Joshua Reid

Landscape Architecture - BA (Hons)

BCU wasn’t Joshua’s first choice but an inspiring Open Day left him impressed with the Landscape Architecture team. Studying at BCU has allowed Joshua to flourish, pursue his passions and build resilience to enter the working world

“I initially applied to BCU and put it as my insurance choice on my UCAS application. After being accepted by my first choice, I knew something didn’t feel right and I had a change of heart. I realised that I’d made a mistake by not choosing BCU.

I thought back to how I felt when I visited an Open Day and how natural it felt being there. During the Open Day, I spoke to the course director for Landscape Architecture, who went out of his way to assist me with my application and recognised my enthusiasm and dedication to the subject.

Thanks to that interaction and the positive vibes I got from BCU, I instantly felt comfortable. The university felt modern and inspiring. I knew it was the right choice to reject my first-choice university and apply to BCU through Clearing.

I chose Landscape Architecture because I'm passionate about making a positive impact on the world through innovative and practical design solutions, fostering a stronger connection between the public realm and the natural environment, and addressing the critical issue of climate change. Since my first year, the Landscape Architecture lectures here have been exceptional, and I feel like my knowledge and input are appreciated by my lecturers.

One of the best experiences I've had so far on my course has been the collaboration between different disciplines within the School of Arts, Design and Media. It's been remarkable to see how different fields can come together and create something truly amazing. It's inspiring to work with people who have different perspectives and skills, people that I wouldn’t have met in other circumstances, including my partner!

BCU also helped me in a way I didn’t expect. I came to university without a dyslexia diagnosis and the Student Support Team were able to help me through the process and get me diagnosed for free. Finding out I have dyslexia and other learning difficulties has meant I can get the help I need. I’ve been able to have extra time in my exams and assignments which has really helped. Thanks to the university, I’ve never felt overwhelmed or swamped with work. University will always be challenging but the extra support gave me the tools to cope with it. 

Studying at BCU, as with studying at any university, has had highs and lows but I wouldn’t change any of it. My studies have helped me to gain the resilience to take on whatever challenges the world throws my way and the strength to step into the professional world. Now, I’m getting ready to graduate and I have already been offered a job with a major company in my industry, which feels amazing.

To me, ‘I AM BCU’ means being an underdog. BCU has taught me that the things you might feel hold you back, can actually bring you your biggest successes."

Joshua Reid

Landscape Architecture - BA

After feeling welcomed and inspired at an Open Day, Joshua knew BCU was the place for him. He rejected his first-choice university to apply to BCU and found it’s the best decision he’s ever made.

“I initially applied to BCU and put it as my insurance choice on my UCAS application. After being accepted by my first choice, I knew something didn’t feel right and I had a change of heart. I realised that I’d made a mistake by not choosing BCU.

I thought back to how I felt when I visited an Open Day at BCU and how natural it felt being there. I wasn’t expecting to like it, as it felt too close to home for me and I was convinced that I wanted to move far away. To my surprise, I instantly felt comfortable, the university felt modern and inspiring.

It was difficult rejecting my first-choice university, knowing that it would be safer to stick with it instead of going through Clearing. I knew I had to pursue the option that felt the most meaningful and authentic to me. Looking back, I am glad I made that decision and have never once regretted applying to BCU through Clearing.

Although I was confused and worried, the simplicity of the process and the friendliness of the staff helped me realise I’d made the right choice immediately. I managed to speak to the course director who actually remembered me from the Open Day! He offered me a place on the course and answered all of my questions. I was excited to get started.

BCU also helped me in a way I didn’t expect. I came to university without a dyslexia diagnosis and the Student Support Team was able to help me through the process and get me diagnosed for free. Finding out I have dyslexia and other learning difficulties has meant I can get the help I need. I’ve been able to have extra time in my exams and on my assignments which has really helped. Thanks to the university, I’ve never felt overwhelmed or swamped with work. University will always be challenging but the extra support gave me the tools to cope with it. 

One of the best experiences I've had so far at university has been the collaboration between different disciplines within the School of Arts, Design and Media. It's been remarkable to see how different fields can come together and create something truly amazing. It's inspiring to work with people who have different perspectives and skills, people that I wouldn’t have met in other circumstances, including my partner!

Studying at BCU, as with studying at any university, has had highs and lows but I wouldn’t change any of it. I’m stronger and a better person because of my time at BCU. Now, I’m getting ready to graduate and I have already been offered a job with a major company in my industry, which feels amazing. I know going through Clearing was the best decision I ever made. I made it here and I succeeded!”