Life and Health Sciences: Devon-Louise Gilliland
Course: Paramedic Science
How does it feel to receive the Dean's list certificate for the second year?
I have worked really hard over the past two years, so I was pleased to see that it all paid off!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I'm lucky to have such a supportive husband and children who are always rooting for me and encouraging me to give this course my all.
What do you love most about Paramedic Science?
I find the course genuinely interesting and am surrounded my like-minded people who also want to be paramedics. It's a nice atmosphere to be in.
What do you love most about studying on the Derry ~ Londonderry campus?
I like that everything is close by the university, like shops, bars and restaurants. I also like being outdoors and there's lots of nice walks and cycle routes around here.
Do you have any studying tips for other students?
Commit to a revision timetable from day one. When you get into a routine of it, it makes the course less overwhelming.
Who is your UU support network?
I have brilliant lecturers and classmates who I know are always there if I need help or encouragement.
For anyone thinking about applying for Paramedic Science, what advice would you give?
Have a good understanding of the role of a paramedic and make sure that this is the right course for you. It's not easy, so your heart needs to be in it to do well.
UU Business School: Shannon Mussen
Course: Marketing
How does it feel to receive the Dean’s list certificate?
To receive the Dean’s list certificate in my first year of studying within Ulster University Belfast has been amazing and an achievement that has encouraged me to stay motivated throughout the rest of my studies. It has also helped me recognize my strengths within my course and appreciate the value of my own work, giving me confidence and satisfaction in my university progress so far.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my classmates Katie & Grace for their collaboration and support during group work tasks. A special thanks to my Course Director, Donna, and my First Year Tutor, Ricky, for not only being outstanding first-year lecturers but also for making learning enjoyable. Lastly, I’m incredibly grateful to my family for their help as my personal proof-readers before I submitted any assignments.
What do you love most about Marketing?
What I love most about Marketing is that I get the best of both worlds in relation to business and creativity. Marketing is the perfect mixture of both, so not every lesson is a dull one!
What do you love most about studying on the Belfast campus?
I love studying on the Belfast UU campus as it is so central to everything you would need and that it feels like a main hub for all students.
Do you have any studying tips for other students?
The only study tip I would have is to make notes whether you are in coursework modules or not, making notes after each class saves you in the long run.
Who is your UU support network?
My UU support network would have to be my two friends who I have met on the course. They make university enjoyable, and I am grateful to have met them.
For anyone thinking about applying for Marketing, what advice would you give?
My advice would be to take full advantage of the resources and opportunities that the university provides, as they can be beneficial in the long run. Staying curious by keeping up to date with latest trends and social media from the get-go is extremely helpful and most importantly, enjoy the course!
Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment: Josh Wilson
Course: Information Technologies
How does it feel to receive the Dean’s list certificate?
Achieving a spot on the Dean’s List is an incredible feeling, it’s rewarding to see hard work recognised after a year of dedication and effort. Beyond the honour itself, it served as a motivating milestone, giving me a short-term goal to focus on while working toward my final-year grades. Knowing that my efforts were paying off helped me stay on track and reinforced my commitment to academic success.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I’d like to thank my family for always being there to help me stay on track with my studies. There are moments when motivation is hard to find, whether it’s tackling an assignment or getting through revision, and having their support made all the difference. I highly recommend having someone, whether it’s a friend or family member, who can offer encouragement when you need it most. Also, the support of the lecturers is greatly appreciated.
What do you love most about Information Technologies?
One of the best things about my course is its versatility. It strikes a great balance between coding and theory, making it ideal for those who aren’t ready to commit to a single area within the industry. This flexibility took a lot of pressure off me during my time at Ulster, if I didn’t enjoy a particular module, I knew it simply wasn’t the right career path for me, rather than doubting my entire choice of study. It’s a great way to explore different aspects of the field while keeping future options open.
What do you love most about studying on the Derry~Londonderry campus?
One of the things I love most about studying on campus is the variety of spaces available to focus and get work done in peace. Whether it's a quiet corner in the library or a designated study area, there’s always somewhere to settle in and concentrate without distractions. Plus, the campus has great facilities, like lab computers, which are essential for tasks that can't be done at home. The new teaching block is another highlight. It's a modern, well-designed building with fantastic resources, including a state-of-the-art library. It’s exciting to see that the campus is continually being developed with more cutting-edge facilities, making it an even better place to study.
Do you have any studying tips for other students?
One of the best tips I can give for maximising your grade potential is to stay on top of your work. Starting assignments early gives you plenty of time to refine them and get valuable feedback from your lecturers. This not only helps improve the quality of your work but also saves you from the stress of last-minute rushes when deadlines unexpectedly sneak up on you. Another important tip is to make the most of your first year. Even though your first-year grades might not count towards your degree’s grade, it’s the perfect opportunity to settle in and adjust to university life. If you’re doing a sandwich course like I am, where you have a mandatory placement year, your first-year grades will be the only grades employers will see for most of the year you’re applying. So, putting in the effort early puts you in a strong position as you head into second year and start applying for placements.
Who is your UU support network?
It’s always reassuring to know that help is available when you need it. It's comforting to feel that you're not on your own, especially during tough times around deadlines. For instance, my course director, Mairin, has been incredibly helpful whenever I’ve had questions or concerns. She’s always there to guide you. The lecturers at UU also go above and beyond, they're quick to respond to emails and make an effort to check in with students during lab sessions. They’re always ensuring that everyone has the support they need.
For anyone thinking about applying for Information Technologies, what advice would you give?
If you enjoy doing a bit of everything when it comes to computing, then Information Technologies is a fantastic course to consider. The lecturers are knowledgeable and really supportive, making the learning experience much more engaging. This course also opens up a wide range of career paths, giving you flexibility in your future. Plus, if you enjoy collaborative work, there are often modules that involve group projects, allowing you to work closely with others.
