Postgrad Post Issue 6

1-2 3-8

In this issue

Postgrad Profile on ...

Nikki Crowley and Ellis Naylor

Study, Support, Succeed

Keeping you in the loop with all things Student Wellbeing Services, Careers and Employability and Library and Learning Services

Bath Spa University @BathSpaUni bathspauni bathspastudentlife 9-10 11

Why MA Scriptwriting?

MA Scriptwriting student Alice Hervin talks scriptwriting, opportunities and projects

Ask an Alum Catching up with Lee Sites

EDITOR

Shannon Barrett-Clayton

DESIGNER

Helen Bollen Georgia Powell

Say hello!

We are delighted to welcome you to the sixth edition of the Postgrad Post. Inside you’ll find a wonderful profile on two of your fellow postgraduate students, an article about MA Scriptwriting and finally an update from one of our Alum!

If you would like to be featured in the next edition of the Postgrad Post then please email us at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk. Maybe one of our regular features appeals to you or you might have an original idea for an article. We are always happy to listen!

POSTGRAD PROFILE ON ...

Every issue, we’ll bring you an interview with a postgraduate student or member of staff who is making a positive impact on the postgrad community. In this edition we talk to Nikki Crowley an MA Sound Design student and Ellis Naylor a History PHD Student.

Nikki Crowley

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Nikki Crowley

WHAT DO YOU STUDY?

MA Sound Design

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Bristol

IF YOU WERE EXPLAINING YOUR COURSE TO A CHILD, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

I am currently researching how sound design (sound effects for film/games/TV) can better show how a neurodiverse person (someone with ADHD, autism or similar) hears and therefore feels about every day activities such as taking the bus - or professional work in sound - such as DJing. As there is proof neurodiverse people experience sound differently to neurotypicals, I will see how we (as sound designers) can better represent this.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE?

Understanding my own experience as a neurodiverse sound designer and being able to improve both my practice and experience as a sound designer for film, games and theatre.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST HURDLE YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME AS A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT?

Having ADHD and managing this, and balancing professional work and the degree as I am busy in the industry as a touring musician and sound designer.

HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON ANYTHING EXCITING?

My research, in December I did sound for a pantomime and I have recently done sound for an animation and short film. I am working on building a synth controlled by the body in Max MSP and other projects for uni and professionally.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANY OF YOUR WORK WITH US?

My portfolio and sound reel can be found at: www.nikkicrowley.com

FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOU PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

To continue my work as a musician and delve further into the world of Sound Design for films and games and installations (including for festivals - combining my worlds). I also plan to finish building a synth controlled by the body and a game or experience to help people better understand sound experiences of neurodiverse inviduals, to help inform our work in sound and audio and other organistions who use sound in their work (eg those that use sound for announcements and warnings etc).

Ellis Naylor

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Ellis Naylor

WHAT DO YOU STUDY?

History PhD

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Bath IF YOU WERE EXPLAINING YOUR COURSE TO A CHILD, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

Studying history is learning about the stories of people who have lived before we have! In my research, I am investigating a woman’s life through her diaries- like a detective! Hopefully this will help me understand what she was like as a person, how she felt, what she enjoyed doing, the places she visited, the people she was friends with and also why she was passionate about helping improve the lives of women. It will help offer another way we view the lives of women from history.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE/ RESEARCH?

I love the fact that studying history transports you to another time, place and someone else’s story- whether that’s through a written source or an object etc. It is a subject that teaches and allows me to critically evaluate and understand who we are today. There are also so many people who are passionate about their subjects within the discipline of history and I love connecting with others about why they love their research too. In terms of my personal research, I enjoy being able to uncover the voices of women from history who have yet remained unheard! One of my favourite projects was for my MA when I uncovered the women’s suffrage movement in Bath- an area of history not at all associated with the city we know today.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST HURDLE YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME AS A POSTGRADUATE STUDENT?

If I’m being completely honest, it’s more the practicality of doing a PhD as a part- time student working full-time. Having the time and finances. It’s a huge commitment but I think it’s ok to say actually it is a huge sacrifice in terms of your time and money! But at the same time, such a wonderful investment and I feel privileged that I am able to do this. Sometimes it can feel a bit lonely, you’re in your own head a lot too which can bring on imposter syndrome but a conversation with someone also in the same boat is worth so much and so encouraging.

HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON ANYTHING EXCITING?

I’m currently working on the PhD itself so not a lot of time for anything else! I have plans for a talk on some research I started in my MA later on this year in Bath at the BRLSI and I’m also trying to grow my Instagram page where I blog about my love of history and books! I’d love to get involved in more networking and take part in events so will aim to do more of this in 2024.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANY OF YOUR WORK WITH US?

My blog: @historian_ellis

FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOU PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

To finish this PhD! But looking ahead, I’d love to be able to teach and also write and publish a book (or books?!) one day.

