ABBY STANILAND

Landscape Architecture - BA (Hons)

Initially unsure about university, Abby discovered her passion for Landscape Architecture  at BCU and made the switch just before starting. A decision which led Abby to secure a job at Fira Landscape Architects through a work placement arranged by BCU.

"I struggled with the concept of university, I wasn't sure if it was going to be the correct choice of time and money, so I wanted to do lots of research. I think a lot of people get pushed with the 'wave' of going to university right after college. It's a huge decision that you have complete control over, it's okay to take your time deciding.

I chose to do a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design after my A Levels, I knew if I took a gap year I would struggle to get back within education if I did want to go to university. This also gave me extra time to consider my plan of action (which inevitably has completely changed). I knew I was passionate about design and initially applied for Interior Architecture & Design. I visited a few universities and BCU felt the most approachable and familiar - it also introduced me to BA Landscape Architecture. I switched to this course the day before university started as something about it, just felt right.

I felt welcomed as soon as I joined BCU, my tutors are passionate about the course and are genuinely excited by student work - I look forward to sharing ideas no matter how silly they might be as I know they will be welcomed.

BCU has been great helping me find connections. For a collaborative design module we were able to work not only with other courses but with real clients too. I was fortunate enough to work with a local collaborative group, which I now attend creative sessions with monthly as a source of inspiration and drive for my work.

As part of one of our modules the University arranged a 2 week work experience placement at Fira Landscape Architects. I was lucky enough to be offered a permanent position as a Landscape Assistant before starting my third year of my degree. I think the career development process for creative subjects is so different to any other job, it has been really valuable to learn from creative professionals how to develop our portfolio and CV to showcase our best abilities.

One of my main goals of university was to create work I am proud of, and also get a permanent job position. Which I am happy to say I've done both before completing third year. I would definitely like to involve myself in more competitions to get my work showcased. I am consistently inspired by my tutors and peers to keep pushing myself creatively, so my goals are always changing for the best.

I was nervous about feeling like the 'odd-one-out' given I wouldn't be living on campus and would be commuting from home. I have made some amazing friends on my course so I have got the best of both worlds - experiencing the social aspects of university whilst living at home.

I like being a student at BCU because it feels comfortable. It feels, in my opinion, what a university in Birmingham should feel like which is approachable and inclusive. You pave your own path, and I like that BCU helps you reach as high as possible.

To anyone considering BA Landscape Architecture, I would say if you are looking for a degree - it's a fantastic course that will teach you about Art, Science, Geography and Psychology. It helps develop your outlook on the world's potential. If you are looking for a career - Landscape Architecture is great if you want to make a genuine difference to the world we live in and how you could impact a person, or community by creating meaningful outdoor space."