.com

ESSENTIAL APPS

SMOKE MEDIA

Get involved in everything media related. Whether you’re interested in becoming a host for Smoke Radio, a writer for the magazine, or a presenter for Smoke TV, there’s something for everyone.

GET INVOLVED

Your university experience is what you make of it, and the University of Westminster is more than just a place to study. With over 70 societies and 21 sports teams, there is so much to get involved in while you study. The University of Westminster Students’ Union (UWSU) is the place to find out about all of these clubs and societies, as well as the different ways to enjoy the events and activities on offer.

DRAGONS

The UWSU Dragons are a team like no other at the University of Westminster. The Dragons community currently competes in over 25 different sports. The men’s basketball programme has risen to become one of the premier teams over the years.

HOBBIES

Whatever your hobby or passion – singing, Harry Potter, Pokemon, photography, politics – there’s a society for it at Westminster. And if the society for you doesn’t exist yet, why not start it?

CULTURAL

Our University’s community is one of the most internationally diverse in the UK, and that’s reflected in our many cultural and spiritual societies. You will have plenty of opportunities to find friends from a similar background or faith.

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Regent Street Cinema is our very own on-campus cinema, found next to our 309 Regent Street building. With discounted tickets for Westminster students, you’ll be able to watch to a huge range of films throughout the year, including new blockbuster releases, film classics, all-nighter movie marathons, documentaries and the best of world cinema. It also hosts many special events such as award ceremonies, student work showcases and Q&As with Oscar winners. Regent Street Cinema is known as the birthplace of British cinema, and the first cinema open to a paying audience. Following a

major restoration project in 2015, it re-opened its doors to the public and is now one of London’s best art cinemas.

PSYCHOLOGY AT THE MOVIESPsychology at the Movies, hosted at Regent Street Cinema, gives you the chance

to see familiar films through a new lens. You can watch a film and then hear from a panel of psychologists, therapists and writers on its psychological themes and issues. How does Fight Club explore male and female identities? Is repetition a means of escape in Groundhog Day?

Add your voice to the mix – everyone is welcome to talk – or sit back and listen to

the experts crack open hidden themes within the film.

regentstreetcinema.com/psychology-at-the-movies

PASS THE POPCORNOOUR LONDONWE ASK OUR STUDENTS TO SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SPOTS IN LONDON

GRAZIAPSYCHOLOGY BSc HONOURS, THIRD YEAR

Italy

Best thing about London It gives you lots of opportunities in more than one career field. I’m looking for internships this summer, I already have one lined up!

Favourite spot Mayfair – I really like the vibe and strolling round the area.

Where do you go for culture? Saatchi Gallery.

JILAL, BROR & YUSEFCOMPUTER SCIENCE BSc HONOURS, SECOND YEAR

Leyton, Spain and Redbridge

Best thing about London J: All the restaurants. I love the wagyu beef at The Meat Co. in Shepherd’s Bush, it’s good for special occasions. Y: GRM Daily and LinkUp TV, check out their YouTube channels.

Favourite spot B: The nightlife. Drama Club has great hip-hop and grime nights. J: Whitechapel, it’s my home town. The food is tasty and a decent price.

Where do you go for culture? Y: My mosque, I’m there for the community. J: Theatre. Aladdin and Lion King are great, they bring back childhood memories.

JUSTINA, CELINE & HALEENAPSYCHOLOGY BSc HONOURS, SECOND YEAR Poland, Belgium and London

Best thing about London J: The culture, food and diversity C: It’s a 24/7 city, it never stops moving.

Favourite spot J & H: Alexandra Palace, the fireworks are beautiful there.

Favourite spot after exams J & C: To the pub! The student bar round the corner [from Cavendish Campus] is fun. H: Parks to relax and unwind.

Where do you go for culture? J: Tate Britain and Tate Modern. C: British Museum. H: The V&A.

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As a Westminster

student you’ll

receive an

exclusive 40 per

cent discount on

regular tickets

PERKS!

