Suzanne McGarva

Where are you from?

Dumfries, Scotland

Are you currently in employment? What is it that you do?

Yes; Qualitative Information Manager in NHS Dumfries & Galloway, Directorate of Public Health

Why did you decide to study a Masters'?

I wanted the academic grounding of public health to appreciate the complexity better and the varied and outstanding work that is done in the field.

Why are you studying part-time?

I have two small children and I work so to enable me to fit everything in studying part time allowed this to happen.  It is hard work juggling but is very much worth it!

Why Northumbria Univeristy?

I have always liked the North East since studying for my undergraduate degree at Teesside.  The course was perfect allowing the academia of Public Health to marry the practicalities of working within Public Health in an NHS setting.

How would you sum up the difference betwen Undergraduate and Postgraduate study? 

More flexibility to pursue your own research interests

What impressed you most about our academic staff?

They are friendly, knowledgeable and eager to promote individual interest

How accessible do you find our staff? Do you feel at ease?

Absolutely

As a postgraduate, part-time student, what aspects of university life are important to you?

Access to lecturers and library staff

If you are currently working, is there the opportunity to apply what you're learning in your current workplace?

Yes I have shared my learning with colleagues and hope my dissertation may contirbute to the research base.

What is your advice to prospective students for your course?

Go for it!  Its a great course and can open many doors