Trinh Thi My Ngoc

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

I first learned about the School of Education through online research while exploring top-ranked UK universities for pursuing a Master’s degree in Education. What captured my interest was its strong reputation for academic excellence, the vibrant international student community, and its commitment to addressing real-world educational issues, particularly in areas such as climate change, digital innovation, and inclusive education. These focus areas strongly align with my own interests in the modern educational landscape.

As for why I chose to study here, honestly, it feels more like the University of Leeds chose me first. By awarding me the International Excellence Scholarship, the university showed faith in my potential and invested in my future. With such recognition and support, how could I possibly choose anywhere else? If given the opportunity to pursue another degree, I would choose Leeds again without hesitation. It holds a very special place in my heart and always will.

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

My decision to pursue the MA Education program at the University of Leeds was shaped by several key factors.

Primarily, I was drawn to the program’s highly personalized structure, which enables me to customize my studies to align closely with my specific interests. The flexibility to select from various distinct core research strands not only facilitates in-depth specialization aligned with my academic and career objectives but also promotes the growth of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary knowledge base. This foundation is essential for addressing complex educational challenges from various perspectives in the future.

Another key factor is its strong focus on blending practical skills with theoretical knowledge. This hands-on approach gives me the chance to apply what I learn directly in real-world educational contexts, offering meaningful insights into how theory is translated into practice and effectively narrowing the gap between academic learning and professional experience.

Lastly, the opportunity to learn from top leading experts played a vital role in my decision. I’m inspired by being in a dynamic environment surrounded by passionate and talented individuals. Knowing I’ll be guided by some of the best minds in the field gives me confidence that I’ll gain cutting-edge knowledge and skills, which well prepares me for the fast-paced, competitive landscape of the education sector.

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

The most memorable part of my studies was definitely the chance to complete a school placement at a secondary school in Leeds. I particularly enjoyed this experience because it enabled me to achieve several valuable objectives at once. First, it provided a valuable opportunity to see how the theoretical knowledge I had gained was put into practice in real-life educational settings effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice. Second, it offered me the chance to closely observe how teachers in the UK engage with students firsthand, allowing me to identify and adopt effective practices to enhance my own teaching in the future.

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?

My long-term aspiration is to contribute to build equitable, technology-enhanced education systems, particularly in under-resourced regions such as my hometown, Vietnam. Studying at Leeds has enhanced my critical thinking, research abilities, problem-solving, and independent thinking. More importantly, it has broadened my understanding of how digital technologies like AI can foster learner autonomy and enhance the overall student learning experience. These experiences have shaped my decision to pursue a PhD in Educational Technology, where I hope to advance research that connects digital innovation with inclusive and contextually relevant educational approaches in developing regions, ultimately empowering learners from all backgrounds to achieve their fullest potential.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the School of Education that you can tell us about?
Well, I wouldn't call these “noteworthy achievements” - that phrase feels a bit too grand for me. Instead, they are a few moments that truly made me proud.

To begin with, I've consistently earned distinction marks across all my modules throughout my studies. One particularly joyful moment was achieving an excellent score of 91/100 in the "Creativity and Play for Learning" module, a result that genuinely made me happy.

Beyond academics, there were moments that felt truly special due to the trust placed in me. One of the first was when my program leader nominated me to become a Link to Leeds ambassador for the university (Thank you, Syafiq!). This trust was further reinforced when the university selected me as a School Representative for the School of Education, where I had the opportunity to represent student voices in regular discussions with faculty. I was also deeply honoured when my programme leader invited me to share my journey as part of the student and alumni series featured on the university website, a recognition that meant a lot to me. Syafiq, thank for giving me this opportunity. It allowed me to leave a part of my journey woven into the fabric of the university, just as Leeds will always have a special place in my heart. It is really a pleasant surprise that I have never expected.

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

My experience with the university’s facilities has been inspiring and enriching. Beyond the four spacious libraries, which provide ideal spaces for effective study, I was especially impressed by the HELIX hub, where I had my first virtual reality (VR) experience exploring climate change. This immersive session helped me visualize environmental impacts far beyond what textbooks can offer, deepening my understanding of sustainability. The university’s modern lecture theatres and collaborative spaces, equipped with advanced AV technology, have also greatly enhanced my engagement. Overall, these exceptional facilities have significantly supported both my academic growth and personal development.

The teaching staff in my program have consistently been outstanding, supportive, inspiring, and dedicated. With well-structured and thoughtfully designed lectures, along with timely support outside of class, they played a crucial role in helping me quickly adapt to the demanding academic environment and enhance my learning, enabling me to achieve distinction in all modules. Simply put, I am proud to be one of their students.

My friends are truly incredible, and I am truly fortunate to have met them and to share this journey together. Each one possesses unique qualities that I deeply admire. They are not only talented but also but also kind and compassionate. I will always treasure the moments we spent hanging out, attending classes together, and collaborating on schoolwork. Their influence has been so profound that I've developed a deep affection for their home countries and the cultures they represent. Through these friendships, I have learned to appreciate and respect different cultures, which has helped me grow both personally and culturally.

Leeds is an energetic and vibrant city that I’ve grown to deeply appreciate. It strikes a wonderful balance between contemporary urban living and historic charm. From bustling shopping streets and a wide range of restaurants to a lively nightlife scene, Leeds offers endless opportunities to explore and enjoy. The city is also rich in culture, with its many theatres, museums, and galleries adding to its creative and inclusive vibe. Personally, I feel that Leeds suits my lifestyle perfectly.

The stunning Yorkshire region surrounding Leeds is a haven of natural beauty. From the rolling hills and tranquil valleys of the Yorkshire Dales to the striking coastline of the Moors, the area is ideal for outdoor adventures such as hiking, cycling, and exploring picturesque villages. One of the things that left a lasting impression on me was the warmth and friendliness of the local people. Many strangers kindly offered help when I was new to the area, something I’ll always remember with gratitude. My time in Yorkshire has provided me with a rich and memorable experience of both British nature and culture.

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

Outside of my formal studies, I enjoy continuing to study, but in my own way.

Being a bookworm, the university's extensive library collection is a true treasure trove. Therefore, after completing my required coursework, I like to explore one of the four large libraries on campus, losing myself in the fantasy worlds found within the wide variety of literature there. This offers a refreshing escape from the intense focus on my main subject. When I want to broaden my knowledge in different areas, I turn to books related to those interests. Reading is a wonderful way to connect with the ideas of influential thinkers I haven’t had the chance to meet in person.

Honestly, during my time at Leeds, I’ve probably spent more time at the university than anywhere else.

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

Why not? Since I started studying here, I’ve often shared my experiences with friends, and it has even inspired some of them to apply for different programs at the University of Leeds. Whenever someone asks me for my opinion about the university, I always wholeheartedly recommend studying here. If not Leeds, then honestly, any university would be just as good. Leeds really does set the bar high.