Matthew Powell-Howard

“Before commencing on the BSc in Safety and Environmental Management at The University of Hull I felt that the likelihood of my being able to achieve a degree would be remote due to having a fulltime job and a young family.  However I was sure that I wanted to change my circumstances from working shifts as a control room operator, to a fulltime role in health, safety and environmental management.

Having already completed the NEBOSH Certificate and numerous trade union courses I felt that I was reasonably well prepared for the degree course – big mistake!  Initially I found the course really challenging especially after being out of education for such a long time, but eventually it all started to come together thanks to the excellent teaching staff, the teaching material provided on the course and the camaraderie of my fellow students.

Since starting the degree my career has changed immeasurably, and I have gained not only a great deal of new knowledge and confidence but also some really good friends and colleagues.  My advice to anybody who is considering embarking on the Safety and Environmental Management degree would be to go for it, you’ll not regret it.”

“Although intense and extremely hard work, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience at UoH; I wish I'd have done it earlier.  The use of lecturers/specialists from industry is the only way to cover the breadth of the syllabus properly. Hull exceeded this, and the access to the wealth of knowledge was fantastic for me as a student; the tutors were without exception extremely supportive.

I also have to mention my fellow students. Before I started I hadn't even considered that they would be so important. The experience brought in to the classes was also a critically important part of the whole learning process.

I left looking at the world very differently, and feeling confident to question and not just to take things at face value; the analytical approach learned is critical in my profession.

Although relieved to have graduated, I was also sorry to have finished. However, I made some extremely good friends and contacts so still have access to that wealth of knowledge.

The University facilities, resources and the support from the department staff was second to none.  I started the course feeling out of my depth, finished feeling ready for almost anything; but having a clear understanding that there is still such a lot to learn.

 Thanks to the lecturers, staff and my fellow students.