Harriet Cox

What made you choose the University of Birmingham, and how did it stand out to you during your decision-making process?

I chose the University of Birmingham because, after spending several years working in my field, I reached a point where I wanted to progress into more senior roles. While I had built up a lot of practical experience, I felt there were gaps in my knowledge that I wanted to address to become a more rounded professional.

What really stood out about my course was the balance between academic theory and real-world application. The opportunity to work on live client projects meant I could immediately put what I was learning into practice.

The University of Birmingham’s strong reputation was also a major factor in my decision. It’s well respected by employers, and I knew that studying there would not only help me develop professionally but also give me credibility as I took the next step in my career.

What has been the highlight of being at Birmingham so far? 

One of the biggest highlights of my time at the University of Birmingham was the unique structure of the course. It was unlike anything I had come across before, combining academic theory with real-world application in a way that felt both relevant and engaging.

What I particularly valued was the balance of the course content. We covered the fundamental principles of marketing and strategy, the core concepts that stand the test of time, while also exploring emerging areas such as digital marketing, the metaverse, and AI. It felt like we were building a strong foundation while also gaining insight into where the industry is heading.

The teaching style was another standout aspect. The modules were a mix of lectures and practical sessions so learning was interactive. This made it much easier to apply concepts and develop skills that could be used in real-world situations.

Most importantly, the lecturers were incredibly passionate about their subjects. Their enthusiasm was infectious and created an environment where you genuinely wanted to learn, ask questions, and challenge yourself. That passion made a real difference to my overall experience and was one of the things I enjoyed most about studying at Birmingham.

What made University of Birmingham the right place for your course?

The University’s reputation with employers was really valuable to me as someone who chose postgraduate study to support my career development.

Not only did the course align with my professional goals, but the wide range of extracurricular opportunities made Birmingham the right fit for me.

From certificates and masterclasses to competitions and trips, there were so many opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom. It really felt like the University was invested in more than just helping students achieve a degree, it was focused on helping us develop as well-rounded individuals.

These experiences allowed me to build new skills, broaden my perspectives, and gain experiences that I may not have encountered otherwise. For me, that’s what makes the University of Birmingham stand out, it supports both your academic and personal growth.

What is your student experience like?

My experience of student life at Birmingham was slightly different to the traditional student experience, as I was a home student and balancing work alongside my studies. Despite not being involved in the typical university life, I still felt very much part of the university community in my own way.

Even though I wasn’t living on campus or participating in the full range of student social activities, I never felt disconnected. The support from lecturers, friends, the Careers Network, and the wider university services made it easy to stay engaged and feel included.

I know I have gained some life long friends by being a part of UoB.

How has Birmingham helped you throughout your studies?

One of the things that really stood out to me was the dedication of the lecturers and how genuinely committed they were to helping students succeed. No question ever felt too small or silly to ask, and that created an environment where I felt comfortable engaging, learning, and developing my thinking.

I also really valued the guest lectures and industry sessions that were organised for us. They brought in real-world insights and practical perspectives that helped bring the course to life and made the learning feel relevant and current.

I felt like there was a real effort to connect academic learning with the realities of the industry, which made the whole experience feel special.