TAKE A BREAK FROM THE LIBRARY AND CATCH A FILM AT OUR ON-CAMPUS CINEMA

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“Being an ambassador has been a really fulfilling experience. Meeting new people and talking about the uni to potential students has helped my confidence and public speaking. The flexibility of it has also allowed me to get a bit of extra cash while fitting it around my studies.” PATRICK JENKINS, STUDENT AMBASSADOR

DISABILITY LEARNING Ask us about advice and support if you have a learning difficulty.

ACADEMIC LEARNING DEVELOPMENT CENTREWe can help improve your essay writing and presentation skills; simply book a one-to-one appointment or academic skills workshop with us.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICEOur nurse practitioners provide advice on health and well-being.

FAITH AND SPIRITUALITYWe offer advice to students of any faith. Ask us about spiritual counsel and spaces for contemplation.

COUNSELLINGYou can talk confidentially to a professionally trained counsellor about any issues worrying you.

LGBTI STUDENTSOur LGBTI Society provides a safe space for LGBTI- identifying people. We hold regular events and promote awareness amongst students on LGBTI issues.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADVICE AND SUPPORT We provide visa and immigration advice and practical information on adjusting to life in the UK.

STUDENT FUNDING We offer advice and guidance on possible funding options available to UK and international students.

SUPPORTING YOUAt Westminster, we can help you with financial, emotional and academic support. O

Benefit from part-time work

Our Talent Bank service gives you the opportunity to apply for part-time work, while also enhancing your CV. Talent Bank is the University’s internal recruitment agency which offers paid temporary and part-time vacancies across all campuses and various departments within the University. Our Engage database also provides opportunities with external employers. Our central London location means you will have the added benefit of our connections with London’s many businesses.

Become a Student Ambassador

Being a Student Ambassador is a great way to gain valuable work experience while earning from flexible, part-time work. Our Student Ambassadors help with Open Days, Applicant Days, attend higher education fairs at local schools and colleges, and deliver presentations to school pupils on topics relating to higher education.

Learn a language

If you’re interested in learning a new language or developing a current language, consider taking part in the University’s open language programme, Polylang. Around 1,300 Westminster students and staff are currently benefiting from the programme.

It offers: • enhanced employment and

career prospects• modules which contribute

towards the classification of your degree

• improved communication skills • a new insight into new

cultures and ways of seeing the world.

You can learn these languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish or Russian.

Study or work overseas

If your degree allows you to, you may be able to study or work overseas for credit as part of your degree. Studying or working abroad is an amazing opportunity to live and learn in another country. You will gain ‘global’ skills to improve your career prospects.

We have student exchange partnerships with institutions in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australasia, giving Westminster students the chance to spend time studying abroad. You could be eligible for funding to support you while you’re overseas. The University’s Outward Mobility Team can provide further advice when you join the University.

Gain valuable careers advice

Our Career Development Centre offers career planning, help finding internships and work placements, CV skills,

interview advice, and coaching and mentoring, to support you throughout your studies and after graduation.

OPPORTUNITIES AT WESTMINSTERTHERE ARE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN NEW SKILLS, ENJOY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES AND BOOST YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS WHILE STUDYING AT WESTMINSTER

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CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTREWe can help you find vacancies, plan your professional development and teach you how to market yourself effectively.

CAREERS GUIDANCE APPOINTMENTS We provide careers advice and feedback on your CV, application forms and interviews.

VACANCIES AND EVENTS PORTALOur online service helps you look for part-time placements, voluntary and graduate opportunities.

EMPLOYER EVENTS Employers regularly host events and company presentations – perfect for networking opportunities.

TALENT BANK We help you to find paid, temporary and part-time jobs at the University and with local businesses.

INFORMATION RESOURCESWe have lots of online material covering jobs, employers, volunteering, working and studying overseas, further study and training.

ASSOCIATES IN SCHOOLS SCHEME Gain valuable work experience in a school classroom.

MENTORINGDevelop your skills and gain experience of the working world by taking part in a mentoring scheme designed to enhance personal effectiveness.

CAREERS FAIRS A great opportunity for you to meet employers on campus – many students come away with useful contacts and sometimes even an interview.

DROP-INS These are perfect opportunities to meet face-to-face with employers on campus and find out about part-time jobs.