STUDY•SUPPORT•SUCCEED

Welcome to ‘Study, Support, Succeed’, the section of the Postgrad Post that keeps you in the loop with all things Student Wellbeing Services, Careers and Employability, and the Library and Learning Services.

STUDY

LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES

The Library is here to support you throughout your postgraduate journey and can offer advice and guidance with finding and using resources and academic texts for your course, and supporting you in your studies.

During term time the Library is open 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week with friendly Library staff always on hand to support you. We have over 300 study seats, including spaces to work quietly on your own, and group areas for working with friends and peers. You can find out more about the Library and its service online via the website.

YOUR SUBJECT LIBRARIANS INTER-LIBRARY LOANS

If you need help with research during your studies, your Subject Librarian is a great person to speak with. The Library’s print and online resources are quite extensive, so your Subject Librarian can help you to navigate what resources we have available and what additional resources might benefit you with your research.

You can book one-to-one meetings, either online or in-person, with your Subject Librarian. They also deliver in-class group sessions in collaboration with your lecturers. If you would like to contact them or book an online appointment, you will find their details on the Library’s subject pages.

While the Library holds a lot of resources, on occasion you might need a book or journal article that we don’t have in stock. If that’s the case you can request the item through our Inter-library Loans service. If you’ve not used the service before, watch this short video on how to make a request.

If you have any questions about the service, or how to make a request, feel free to visit us in the Library at Newton Park, or email internp@bathspa.ac.uk

ACADEMIC SKILLS TEAM INFORMATION

The University’s Academic Skills (ASk) team is available to support you with your study skills. Their one-to-one appointments and workshops are a great way to improve written assignments; create presentations; learn statistics tools for research data, and more. Support is available to all students, at all levels, and can be useful if you are returning to academic writing after a break or want to polish up your existing skills. Book a workshop or appointment via the links on our webpage. You can also ask questions by emailing the ASk team at academicskills@bathspa.ac.uk

STUDY•SUPPORT•SUCCEED SUPPORT

Student Wellbeing Services understand how important it is to look after yourself, alongside your academic studies. Here’s how we can help you and enable you to thrive during your time at the University.

• Cost of Living

• Support to Study

• Medical Service

• Mental Health

• Wellbeing

• The Chaplaincy

• Young Adult Carers

• Care Leavers

• Estranged Students

• Accessibility and Disability

• Events, workshops, short courses and more

If you wish to access Student Wellbeing Services you can book appointments, ask queries and view upcoming events online. You can also find more information on each of the above here

MYWELLBEING

MyWellbeing is your platform to log queries, book appointments, register for events and find out about all available services in one place.

If you have any questions about mental health, wellbeing or disability, we can provide professional advice and guidance to help you make the most of your studies and university life through MyWellbeing

STUDENT WELLBEING HELPLINE

The Student Wellbeing Helpline is staffed by counsellors and is there to make it as easy as possible for students to get the right advice when you need it the most. The helpline is available to all students for immediate support and advice on a wide range of topics including depression, anxiety, finances, wellbeing, bereavement, relationship difficulties, stress or anything else which may be impacting on your wellbeing.

Simply call the Helpline at any time and a professional practitioner will be there. During your call you will be able to speak about how you are feeling, explore options for further support, including internal BSU services. Students can also download the Wisdom App, where you can video call, use live chat or ask for a callback. The app has loads of features you can explore, including a wellness tracker, tips and techniques to help manage your mental health, and stay resilient during tough times.

How to access the Student Wellbeing Helpline

• UK Freephone: 0800 0283766

• Download the Wisdom app in your app store with this code: MHA173635

BATH SPA’S CARE DOGS

Did you know you can book to meet one of our Bath Spa Care Dogs? Meeting one of the dogs can be a big help if you’re having a particularly stressful day, or if you feel like you just need a cuddle from a four-legged friend.

These accredited Care Dogs have adopted members of Bath Spa University staff and when they are able, come to campus to hang out with students. You can book a range of slots to meet the Care Dogs including drop ins, wellbeing walks and at many SWS events. To see when the next Care Dog event is taking place, visit MyWellbeing.

STUDY•SUPPORT•SUCCEED

RESOURCES THAT AREN’T MERELY ACADEMIC SUCCEED

THE GRAD SUPPORT UNIT IS HERE TO HELP!

We wanted to remind you that you can continue to receive dedicated support long after you graduate through the Grad Support Unit in the Careers and Employability team.

If you sign up for graduate support, you get:

EXTRA FUNDING FOR YOU DURING YOUR STUDIES

GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE WITH A MENTOR

Some of the best have been mentored by the best. Mark Zuckerberg was mentored by Steve Jobs, Yves Saint-Laurent was mentored by Christian Dior, and J.J. Abrams was mentored by Steven Spielberg.

• One-to-one career coaching appointments to help you with your future plans

• Exclusive careers events and graduate webinars

• Tailored resources and help guides

• Graduate jobs and opportunities

• Freelance and enterprise support and start-up grants through Bath Sparks

• Access to graduate internships

Signing up takes a few seconds and can be accessed here.

