BA (Honours) Business Accounting and Finance: Student Profile
Chris Welsh
Stage 2
Home City: Durham
Placement Location: Newcastle
Why did you chose this degree?
I chose to study BAF (our name for Business Accounting and Finance!) at Newcastle University because the course offers the chance to combine commercial practice with classroom theory, within a well supported and tight-knit environment. Newcastle University is a well respected centre of research with a global reputation and combined with a well respected company in PwC the course offers outstanding opportunities of a fast track into a promising future in the finance world. Also the city of Newcastle offers the chance of a lively vibrant city life that can only add to the unique student way of life.
What mechanisms are in place to help support your studies?
BAF has a wide range of support available as all first year students are assigned to development teams with 4 other students which can offer a great first point of contact for any academic problems. Also students are assigned a personal tutor to meet with every term and discuss any problems either personal or work related
Did you enjoy stage 1?
Stage 1 provides everyone, regardless of their previously studied subjects with the chance to bring their knowledge of the key aspects of BAF up to speed. It provides a solid grounding for development in the latter stages of the programme and as it is taught alongside other business school degrees it really gives you a year living the “student life.” There is a lot of support provided along the way so despite the changes in lifestyle such as moving away from home and a new way of learning you always feel like there is someone to turn to for support.
There are many opportunities for students to get involved with the programme. There are chance to be Open Day Reps where you will help promote university life to prospective students. The Social Reps are responsible for organising all social activities that span over the four years of BAF and you are given chances to represent your development team at regular meetings to feedback on areas of strength and weakness with regards to the programme. Having performed several of these roles I can say they are rewarding and you input is always valued and clearly appreciated.
Are you looking forward to your first placement?
As I approach my first placement I am very excited to see what the financial working world is like and I am keen to experience its many challenges. I will be situated in the Newcastle office and I know I will be welcomed and supported as part of a great team. From discussions with older students and graduates I get the feeling that placement provides every student with the chance to put into practise the studies they have undertaken and will make all the hard work worth while.
