Rachel Noronha

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background? 

I come from a beautiful and culturally diverse country, India. I completed my bachelors in Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology.  

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds? 

The pragmatic nature of the curriculum at the University of Leeds, as it combines academic theories with realistic solutions. The course modules offered in this program align excellently with my career goals.  

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study? 

I have learned how to market to a wider audience and have gained a greater understanding of researching, planning, and producing exhibitions because of working with museums both physically and electronically. A museum today, in my opinion, is much more than just a repository for ancient works of art; it is a dynamic and ongoing record of who we are. 

What aspects of the course do you enjoy the most?   

Working on a digital exhibition as part of a module that focused on interpretation, which enabled me to work collaboratively with other students to facilitate a digital exhibition. Although the digital nature of this assignment presents many challenges to think and work through, it is also exciting. Planning, research, and preparation for the marketing component are all ongoing tasks for us. Every day I learn something new, and I am having fun doing it. 

Have you worked closely with a particular tutor or member or the University’s academic staff? Tell us about that experience.  

The one-on-one mentorship sessions that this course provides are among its most unique features. Dr Robert Knifton, who is also the Programme Leader for my course, was assigned to me. As someone from a different background, I found it extremely easy to talk to Dr Knifton about all my concerns and fears during our one-on-one mentoring sessions. We also talked about the optional module for the upcoming semester, the topics for each module that I am working on, and my future ambitions. When I mentioned that I was looking for a part-time job during our session, he recommended me a few sources that I found to be helpful. 

What do you plan to do when you have finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you have developed so far at Leeds will help with these plans? 

 After earning my master's degree, I aim to work as a curator for museums, organising exhibits to advance cultural understanding. I intend to eventually work as a Museum Director and use the skills I have acquired to create a space where people can engage with their culture. I have only been in this course for one semester, but I already feel like I've gotten a lot out of it. The comments I got from School staff always complemented a development that I noticed in myself. I'm currently working on an exhibition that will enhance my portfolio, and I'm also learning how to collaborate with others, which is providing me with a new set of skils to overcome challenges. Through conducting research on a particular subject, I have been able to look at it through an entirely new angle. 

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course? 

If you want to gain practical experience while also honing in on your research skills, I believe this is the course for you, just as it was for me. I am really adoring the course, and I consider it to be one of the best choices I have ever made. Your peers will greatly enhance your experience, as they come from a variety of backgrounds. You'll develop and learn in many different ways.