VOLUNTEERINGWe help you to find unpaid work to help people, charities, local communities or the environment.

WWORK EXPERIENCE

“During my placement I worked in a team creating a documentary which later aired on BBC2.”REBEKAH TAYLOR, CONTEMPORARY MEDIA PRACTICE BA HONOURS

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCEBBC “During my placement I worked in a team creating a documentary which later aired on BBC2. This was a fantastic opportunity to get hands-on experience. It also allowed me to network with industry professionals, a vital part of working in the television industry. I really recommend placements to anyone who wants to work in the media.” — REBEKAH TAYLOR, CONTEMPORARY MEDIA PRACTICE BA HONOURS

NOT ALL BOSSES ARE INTIMIDATING Charles Dickens Museum“My work experience placement gave me a good taste of work I’m interested in and allowed me to further my professional networks. It also showed me that not all bosses are intimidating figures. I can add this experience to my CV and may want to work at a museum again in the future.” — RICHARD LEWIS, ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS BA HONOURS

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STRENGTHSHouse of Commons“I got the opportunity to work for a prestigious institution and witness first-hand parliamentary workers in action. The placement enabled me to develop my skills in time management, writing reports, decoding information and attention to detail. I gained a good understanding of my abilities and where I can develop further.” — SAHMSUR RAHMAN, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT BA HONOURS

GAINING INSIGHTS Islington Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS)“I chose to undertake a placement year as I wanted to gain more clinical experience to help me with my future career in clinical psychology. My duties included providing support to a multi-disciplinary team of psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Undertaking a placement was extremely insightful. With the help of my colleagues at ICAMHS I was able to confirm that I wanted to work within the field of clinical psychology which will benefit me greatly when applying for assistant psychologist roles after graduation.” — ANJALI BAKRANIA, PSYCHOLOGY BSc HONOURS

GET AHEAD OF THE GAMEKainos Digital Technology“Kainos provided me with great on-board training and gave me the opportunity to work on various different projects. Clients included the Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Land Registry.The placement year was great for me as I learnt many skills and worked with many different people. I recommend doing a placement year to anyone who wants to get ahead of the game when it comes to job applications – it’s also a great opportunity to use existing and learn new skills.” — HARESH VEKRIYA, MULTIMEDIA COMPUTING BSc HONOURS

ACTIVE PARTICIPATIONBentley Motors“This experience opened up many opportunities for the future and raised my skills to a level which would not have been possible otherwise. I had the opportunity to actively participate in training events and plan for product launches.” — ACHILLE PIANA, INTERNATIONAL MARKETING BA HONOURS

PERFECT PLATFORM FOR NETWORKING Tuckers Solicitors, Joseph Hill Solicitors, Garcha & Co Solicitors “Work experience placements exposed me to various legal routes and consolidated my decision to become a barrister. Employability events at the University provided me with a perfect platform to network with potential employers and consequently gain work experience. I obtained one of my mini-pupillages through an informal conversation I had with one of the barristers at a networking event.” — MERCY MILGO, LAW LLB HONOURS

AND THE PRIZE GOES TO... | #HELLOWESTMINSTER 29 28 #HELLOWESTMINSTER | AND THE PRIZE GOES TO...

undergraduate British Computer

Society (BCS) open competition for Animation and Game Development. Joshua impressed judges with his final year project Shadow Asylum 2.

Several graduates from Westminster courses were also named runners-

up in the same

competition, giving

students the opportunity

to highlight their talent in software development. A number of the Computer Games Development BSc Honours students who graduated last summer have already secured jobs with related companies including AppBoxMedia and Sini Software.

