While location was a factor in choosing Waterford, the quality of the English and Theatre Studies lecturing team affirmed for mature student Catherine she had made the right decision
Catherine Bradley from Waterford started on the three-year Arts degree at WIT in 2019, as a mature student.
I wanted to study this course at WIT because:
As a mature student based in Waterford, I am juggling work and family commitments along with my study so enrolling in the BA Arts degree at WIT was the obvious choice for me. Having spent so long out of full-time education, I was aware that the landscape had changed completely, especially from a technological aspect and was anxious that this may be an issue for me so I felt that the smaller class sizes would benefit me and that has certainly proven to be the case. At the start of first year, you get the opportunity to talk to the lecturers about the various subjects available and having picked mine, I feel I have been privileged to meet some of the most dedicated educators and lecturers in the English and Theatre Studies course who go above and beyond for us students. What might have been an overwhelming and intimidating experience has turned into one of the best decisions of my life. If you have even the slightest interest in English or Theatre Studies, I cannot recommend this course highly enough.
The highlights of my college experience include:
Making friends with like-minded people, journeying with them whilst experiencing the highs and lows of college life (most especially through Covid). As a mature student, I have learned so much from my younger peers, likewise, I have been able to share my life skills with them so it has been a very positive experience. Engaging with different voices and alternative viewpoints to my own has provided many enriching moments. Likewise, having the opportunity to participate in interesting workshops and seminars and meeting and listening to various writers, actors, poets and scholars who are passionate about their topics was an energising experience. As a mature student, successfully taking on academic challenges with the help and support of the outstanding lecturers has taught me not to place restrictions on myself and has given me confidence for the future.
My advice to prospective students:
It may seem obvious but I would strongly recommend you to look at the modules that you will be taking, on the website, this applies to all applicants not just the mature students. If you are going to commit to a three-year degree course, it is important to try to get an understanding of what you may be covering. Do not leave it as a surprise for when you arrive in September for your first lecture. There will always be modules that interest you more than others but I would urge you to be open to learning, the old saying you only get back what you put in rings true here. For example, in school, studying Shakespeare left me bored and unengaged. Approaching his work through the module ‘Shakespeare: Drama and Film’ opened up an exciting and contemporary way of understanding for me as a result of the lecturer’s passion and innovation in delivering the content. Use your first year to concentrate on getting your essay structures correct. Sign up for all the student resources available to you in this regard. Sign up for extracurriculars such as English and Theatre Studies Day. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to interact with students and lecturers socially. Just remember that however nervous you feel, you are not alone, you can be sure everyone else shares that feeling; you will surprise yourself.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
