Mark Grattan

How did you hear about the School of Education and why did you choose to study here?

I first became aware of the University of Leeds School of Education after completing my BA (Hons) in Education at another institution. I was searching for a Russell Group university, and as I live in Leeds, it stood out for its strong focus on research, social justice, pedagogy, practice and policy. Its excellent performance in university rankings made it an obvious choice for my postgraduate study.

Tell us about your course – why did you choose it? What elements of the course inspired you to study here?

I chose the MA Education programme for its emphasis on critical thinking and research. One of the key factors in my decision was the opportunity to explore issues of social justice in education, central to my academic journey. I was also interested in digital education, and the wide range of optional modules allowed me to pursue both practical application and theoretical ideas.

What was the best part of your studies – what did you enjoy the most?

The best part of my studies was independent study, which involved reading literature from the digital library in my own time. This enabled me to explore ideas aligning with my own research interests. The dissertation process was eye-opening and allowed me to research deeper into the intersection of music education, artificial intelligence, and social justice, drawing on the work of Nancy Fraser and other key theorists. My supervisors and peers were also incredibly inspiring.

What were your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you’ve gained here have helped you in your career plans? In what way?

As a music industry professional with 35 years of experience, I have always been passionate about education and music. My goal was to deepen my knowledge, potentially leading to a career in higher education. The MA Education programme contributed by furthering my critical thinking and research skills, enabling me to prepare for my next step: pursuing a PhD at the University of Leeds.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the School of Education that you can tell us about?

After achieving a First Class Honours at my previous university, I earned a distinction in my MA Education, with my dissertation receiving high praise. My strong academic performance across the taught modules demonstrated my commitment to education and research. These achievements were important when securing my place for PhD study.

What was your experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the city of Leeds, and the Yorkshire region?

As a mature student, I found the facilities at the University of Leeds to be excellent, with the online library system offering an extensive range of digital resources that were invaluable for my assignments. My peers came from diverse backgrounds, and their perspectives were fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Having lived in Leeds for the past 25 years, I am, of course, biased, but Leeds provides the perfect learning environment. The city has a vibrant music scene as well as the stunning Yorkshire countryside, and I would not want to live anywhere else.

Are there any experiences outside of your studies that you have particularly enjoyed?

Well, I am quite well known in the electronic music scene, so my experiences have been as eventful as ever with gigs all over the world. During my studies, I travelled to many countries, but I always enjoyed returning to Leeds and spending time with my new Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Tempo. He has become my rock, especially after my previous dog, Cody, passed away a few years ago during my studies.

Would you recommend the School of Education to others who are considering studying here?

Of course, I would. The School of Education at the University of Leeds is outstanding. I particularly appreciate their strong focus on research. If you are looking to deepen your understanding of education, explore social justice, or pursue further research, the University of Leeds offers all this. My time here has been incredible. So much so, I am now accepted as a PhD candidate. I would highly recommend it to anyone considering postgraduate study in education.