FASHION

Dominic Huckbody wins the 2017 #DRAWFASHION illustration prize Dominic Huckbody, a second-year student on the Fashion Design BA Honours course was announced as the winner of the 2017 #DRAWFASHION illustration prize. Organised by the London College of Fashion, #DRAWFASHION 2017 showcased the work of some of the UK’s brightest and best up-and-coming talent in fashion illustration. Now in their third year, the Awards, sponsored by

Cass Art, celebrate the deeply analytical and emotive skills of drawing and fashion illustration through a nationwide competition. As well as winning

£1,000, Dominic’s winning fashion illustration was part of an exhibition in the heart of London’s

Carnaby Street displayed in September to coincide

with London Fashion Week.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Evelina Stasyte awarded The One To Watch prize for D&AD New Blood Festival

Graphic Communication Design BA Honours graduate Evelina Sara Stasyte recently won the One to Watch award during the D&AD New Blood Festival. D&AD is a well-known association inspiring creative thinkers and celebrating the finest in design and advertising. Eve was invited to the D&AD New Blood Academy, a two-week creative bootcamp that catapults young creatives into the industry. Speaking about the award, Evelina said: “It is a very profound moment when you win something as big and the only thing you’re aware of is the people who supported you throughout your creative process.”

A ARCHITECTURE

Architecture and Building Surveying students scoop prestigious prizes

Westminster students earned recognition after winning a number of prestigious national prizes over the last year. Interior Architecture BA Honours students were particularly successful, Nabil Benelabed beat 450 students across the UK to win the Best Model 2017 prize at the Interior Educators’ Show, while student Alycia Ivory was shortlisted for the Best Student Award 2017. The Architects for Health Student Design Awards honoured Pamela Jankowska for the Best Project and the Best Drawing Overall in the London Award, while Christina Matay was successfully chosen as runner up for the Best Project award. If this wasn’t enough, Daniel Anon, Building Surveying BSc Honours graduate was named the 2017 LABC Trainee of the Year. Well done all!

LAW

Dami Adegunsoye awarded the prestigious Stephen Lawrence Scholarship It’s the third time in four years that a University of Westminster student has successfully been selected for this unique scholarship. First-year LLB Honours student Dami Adegunsoye was selected by global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. The scheme

aims to address the disproportionate under-representation of black men from less privileged backgrounds in large commercial law firms.Dami commented: “This scheme provides a great opportunity for people from an ethnic minority background to experience what is possible, while providing a stepping stone to making that experience a reality.”

The scholarship will play a pivotal role in the development of Dami’s legal career, providing £3,500 towards course- and study-related costs, interview coaching and career guidance, mentoring, and a route to interview for a training contract at the City law firm.

Shaheen Mamun shortlisted as Junior Lawyer of the Year

Shaheen Mamun, who graduated from the M-Law (Integrated Masters in Law), was shortlisted as Junior Lawyer of the Year Award 2016 at The Law Society Excellence Awards. Speaking of his fantastic achievement, Shaheen said that his experience at Westminster played a key part in his success.

“I owe a substantial amount of gratitude to the University of Westminster, where they not only

challenged my academic ability to the level I am at now, but also greatly assisted in my professional development… I enjoyed every single minute of my time at the University, especially in the seminars, and met many good friends who I’m still in touch with.”

GAME DEVELOPMENT

Joshua Masih wins national competition

Joshua Masih, a recent graduate from the Computer Games Development BSc Honours, won the

AND THE PRIZE GOES TO...WE SHINE THE SPOTLIGHT ON SOME OF OUR AWARD-WINNING GRADUATES

OUR GRADUATES | #HELLOWESTMINSTER 31 30 #HELLOWESTMINSTER | OUR GRADUATES

JACK HARTPOLITICS BA HONOURS AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND POLITICS MRes, CLASS OF 2011

Since leaving Westminster, Ben has worked on high-profile policing issues, as an advisor to politicians and a broadcast spokesman for a pressure group. He is now Head of Strategy and Engagement in the Office of the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner.

REBEKAH JONESLAW LLB HONOURS,CLASS OF 2013

Rebekah graduated from Law and after undertaking several work placement opportunities while at Westminster secured her role as trainee solicitor at the BBC. Rebekah has worked as part of the factual and daytime TV legal team and BBC Worldwide.

BEN JENNINGSILLUSTRATION BA HONOURS, CLASS OF 2012

PETER PADUHCOMPUTER SCIENCE BSc HONOURS, CLASS OF 2002

Peter had a fierce desire to succeed having launched his first business, a web-hosting company, while studying at Westminster. After graduating, Peter launched several successful businesses and eventually established SocialBox.biz, a social enterprise, in 2015. Peter was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017.

