My name is Ruth Mensah. I’m 24 and have just finished studying BA (Hons) English and Theatre Studies with the School of Arts & Creative Industries.

I have always loved performance, theatre and literature and wanted to find a course that encompassed all of my passions. I work part time in a secondary school and will be starting my Drama Teacher Training in September, so studying Theatre and English at the University has been a massive benefit towards my career.

I didn’t apply via UCAS. Instead I researched the course I wanted to study and applied directly to the University via Clearing as I already had my A Level results and certificates. It was the closest university to my house and job, plus it offered my ideal course! It was a really simple process and the Clearing operators were really helpful.

On the day I contacted the admissions team, I felt apprehensive but excited! I knew that it would be a challenge working alongside my course, but I was ready to embrace it.

Yes absolutely! The process was so much easier than applying through UCAS and as I was a little bit older and knew exactly the course I was looking for, it was a no-brainer!

Stay on top of your emails. Lots of the communication will come through email so make sure you are checking it regularly!

Firstly, give everything a go and keep an open mind! The module leaders are really diverse so there are lots of opportunities to do things you have never tried before. It may not make sense at first but trust the process – you won't regret it!

Secondly, don't be afraid to ask questions – everyone is really supportive and more than happy to point you in the right direction.