View the full course entry on our website : www . qmu . ac . uk / Public-Relations-and-Marketing-Communications
Alistair Lowe : Public Relations , Marketing and Events *
Why did you choose the course and what was it that attracted you to QMU ?
I chose this course because it was the only one of its kind in Scotland . I knew that I definitely wanted to study Marketing but had the desire to further explore the PR and events side of business , this was the only course on offer in the country that provided me with this opportunity . Choosing this course was simply a no-brainer . I was attracted to QMU as I admired the modern setting and size of its campus , and after my first visit , I immediately knew QMU was the place for me .
Why did you choose to study in Edinburgh / Scotland ?
I chose to study in Scotland primarily because of how low cost it is compared with studying elsewhere in the UK . Furthermore , I chose Edinburgh as it has always been a familiar and welcoming environment to myself having lived over the bridge in Fife for the past 13 years . I ’ ve always considered Edinburgh to be an exciting and innovative city bursting with opportunities for everyone . I really enjoy everything the city has to offer from nightlife to sightseeing . Alongside this , I feel safe and at home in Edinburgh .
Where did you live whilst studying ? If you were living in halls what was the best part ?
I spent my first two years of studying at QMU living within the student residences located on campus . After spending my first year on campus , it felt sensible to come back for a second year . The residences are located right next to the academic building so there ’ s no commuting costs and early wake-ups ! Alongside this , travelling to the city centre only takes six minutes by train . It takes me less time to get into Princes Street than all of my friends who live in the city centre .
How easy have you found it to make friends / connections at QMU and settle into university life ?
So easy ! QMU ’ s small size means it is so easy to make new friends and relationships . Alongside course friends and flatmates , I have made connections with various lecturers and staff within the university whilst helping out / contributing to activities such as open days and the production of new promotional material .
What do you like most about Edinburgh ?
I love Edinburgh because of everything it has to offer . You ’ re never far away from anything you need and there ’ s always something new to discover . As well as enjoying Edinburgh as a city , living here opens up connections to many other areas of Scotland , and beyond , that are exciting to visit . I ’ ve had various days out in areas such as Berwick , Glasgow and Livingston as a result of Edinburgh ’ s great transport links .
What was the best experience you had in Edinburgh ? Are there any hidden ‘ gems ’ you ’ d like to share ?
I ’ ve not really got one best experience from living in Edinburgh , the whole package is amazing ! I love the nightlife here , and there are so many interesting and unique places to visit . I ’ ve had such a great time so far in Edinburgh from various press events at my part time job at the Playhouse to days out at activity venues such as Fountain Park .
Did you attend an Open Day ? If so , was there any aspect of the University that made up your mind for you ?
I did . For me , this day was so important as to deciding where I wanted to study for the next four years . As soon as I arrived on campus , I knew this was the place for me . I admired the small and modern campus setting and really couldn ’ t imagine myself studying elsewhere . I am so happy I decided to study at QMU .
What was the most interesting part of the course , in terms of something you learned or a particular activity ?
The most interesting part of the course so far has been the ‘ Media Campaigning ’ module in semester one of second year . The module required us to produce a PR campaign for a live client . I worked for ‘ STEKA Skills ’, a charity based in Malawi that the University has a working relationship with . It was so useful to put academic theory and learning into practice and produce real life results . Compared with just sitting in a classroom and taking lecture notes , this module gave us a glimpse of what a real PR / communications role actually involves .
What has been the most challenging area ?
Coming straight from school , the most challenging part of the work so far has been stepping up to the academic level necessary for university success . It was quite a transition , but thanks to the size of QMU , I was able to receive one-toone support from my lecturers who were able to guide me in the right direction . Alongside this , the Effective Learning Service in the library offers drop-in support sessions for academic skills and essay writing , such a help in first year !
Any advice for students who might be interested in this course ?
Go for it ! It was the best decision I have ever made and I ’ m sure it will be yours too ! The course covers a wide span of business activities and gives you a real insight into the career you will be entering after graduation . The lecturers are so supportive and keep learning fun and interesting .
68