“When you’re a student and you’re looking at people who do what you want to do for a living you hold them in such high regard. Some of the tutors I’d heard of and liked their work – that was partially the reason for choosing Westminster.”

‘What It Takes’ seriesLucy returned to the University in November 2017 as part of the ‘What It Takes’ series, which features the career paths of successful Westminster graduates. The series of talks is free to all Westminster students and graduates. Previous speakers have included BBC’s The Apprentice personality Margaret Mountford discussing ‘What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur’.

“When I left the University, I didn’t just leave with a degree. I left with two additional languages and four years of work experience which really set me up for graduate life. The University’s willingness to allow this was what really attracted me to the course.”

LUCY EARL MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS BA HONOURS, CLASS OF 2016

Entrepreneur Lucy Earl, who graduated from the Marketing Communications BA Honours in July 2016, has gone on to have huge success with her English language tutorial YouTube channel, English with Lucy. Lucy started her channel in January 2016, while completing her final year at the University. The channel has now reached over 850,000 subscribers (and continues to grow rapidly!) and has given Lucy opportunities to expand her audience and her YouTube business around the world.

OUR GRADUATESSEE WHAT SOME OF OUR WESTMINSTER GRADUATES ARE UP TO NOW

Since graduating from the Illustration BA Honours, Ben Jennings has become an award-winning editorial cartoonist with his work featuring regularly in The Guardian and a variety of other publications. His caricatures of everyone from Trump, Boris Johnson and Theresa May to Putin and Kim Jong-un have appeared around the world. Ben recently won Political Cartoon of The Year 2017.

OUR GRADUATES | #HELLOWESTMINSTER 33 32 #HELLOWESTMINSTER | OUR GRADUATES

ASIF KAPADIAFILM, VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS BA HONOURS, CLASS OF 1994

Asif Kapadia has directed multiple award-winning films including The Sheep Thief, The Warrior (which won the BAFTA for Best British Film) and Senna which won the World Cinema Audience Award Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival 2011. His Oscar-winning Amy Winehouse documentary, Amy, recorded the biggest opening weekend for a British documentary in both the UK and US.

Since graduating Amir Amor has celebrated two No.1 singles and two No.1 albums with his band Rudimental.

DAME VIVIENNE WESTWOOD JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING,CLASS OF 1957–58

As one of the most influential fashion designers in the world today, Dame Vivienne Westwood has become admired for her thought-provoking and groundbreaking fashion.

The first stages of the legendary fashion designer’s career began at the University of Westminster. At the age of 17, Dame Vivienne relocated to London with her family and in 1957 began studying a jewellery and silversmithy course at the Harrow School of Art, which has since become a part of the University.

Models walk the runway during the Vivienne Westwood show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2017.

Julian Metcalfe is the man behind Pret and Itsu. Having studied Urban Estate Management at Westminster, Julian teamed up with his university friend Sinclair Beecham to re-launch Pret a Manger, radically changing what shoppers expected of a lunchtime baguette and turning it into the hugely successful, international brand Pret.

In 1997, Julian founded his next enterprise, Itsu. On top of this, he has also created Metcalfe’s Food Company, whose “skinny” popcorn has become the bestselling popcorn in the UK. He was awarded an OBE for services to the hospitality industry in 2014.

AMIR AMOR – RUDIMENTALCOMMERCIAL MUSIC BA HONOURS, CLASS OF 2013

NME has named Amir one of the ‘20 hottest producers in music’.

Graduation doesn’t mean goodbye! Westminster graduates automatically become members of our 180,000-strong global alumni community in over 180 countries. Our Alumni Team are here to help you stay in touch. For three years after graduating, Westminster alumni receive continued careers support and resources, along with access to exclusive careers and networking events.

JULIAN METCALFE, OBEURBAN ESTATE MANAGEMENT BSc HONOURS, CLASS OF 1983

34 #HELLOWESTMINSTER | LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

A TASTE OF STUDENT LIFE

STUDENTA Turner

READY TO SAY #HELLOWESTMINSTER?

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