Tom Kemp
- Country:
- Wales
- Course:
- BSc Physical Geography
After several open days and visiting Swansea, I knew that Swansea was the place and University for me. The Geography Department staff were so enthusiastic and the course had such flexibility and travel opportunities, it really appealed to me.
I was also lucky enough to gain work experience with the Geography Department at the University after winning the Morgan Academy Challenge at the Urdd Eisteddfod in 2019. This gave me a taste of university life as well as a chance to develop new skills ready for starting uni in September.
Whilst deciding on which uni to pick, studying through the medium of Welsh played an important part of my decision making process because of the benefits of smaller classes which means having a better relationship with the lecturers, and so makes asking questions and discussing content much easier. Socially, smaller class sizes also makes it easier to make new contacts.
The support available to Welsh speaking students at Swansea University has been fantastic, for instance there's the Hywel Teifi Academy and Colec Cymraeg Cenedlaethol Scholarships and I can see that my performance is better in the Welsh medium modules compared to the English medium modules. Also, I've been on work experience with Academi Hywel Teifi on SPIN and through this I've developed my employability skills which will be valuable after I graduate.
Studying through the medium of Welsh has offered me some really special opportunities whilst studying at Swansea University, from working as a presenter on S4C and on Radio Cymru 2, to being part of the first group of university students to write the Urdd's Message of Peace and Good Will, and of course, the nights out in town with the Welsh Society. I've really made some unforgettable memories!
My advice to prospective students considering Swansea University would be GO FOR IT!