You may be eligible for a grant and bursary funding from charitable trusts and foundations to support your postgraduate study, whether you’re undertaking a PhD, PGCE, PGT, PGR…or another exciting acronym. This is often an unexplored avenue that The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding can help take you through!

The guide provides relevant advice and a searchable database of charitable trusts and foundations where you can check eligibility criteria and apply for funding.

Whatever you do, don’t discount yourself based on the amount of time remaining on your course, as generally speaking applications for funding can be made at any time and can be very helpful for quick fundraising.

Access to all of this advice is currently available for free for Bath Spa students using an @bathspa.ac.uk email address.

…Whilst the Careers team don’t have Spielberg on the books, through the mentoring scheme, MentorMe, they do have hundreds of industry professionals from all sectors who are ready to help convert your aspirations into practical steps towards the world of work.

In order to get in touch with one of the mentors and form a vital professional relationship, simply head over to the MentorMe Pathway on MyCareer to apply.

FIND YOUR NEXT JOB ON MYCAREER

There’s so much opportunity in the world, but where to begin to look? The University’s very own MyCareer website lists thousands of jobs every year, spanning graduate schemes, local vacancies, internships and freelance briefs.

You can target your search based on area preferences, industry interests, and by how much you want to be seeing on your payslip. Occasionally, there are even opportunities that only Bath Spa students can see and apply to, meaning that you’ll have a head start on getting gainful employment.

If you’re a researcher who’s looking to continue and develop your academic career, we highly recommend Vitae as a very useful resource that provides advice and guidance on pursuing that route. Vitae hosts a database of career story case studies and provides an insight into what researchers do to support your career management.

Following on from that, Jobs.ac.uk is an international higher education recruitment website for those wishing to work in academia. Their PhD Careers Advice section includes useful career development tools as well as practical advice on applying for academic opportunities, such as how to give a great sample lecture during an interview.

WHY MA SCRIPTWRITING?

Alice Hervin

After finishing my undergraduate degree in English Literature and Creative writing at UOG, I felt that my educational journey wasn’t finished. During my undergraduate years, I mostly wrote short stories, in which I acquired the skills of concise storytelling. However, I wanted to explore a different writing medium, so I decided to do research into a range of writing courses when I came across MA Scriptwriting at Bath Spa University.

Since moving back home, studying somewhere more local was more suited, and the course modules covered areas I wanted to learn, so I submitted a script I was working on along with my application.

Scriptwriting, opportunities, and projects

Through attending weekly lectures, I’ve been enhancing my current writing skills by learning specific scriptwriting methods (scene descriptions, treatments, pitch portfolios, etc.). Workshopping my writing during these lessons has also been a major part of my writing development, often inspiring my imagination and providing feedback to improve a scene or a character.

I have enjoyed and benefited from making the most of the University’s resources throughout this course. Whether that’s delving into the library for books on my subject area or attending events with industry professionals and guest speakers.

Scriptlab, a monthly event, is an opportunity to bring along scripts and meet other creatives, including actors and directors. Meeting other creatives who share my passions is both inspiring to write and a chance to network.

As part of one of my modules, I wrote and made a short film, which included the help of an actor I’d met through attending Scriptlab. This person was an integral part of the success of the film.

I had the unforgettable experience of being a Script Supervisor on another project. Being part of the crew and contributing to a writer and director bringing their script off the page into a produced short film was a rewarding experience and one I am eager to do again.

Now in my second year as a part-time student, my portfolio is not only a collection of scripts but also a produced piece and collaboration project. This course has led me on a transformational journey of self-discovery and knowledge for industry preparation.

Do you have any amazing achievements? Be sure to let us know and feature in the next Postgrad Post by emailing studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk

ASK AN ALUM

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Lee Sites

WHAT YEAR DID YOU GRADUATE?

December, 2023

WHAT COURSE DID YOU STUDY AT BATH SPA?

Heritage Management MA

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE?

The fact that it included traveling to other heritage sites to get examples of different practices rather than just sitting in a classroom.

WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING/ WORKING ON?

I am working as a Collection Inventory Manager at the Southeastern Ohio History Center in Athens Ohio on a massive collections inventory project.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS?

Be sure to enjoy your time there, so often I feel like I didn’t savor the little moments in my college experience.

FINALLY, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER ARE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE GRADUATING?

Definitely getting a good job in my field in this market so quickly. I was very worried that I wouldn’t.

A massive thank you to all our contributors for this issue of the Postgrad Post.

We hope you’ve found it a fun read and that you’ll stick around for the next issue.

Want to give us some feedback?

We’d love to know what you thought about the Postgrad Post and if you would like to be featured in the next issue, either in one of the current features or maybe you have an idea for a new one, then drop us a line at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk

Would you like to include your short story, poem, or any other creative work in the next issue? Let us know, we’d be happy to consider your work!